SVYCA Kicks Off 2025 with a Powerful Green New Year Event

All images are courtesy of photographer Chris Cassell and ProBonoPhoto.org

On Sunday, February 23, 2025, Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action (SVYCA) hosted its dynamic Green New Year event, bringing together passionate climate advocates, influential policymakers, and determined community leaders to reflect on a year of extraordinary progress. The event proudly spotlighted the achievements of SVYCA’s 12+ action teams, including the launch of its newest Fremont team—the organization’s bold expansion into the East Bay.

With an emphasis on both policy innovation and nature-based solutions, SVYCA welcomed distinguished guest speakers, including Open Space Authority General Manager Andrea Mackenzie and State Senator Josh Becker. Senator Becker shared his insights on the importance of climate legislation in a shifting political landscape, proposing visionary ideas such as hydrogen-powered and hydroelectric energy solutions for Silicon Valley. Meanwhile, Mackenzie passionately highlighted the urgent need for nature-based solutions, stressing the critical importance of protecting Coyote Hills from industrialization.

The event also introduced SVYCA’s new leadership, with Executive Director Ze-Kun Li and Program Manager Christine Zack taking the stage. Both bring a wealth of experience in advocacy organization, climate legislation, and climate literacy education. In his heartfelt remarks, Li expressed profound admiration for SVYCA’s youth-led initiatives, declaring, “SVYCA wouldn’t be possible, literally, without our youth. They work so hard, and they are our future leaders. A round of applause to them.” Looking ahead to 2025, SVYCA’s plans are nothing short of ambitious. The organization is preparing for its highly anticipated annual youth leadership summit, which aims to bring together over 500 engaged members for an unforgettable event focused on empowerment and education. Additionally, Program Manager Zack is spearheading the transformative Summer Youth Academy, designed to cultivate the next generation of climate advocates, while also establishing a groundbreaking co-lead committee to support the program. As part of SVYCA’s continued efforts to engage and expand its membership, onboarding for new voices is already underway. With this academy, SVYCA aims to make climate action not everyone’s problem, but everyone’s effort for a solution.

The event was a vibrant celebration of youth-driven climate leadership, further marked by Former Mountain View Mayor and newly elected Santa Clara County Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga honoring SVYCA’s dedicated co-leads with a Certificate of Commendation. During the event's engaging Q&A session, Youth Director Jayden Wan, who leads the San Mateo County Action team, posed a compelling question to Mackenzie: “What nature-based solutions can we start implementing now, and what can we do beyond that?” The question ignited a thoughtful discussion about immediate, actionable strategies, with Mackenzie emphasizing the need for bold local conservation efforts and long-term land management policies. Senator Becker also faced an insightful question from the audience: “How can we hold on to hope in such a tumultuous period for climate activism?” Becker responded with an impassioned call to action, highlighting the power of grassroots movements and the transformative role of youth leadership in shaping climate policy. The afternoon concluded with the uplifting recognition of 18 SVYCA members with the Presidential Service Award for their tireless contributions to climate action.

With a powerful exchange of ideas and a renewed commitment to advocacy, SVYCA’s Green New Year set the stage for another year of groundbreaking environmental leadership.

By Sarah Adkar

All images are courtesy of photographer Chris Cassell and ProBonoPhoto.org