Our Letter of Support for CA SCR 53: Declaration of Climate Emergency
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June 9, 2022
Assembly Member Luz M. Rivas
Chair of the Natural Resources Committee
1020 N St #164
Sacramento, CA 95814
PLEASE SUPPORT SCR 53 (McGuire): Declaration of Climate Emergency
Dear Assembly Member Rivas,
I am a California resident and co-founder of UndauntedK12, a national non-profit with a mission to support K-12 schools to equitably transition to zero carbon emissions while preparing our youth to build a sustainable future in a rapidly changing climate. We are writing today to voice our strong support for SCR 53, which would officially declare that a climate emergency threatens our state.
This resolution, researched and written by youth activists, sends a strong message that the time to act on climate change is now. Passing SCR 53 would not only assure young Californians that their calls to climate action have not fallen on deaf ears, it would also pave the way for legislators to move swiftly in alignment with the state’s climate goals.
The physical and mental health impacts of the climate crisis on students are well documented. Students are understandably anxious not only about the frequent and devastating climate disasters happening now, but also about the future possibility of an unlivable planet. We already see the effects of the climate crisis – when wildfires cause learning disruptions and when extreme heat worsens the effects of heat islands making school environments inhospitable and potentially unsafe. Our children’s future depends on schools that are healthy, equitable, climate resilient, and climate-friendly.
Over 60 municipalities in California have passed climate emergency declarations. Multiple school boards in your district passed climate action resolutions calling for effective action on climate. “Climate Emergency” does not appear in any CA statute and it’s time we declare that we are in a climate emergency. Please support SCR 53 in the Natural Resources Committee.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Klein
Co-founder, UndauntedK12
Background: SCR 53 Campaign Page
Bill Text: SCR: 53
Organizations (and Individuals) must submit an official position letter through the CA Legislature Letter Portal for consideration during the committee hearing.
Use these great directions to submit a letter via the portal.
Sample: Schools for Climate Action - Position Letter: SCR 53
Sample: The Climate Center: Position Letter SCR 53.
If you are an organization, it must be on letterhead and signed. We are hoping for both national organizations and CA state level organizations.
