Letter from the Executive Director

Dear friend, supporter, student, neighbor:

As the leader of a small nonprofit focused on building the next generation of climate leaders and working to expand the deployment of local climate solutions, I have been thinking deeply about the work we do and how it connects to this moment in history. I’ve concluded that what we do still matters, and here’s why.

First, we teach young people how to be civically engaged. Our students learn how to have a voice in the decisions that our elected officials make on their behalf. They speak at Council and Board meetings, submit written comments, write letters to the editor, and advocate face-to-face with elected leaders. Developing these skills now is critical when there is so much to lose if regular people don’t speak up. These young people are our future leaders.

Second, climate change is a threat multiplier. Aside from rising sea levels and stronger storms, the heat itself has massive consequences. A well-studied phenomenon is that higher temperatures lead to more violence, whether on a geopolitical scale or within the home. Droughts and flooding and economic insecurity caused by climate change can lead to mass migration and political unrest. If we don’t address climate change, these threats will intensify.

Third, community is resilience. We work to build a sense of community and create a safe space for young people from immigrant families, who identify as LGBTQ, or are neurodivergent. We offer programs like the Great Gear Swap and Fix-It Fair that invite all to participate. We are opening our doors to other organizations to hold meetings. Knowing your neighbors, taking collective action, and being part of something bigger than yourself generates strength, security, and a sense of belonging, which is critical for mental health in these times. 

Fourth, local action is where we have the most power to make a difference. The news can be overwhelming, and it can be easy to think that the problems our country is facing are too big to solve. When we help students build skills in urban planning by creating a bike plan, in policy by helping draft a law, or coding by writing a pollution tracking app, we see that everyone has something they can contribute to creating a more just and sustainable world.

Finally, from the tradition of Black Americans, we know that joy can be a form of resistance. When others, including our own federal government, try to instill fear or make us feel hateful, coming together in solidarity is defiance. Come to our office on a day when our interns are hard at work and you’ll feel the energy and joy. 

The fact is that there are too many problems in the world for any one person or group to take on. I tell my students that they should find the space where their skills and interests intersect with important problems that need solving. Accelerate Climate Solutions is working on important problems. But we are also grateful that there are others whose work is documenting the actions of ICE, running for office, tending to the sick and injured, representing immigrants in court, or delivering food to people who feel unsafe leaving their homes. Thank you. Collectively, we have hope that we can build a better country and world.

In solidarity,

Catherine Clarkin

Executive Director