In honor of Earth Day and living sustainably, our April Learning Days focused on climate resilience and adaptation. Held at two different locations in East Palo Alto, the presentations and discussions equipped the Leadership CORPS and Emerging Leaders Class of 2025 with an understanding of how climate change is affecting San Mateo County and how different County organizations are addressing it.

Participants heard from experts at the San Mateo County Sustainability Department who shared the County’s multifaceted role in climate resilience and sustainability. After the classroom presentation, participants went on a “Climate Footprints Journey,”  taking a firsthand look at the impacts of climate change on the local community of East Palo Alto. The tour highlighted both the challenges and innovative solutions being implemented to address environmental concerns.

Thank you to the experts from the City of East Palo Alto, Climate Resilient Communities, Grassroots Ecology, San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority, and the San Mateo County Sustainability Department who gave generously of their knowledge and time to this immersive experience.

The Climate Sustainability Learning Days were a powerful reminder of the importance of local, collaborative leadership in finding solutions to our County’s shared challenges. Through our work, Leadership Council SMC fosters cross-sector collaboration that will build a more sustainable and resilient future for everyone.