The Future of U.S. Climate Action is Local

Local-level climate action serves as an important safeguard of environmental progress. In 2021, 130 American cities signed a U.N. pledge to accelerate decarbonization. And voters are consistently approving state-level climate adaptation projects. 

California continues to be an international leader in fighting climate change. Due to its large population and powerful economy, California’s climate and pollution policies often motivate high-polluting industries to change their practices—both in California and nationwide.

California’s laws tend to be more environmentally-conscious than federal standards, and California’s measures are often adopted by other U.S. states—strengthening climate action nationwide. For example, when California required all new vehicles sold in the state to be zero-emissions by 2035, sixteen other states and the District of Columbia followed suit.

Local organizations also play an important role in championing environmental policy and sustainable development. This, too, is exemplified in California—particularly in Los Angeles. 

In the Port of Los Angeles community of Wilmington, Communities for a Better Environment (CBE) raises awareness about the proliferation of oil and gas drilling and refineries in Los Angeles City Council District 15—which includes Wilmington, San Pedro, Watts, Harbor Gateway, and Harbor City. Over the past few years, CBE’s activism has brought widespread attention to this long overlooked environmental health crisis. As a result, in 2022 the Los Angeles City Council voted to phase out oil drilling in the city.

As California continues to move towards a zero-emissions future, local organizations are also at the forefront of preparing residents—particularly those from historically disadvantaged communities—to take advantage of the opportunities created by a sustainable economy.

In an article in the LA Sentinel, Brandon Salaam-Bailey of the Watts-based nonprofit THINKWATTS explained how local nonprofits and educational institutes are collaborating to create workforce preparedness programs.

“El Camino College, Compton College, and LA Trade Tech are developing critical workforce training programs in hydrogen and fuel cell technology…these programs will prepare residents for family-sustaining careers as pipefitters, electricians, and plumbers—jobs that don’t require a college degree but offer competitive salaries and upward economic mobility,” he wrote.

Similarly, AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles has partnered with Santa Monica City College to create an education-to-career pathway program designed to equip students for well-paid careers in sustainable aquaculture.

AltaSea is also making rapid progress towards establishing a sustainable blue economy hub in San Pedro. The organization’s newly opened Center For Innovation houses tenant business and researchers working in the sustainable ocean economy—including regenerative aquaculture and renewable energy. 

The widespread impact of California’s environmental policies and the success of Los Angeles’ grassroots organizations prove that some of the most powerful, consistent climate action happens at the state and city level—proving that the future of U.S. climate action is local.