Youth-Led Climate Action: SCORCH and AYCC Celebrate Earth Day 2025

Youth-Led Climate Action: SCORCH and AYCC Celebrate Earth Day 2025

In celebration of Earth Day 2025, SCORCH partnered with the Arizona Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) to host a dynamic workshop spotlighting the power of youth-led climate solutions. The April 28^th event brought together University of Arizona (UA) faculty, students, and staff, alongside national and regional leaders, including a representative from the U.S. Green Building Council, the Southern Arizona Director for Senator Ruben Gallego, and a respected Tohono O’odham elder and environmental leader.

The workshop featured two remarkable youth activists, Ojas Sanghi and Owen Brosanders, who shared their work in leading the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) toward adopting the nation's most comprehensive school climate action resolution. Developed by students aged 13 to 20, the resolution sets bold, measurable goals: halving emissions by 2030, achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, implementing a comprehensive K–12 climate curriculum, transitioning to 100% clean energy by 2035, adopting electric buses by 2040, and enacting strategies for heat preparedness and water sustainability. Fifteen days after the celebratory workshop, AYCC achieved a significant milestone when the TUSD board voted 4-1 to allocate approximately $250,000 for hiring a consultant group to develop a detailed climate action plan over the next 18 months. This follows an earlier groundbreaking decision last October in which the board narrowly adopted the climate resolution in a 3-2 vote, marking it as one of the most innovative and comprehensive climate strategies nationwide for a district serving ~ 42,000 students.

This event exceeded that of an informative presentation; it was an engaging dialogue that emphasized the importance of intergenerational collaboration and meaningful community engagement. Youth activists Ojas Sanghi and Owen Brosanders shared surprising insights into their experiences, highlighting their initial surprise when their cold-calling efforts yielded supportive responses from community members and national organizations. They also emphasized the importance of utilizing internal networks to connect with other motivated youth, underscoring the strength found in peer-to-peer collaboration. Youth activists openly shared their motivations and described the challenges they faced in their work. Attendees both praised AYCC’s efforts and inspired them by sharing encouragement drawn from their own past experiences. This interaction highlighted SCORCH’s core mission: developing responsive, resilient systems capable of adapting to climate impacts by connecting academic research with practical implementation through collaboration with community organizations. By showcasing real-world examples of youth leadership and resilience, the event not only celebrated Earth Day but also advanced community empowerment, illustrating the importance of mutual support and shared wisdom in effectively addressing climate challenges.

The urgency of the climate crisis demands bold ideas and inclusive action. This workshop highlighted how youth serve as key actors in solutions while also, in many cases, leading the way. As climate challenges grow more complex, events like this reflect SCORCH’s commitment to promoting systems that adapt to environmental stressors and connect communities with the tools they need to thrive. 

Earth Day 2025, as those in prior years, offered more than a moment to reflect; it was a call to celebrate and elevate grassroots leadership, building relationships that make resilience possible.