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Driving Climate Action Across California and Beyond

At the forefront of addressing climate change, FoundationCCC’s Center for Climate Futures is advancing solutions that benefit local communities and the broader global environment. The Center for Climate Futures plays an important role in driving equitable and sustainable practices that align with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Vision 2030, which emphasizes sustainability, equity, and workforce readiness and reinforces the state’s commitment to a better future.

“Both the national and state administrations have an ambitious climate agenda that includes decarbonization, electrification, grid resilience, and more. Community colleges must be at the core of this large-scale transformation in a multifaceted way.” — Dr. Sonya Christian, Chancellor, California Community Colleges

At the 2024 C3Converge summit on community colleges and climate, Jeffrey Clary, Senior Director of the Center for Climate Futures, highlighted the importance of adaptation and mitigation in combating climate change. He also emphasized the unique position of community colleges as catalysts for meaningful change, bridging education and practical solutions to address the global climate crisis.

The four areas of emphasis guiding these efforts are:

1. Sustainable Facilities and Operations

California community college campuses are transforming their operations to model best practices in sustainability for communities by implementing projects that reduce carbon emissions. Key initiatives include:

  • Promotion of low-carbon transportation alternatives.
  • Facilities upgrades to lower energy demand and enhance efficiency.
  • Robust waste reduction and recycling programs.
  • Sustainable purchasing policies that prioritize environmentally friendly options.

2. Workforce Development for Climate-Ready Careers

By offering specialized training and education, workforce initiatives equip students with the skills to thrive in a low-carbon economy. These initiatives address the state’s climate needs while also providing pathways to high-quality in-demand jobs. Programs focus on:

  • Forest and fire management to protect California’s natural resources.
  • Decarbonization strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Implementation of renewable energy systems.
  • Climate-wise farming techniques to sustain agriculture amid climate challenges.
  • Zero-emission vehicle creation and maintenance to support the transition to sustainable transportation.

3. Colleges as Assets to Communities

Colleges statewide leverage deep connections with their communities, ensuring they bridge gaps in climate resources and foster resilience in underserved areas. Examples of this work include:

  • Acting as a hub for disaster response efforts.
  • Expanding equitable access to climate-related programs and resources.
  • Conducting outreach to communities with historically limited access to sustainability initiatives. 

4. Resource Development for Climate Action

Securing funding and institutional support is critical to scaling climate initiatives. Through collaborations with the Chancellor’s Office, college foundations, and external partners, FoundationCCC is building a robust financial base for climate work. This includes:

  • Attracting philanthropic investments to drive innovation.
  • Leveraging state funding to sustain key projects.
  • Pursuing federal initiatives that emphasize equity and community benefits.

These efforts showcase FoundationCCC’s commitment to integrating sustainability into every aspect of our mission and set the standard to drive meaningful change. Together, with the Chancellor’s Office Vision 2030 as a guiding framework, we are empowering students, supporting communities, and advancing a sustainable future for all Californians.

Learn more about our work in climate action >

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