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South Coast Youth Take Action at First-Ever Youth Climate Summit

February 06, 2025

On November 23, 2024, Mass Audubon hosted its first South Coast Youth Climate Summit at Buttonwood Park Zoo, bringing together more than 75 young leaders and community members for a day of climate action, learning, and collaboration. Organized by the dedicated members of the South Coast Youth Climate Leadership Program (YCLP), the event featured hands-on workshops, expert speakers, and networking opportunities—all designed to empower youth to take meaningful steps in addressing climate change.

A group of five young people present at the South Coast Youth Climate Summit.

Youth-Led Workshops Spark Solutions

A key highlight of the summit was the six engaging workshops, each focusing on real-world environmental challenges and solutions relevant to the SouthCoast region: 

  • Fighting Climate Change Through Creative Clothing Care and Repair – Claudia De Sousa-Baptista from the Bushwood Tailors Opportunity Shop explored sustainable fashion practices that reduce textile waste.
  • New Bedford City-Wide Air Quality Program – Courtney Cohen (New Bedford Resilient) and Jade Pennington (Groundwork SouthCoast) discussed local air quality monitoring and advocacy.
  • Read, Return, Repeat at Your Library – Bethany Silva (New Bedford Library) highlighted the role of libraries in promoting sustainable habits.
  • Sustainable Food Systems & Plant-Based Recipes – Maisy McVicar (Coastal Foodshed) introduced plant-based eating as a climate solution.
  • Climate Venn & Finding Your Activism Style – SouthCoast YCLP members guided participants in discovering their unique strengths in climate activism.
  • Science on a Sphere & Animal Ambassador Visit – Sara Van Wormer (Buttonwood Park Zoo) demonstrated climate science through interactive exhibits and a visit from several ambassador animals, including Frankie the Black & White Tegu.

During lunch, participants connected with representatives from community partner organizations including the Westport River Watershed Association, New Bedford Resilient, Groundwork SouthCoast, the Ricketson Nature Center, Fairhaven Millicent Library, and Vineyard Wind. The event also incorporated sustainability into every detail, from reusable dishware provided by Round the Bend Farm to catering from local businesses like Café Arpeggio, Besteas Bubble Tea Room, and Ma Raffa’s Restaurant.

A person behind a table converses with visitors at the South Coast Youth Climate Summit.

Building the Next Generation of Climate Leaders 

The success of the Youth Climate Summit underscores the power of youth-led climate action. By taking initiative, young people are shaping solutions for a healthier planet—one workshop, project, and conversation at a time. 

Are you 14-18 years old and passionate about helping the environment? Join the South Coast Youth Climate Leadership Program! As a YCLP member, you’ll collaborate with peers, gain advocacy skills, and work on a Climate Action Project that makes a real impact in your community. 

The group meets virtually on the second Tuesday of every month at 5:45 PM on Microsoft Teams and participates in statewide climate events, guest speaker sessions, and hands-on projects like beach cleanups and community advocacy campaigns. 

Ready to make a difference? Email [email protected] to learn more and register!

Get Involved