Bill Text: CA ACR162 | 2023-2024 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: California Youth Climate Action Day.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 52-13)
Status: (Engrossed) 2024-05-22 - From committee: Ordered to third reading. [ACR162 Detail]
Download: California-2023-ACR162-Introduced.html
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE—
2023–2024 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Concurrent Resolution
No. 162
| Introduced by Assembly Member Petrie-Norris |
March 14, 2024 |
Relative to California Youth Climate Action Day.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
ACR 162, as introduced, Petrie-Norris.
California Youth Climate Action Day.
This measure would proclaim September 20, 2024, and September 20 of each year thereafter, as California Youth Climate Action Day to honor and support the efforts of young people in their pursuit of environmental sustainability, climate justice, and the preservation of biodiversity.
Digest Key
Fiscal Committee: NOBill Text
WHEREAS, The urgency of addressing climate change has never been more apparent, with clear scientific evidence showing rapidly increasing global temperatures, leading to severe environmental, health, and economic impacts; and
WHEREAS, The World Health Organization estimates that between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress, with the direct damage costs to health estimated to be between $2 billion and $4 billion per year by 2030; and
WHEREAS, Climate change is a consequence of human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, extensive use of toxic chemicals in agriculture and commercial products, and deforestation of natural habitats, that have adversely impacted children and families, particularly in environmental justice communities, where the burden of environmental degradation is disproportionately borne; and
WHEREAS, Young people around the world are acutely aware of these challenges, since they will be the ones living in a future that faces threats from climate change, and have recently been at the forefront of demanding action to mitigate the adverse effects through youth-led movements and organizations; and
WHEREAS, The involvement of young people in climate action, especially from marginalized communities that will be disproportionately affected by climate change, is critical in driving equitable innovation, policy change, and sustainable practices at local, national, and global levels; and
WHEREAS, September 20th marked the start of the September 2019 climate strikes, a historic global event initiated by youth activists around the world, bringing together around 6,000,000 participants and sparking an international youth climate movement; and
WHEREAS, The State of California recognizes the importance of educating and engaging young people in environmental stewardship and climate action; and
WHEREAS, The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and their voices and actions are essential in shaping a sustainable and resilient future for all; and
WHEREAS, The State of California acknowledges and applauds the contributions of young activists, and aims to support and empower youth in their efforts to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the California State Legislature recognizes the need to make climate action and environmental education for youth a public priority; and be it further
Resolved, That the California State Legislature encourages all municipalities, schools, environmental community organizations, businesses, and individuals to observe California Youth Climate Action Day with appropriate activities that promote awareness of climate change, inspire positive environmental action, and contribute to the protection of endangered species and ecosystems; and be it further
Resolved, That the California State Legislature recognizes September 20, 2024, and the same date each year thereafter, as California Youth Climate Action Day to honor and support the efforts of young people in their pursuit of environmental sustainability, climate justice, and the preservation of biodiversity; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
