Pasadena’s First Youth-Led Climate Action Forum

Climate strike (Photo – Jasmin Sessler)

Pasadena’s first youth-led Climate Action Forum will be held February 4, 2020, at Robinson Recreation Center. Mayoral candidates will participate in the forum from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, and City Council candidates will participate from 7:00 to 8:00 pm.

By Kate Parklett

Prior to the forum, local environmental groups will have tables to share how concerned voters can get involved in their organizations.

Ozzy Simpson, a senior at Sequoyah School and co-organizer of the Pasadena Climate Action Forum, said:

Pasadena is in a unique position to be a leader on the climate crisis, and cities like ours have a responsibility to lead during a period of federal inaction. Local, systemic change—such as enhanced public transportation systems, cleaner and renewable energy, and energy-efficient buildings—is required.

Pasadena Climate Action Forum

The Forum’s moderating panel will be composed entirely of people under the age of 35, highlighting the fact that young people have the most at stake in addressing the climate crisis. Pasadena’s youth vote is expected to surge in the March 3 elections, given mobilizing issues like the climate crisis and the fact that Pasadena’s elections share the same ballot as higher-turnout statewide and primary elections.

The Pasadena Climate Action Forum builds on the September 20 and December 6 climate strikes by students at Pasadena City Hall. At the December 6 climate strike, three city council candidates and one mayoral candidate signed the Green New Deal pledge, committing themselves to the legislation on a federal and local level as well as not accepting donations of over $200 from the fossil fuel industry.

The Pasadena Climate Action Forum is organized by an intergenerational coalition of local organizations concerned about the climate crisis, including the newly formed Sequoyah hub of the Sunrise Movement, Pasadena Environmental Advocates, Day One, Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition, and more.

Youth Moderators

• Ozzy Simpson, 12th grade, Sequoyah School
• Selina Yang, 12th grade, Sequoyah School
• Felisha Davis, 12th grade, John Muir High School
• Edgar McGregor, sophomore at Pasadena City College

Participating Candidates

• Terry Tornek, Mayor of Pasadena and mayoral candidate
• Victor Gordo, Councilmember and mayoral candidate
• Jason Hardin, mayoral candidate
• Major Williams, mayoral candidate
• Kevin Litwin, City Council candidate for District 2
• Tricia Keane, City Council candidate for District 2
• Felicia Williams, City Council candidate for District 2
• Charlotte Bland, City Council candidate for District 4
• Ryan Bell,  City Council candidate for District 6
• Tamerlin Godley, City Council candidate for District 6
• Steve Madison, Councilmember and City Council candidate for District 6

Date/Time
02/04/2020
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location
Robinson Park & Recreation Center