SVYCA Youth Share Their Perspectives at Multigenerational Climate Change Event

“This event, above all else, showcased the importance of including multiple perspectives in the fight to combat climate change. When we seek to understand how to best address climate change, it’s crucial to consider multiple generations’ experiences with the Earth: from elders who remember the first Earth Day in 1970, to adults who have lived through the immense growth of globalization and technological advancement, to youth who’ve lived in an era of a visibly changing climate.” - Diya Kandhra

On January 25, 2025, members of Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action (SVYCA) had the opportunity to speak and table at the American Association For University Women's (AAUW’s) multigenerational climate change event, along with members of Elder Climate Action. Event panelists included SVYCA members Jayden Wan, Diya Kandhra, and Diya Prasanth, as well as Elders Climate Action members Bill Devincenzi and Clint Wilkins, all shared their insights on climate science, climate solutions, and the importance of intergenerational climate conversations with over 100 attendees.

Panelists included members of SVYCA and Elders Climate Action

The event has over 100 attendees

This two-hour event brought together several generations of climate activists. The speakers delivered many compelling climate solutions, from switching to all-electric appliances to eating less meat and dairy. The speakers also addressed the urgency that climate change demands from us, with rising temperatures and effects on biodiversity being tangible impacts to our lived experience. 

The event also allowed audience members to learn more about climate change at SVYCA’s tabling session. This gave us the chance to engage with many people, including city officials from various Bay Area cities, who want to collaborate with SVYCA in the future. There was genuine interest not only from community stakeholders, but also from many youth interested in joining SVYCA, showcasing how the common mission of combating climate change can mobilize an unstoppable intergenerational force. We’re also grateful for the event’s other tabling organizations, including the Cupertino-Sunnyvale AAUW Chapter, VTA, the Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter, and Elders Climate Action, all of whom engaged with and inspired attendees to step up for climate action.

Attendees got the chance to meet others and learn about various organizations

Multiple generations got to discuss their experiences of climate change

The VTA attended and provided information about the Speed and Reliability Program

The tremendous turnout rate, paired with the very engaging conversation centered around climate action, demonstrated that our communities contain a strong network of climate advocates across many generations!