From San Francisco to New York, cities are holding climate events every year. Now, San Diego is joining in.
The first San Diego Climate Week kicks off on Wednesday and runs until October 8. Over 100 events will take place around the county, with most being free.
“We want to foster collaboration and action that speeds up local climate solutions,” said Erika Rodriguez, chair of the organizing committee. “We also want to boost community resilience.”
The event starts at 5 p.m. with a community bike ride led by BikeSD. Participants will ride from Trolley Barn Park in University Heights to Balboa Park. After that, a panel discussion about clean air will begin at the Mingei International Museum at 7 p.m.
A highlight of Climate Week is learning from Indigenous leaders about caring for the Earth. This five-hour event, organized by groups like Red Earth Movement, kicks off at 11 a.m. at the Water Conservation Garden in El Cajon. “They’ll share their perspective on restoring the land and nurturing the soil,” said Jillian Quint, one of the organizers.
Another exciting event is the free premiere of “The Threads Between Us,” a film showcasing three local sustainable businesses: Dr. Bronner’s, Jimbo’s Naturally, and San Diego Goodwill. This will happen at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday at Coastal Roots Farm in Encinitas.
Other activities include a youth art exhibit, a vegan night market, and a panel on the ongoing sewage crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border that affects both communities.
Rodriguez started planning Climate Week in January, especially after federal funding cuts for environmental projects. “I couldn’t fix things on the federal level, so I focused on what we could do here,” she explained. She created a Google form to gauge interest, and many local organizations jumped on board.
“It makes sense for San Diego to host this event,” Quint added. “Our county is the most biodiverse in the U.S.”
The goal is to make this an annual event. “This week is just the beginning,” Rodriguez said. “We hope people get inspired and continue their involvement long after Climate Week ends.”
The San Diego City Council officially declared October 1-8 as San Diego Climate Week. For details on all events, visit sdclimateweek.com.
In recent years, more cities have recognized the importance of local climate action. A survey found that nearly 70% of Americans believe their community should take more steps against climate change. Climate weeks aim to raise awareness and encourage engagement in these vital issues.
As social media buzzes with posts about local environmental initiatives, it’s clear that people are eager to take part. Whether through sharing stories about sustainability or participating in community events, the desire for climate action is growing.
