Dear Friend,

In San Diego, we’ve all felt, seen, and suffered the consequences of the climate crisis – from intense heat waves to worsening droughts to raging wildfires, and of course, January’s severe storms and flooding. Our community is on the front lines of this crisis, and we need to take urgent action to invest in climate solutions before it’s too late. Because failing to act won’t only cost more money, it will cost lives too.

Climate-caused weather events have been devastating – from Puerto Rico to Florida to Hawaii and countless other places, including our San Diego community. So many people have lost their lives, and we’re spending years and billions of dollars to rebuild and restore these communities. On top of that, the climate crisis is worsening public health and impacting our national security by creating climate refugees and exacerbating tensions and conflicts over resources.  

But I don’t want us to lose hope. We have an opportunity to innovate and invest in our new future – a future that’s innovative, equitable, and sustainable. We need to keep thinking outside the box and be bolder and bigger to find lasting solutions. That’s why I was so excited to see President Biden announce the creation of the American Climate Corps (ACC)!

This new program will provide young people with the skills-based training they need to succeed and get good-paying jobs in the clean energy and climate resilience economy. With opportunities all over the country, participants can get involved in our efforts to combat the climate crisis and protect our environment.

Applications are NOW open for the ACC, so check out the listings in California or anywhere else HERE. This is just the first round of job postings, so make sure to check back in the coming months for more opportunities.

Throughout our history, young people have driven forward progress and positive change – most recently, for historic gun safety legislation, protecting same-sex and interracial marriages, and passing the biggest investment in climate action ever through the Inflation Reduction Act. I’ve seen the power of young people who come together and fight for their big ideas – and I’m confident that you can help us build a world where future generations can thrive.

Warmly,

Sara Jacobs