Assemblymember Bryan & Culver City Mayor Kick Off

Students, industry leaders, and community members converged at West Los Angeles College (WLAC) for the second annual Climate Action Palooza, a groundbreaking three-day event showcasing the intersection of technology, education, and community action in addressing climate change late last week. The event was produced by the California Center for Climate Change Education at West (The Center), a first-of-its-kind, forward-looking resource that helps prepare students for good-paying, fulfilling jobs in clean energy, climate technology, and other career paths touching climate change.

Day one was "Reclaiming Our Tomorrow" where 400 high school students, using posters and 3D models, presented innovative solutions for climate-resilient communities. "These students aren't just imagining the future – they're designing it," said Dr. James Limbaugh, WLAC President. "Their vision for sustainable communities demonstrates why investing in climate education is crucial for our collective future."

Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, who was instrumental in securing the funds to launch the Center in 2023, expressed his joy at seeing young people engaged in thinking about solutions to address climate change. Citing several extreme weather incidents which have occurred in the Los Angeles area in the last few years such as last year's hurricane scare, Bryan remarked, "We have to grapple with the fact that we haven't built the infrastructure to take care of folks if a hurricane ever does hit LA because hurricanes aren't supposed to hit LA. But nothing is off the table anymore. The rules have changed, the climate has changed." Bryan also announced that the Governor just signed a bill to close the controversial Inglewood Oil Field that boarders the college campus by 2030.

Culver City Mayor Yasmine-Imani McMorrin welcomed the students on behalf of the city and explained why policy makers and leaders must prioritize issues around climate change. "Climate is often thought of as that thing over there but it is something that touches all of us – it is housing policy, it is traffic, it is parks, it is how we plan our communities. It is not just a passive thing. So, we must center it. We are in a climate crisis right now, not yesterday," she said.

Day two featured the Climate Innovation Professional Conference, where industry leaders explored emerging technologies and innovative approaches to climate challenges. Dr. Joana Tavares, Director of The Center, set the tone: "Today we invite you to consider a broader definition of innovation. We ask you to think about innovative approaches to addressing problems that are not new at all and that continue to perpetuate the climate crisis."

Keynote speakers Dr. Brantly Fulton and Professor Marcela Oliva highlighted how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are revolutionizing climate action. Brantly is Chief Executive Officer LAMAR IoT Inc, a supply chain management company. Oliva is a Professor of Architecture and Environmental Design at Los Angeles Trade Technical college. A distinguished panel featuring Margaret To (Studio SAKA), Dr. Kelley Lê (ECCLPs), Shannon Holloway (Holloway R&D), Thomas Yount (Clean Earth Future), and WLAC student Andrew Rodriguez explored pathways to a decarbonized economy.

"The diversity of voices at this conference – from industry pioneers to emerging student leaders – reflects the collaborative approach needed to address climate change," noted Tavares-Reager.

The Palooza concluded with a Circular Communities Fair, bringing climate innovation directly to local residents through interactive demonstrations, cultural performances, and sustainable practice workshops. The fair emphasized practical applications of climate solutions in daily life.

For more information about the California Center for Climate Change Education and its initiatives, please email CAClimateCenter@wlac.edu.