With Opening Remarks by Corpsmember of the Year - Victor Lopez, San Jose Conservation Corps & Charter School

As communities reel from the confluence of catastrophic natural disasters and pursuant economic downturns, combating climate change has become both an existential and economic call to action. Both experts and politicians tout the transition to a clean economy and efforts to support resilient ecosystems as unprecedented opportunities to heal a divided nation and bring back jobs to struggling communities. With this promise of increased investment and structural change, there arises a question of how resources and programs will prioritize an equitable approach that supports communities most at risk of the negative impacts of climate change and most in need of economic revitalization. In this session, we will discuss the visions for clean energy and resilience-based economies, the imperative for an equitable response to climate change, and the role a Civilian Climate Corps can play.

Learn more about Civilian Climate Corps here and the National Climate Task Force here.