Arizona Youth Climate Coalition passes most comprehensive school climate action resolution in America
Credit: Rick Rappaport
On October 29, 2024, the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) adopted the most comprehensive Climate Action Resolution in the country, committing the district to ambitious sustainability goals and positioning it as a national leader in school climate action. With over 40,000 students across 85+ schools, TUSD plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 across all three scopes (direct, indirect, and supply chain), with an interim goal of cutting its emissions by half by 2030. Key measures include:
- Achieving zero waste by 2040,
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive climate curriculum,
- Transitioning to 100% clean energy by 2035,
- Full electrification of buildings, equipment, and vehicles by 2040,
- Reducing water usage by 25% by 2035,
- Implementing climate and heat adaptation measures, such as ensuring cooling rooms in 95% of facilities by 2027,
- Prioritizing equity-focused climate policies, and
- Adopting LEED standards for new and renovated buildings
The resolution was entirely written, researched, and lobbied for by the AZ Youth Climate Coalition (AZYCC), a statewide youth climate advocacy organization consisting of members aged 13–20. As the Tucson Co-Lead of AZYCC, I led a team of over 15 students to develop and lobby for the resolution for over 16 months, collaborating closely with one of the TUSD Governing Board Members, Dr. Ravi Shah, throughout the process.
Before the night of the vote, we circulated a community letter of support, attaining over 160 signatories, including multiple elected officials and numerous organizations across the country. On the night of the vote, we saw huge community turnout, with dozens of supporters showing up to speak in favor of the resolution. This included youth from across the city, as well as adults and even elected officials–highlighting the strong, intergenerational support behind this resolution.
Credit: Rick Rappaport
Especially notable is the passage of this resolution in a decidedly purple state, just a week before the presidential election. The passage of such groundbreaking climate legislation is a testament to the unstoppable force of the climate movement, as well as youth power within that movement; it demonstrates that youth have the power to create systemic, meaningful, and lasting change in their communities.
We see this resolution as not just a victory in our school district, but a beacon of hope for students and communities across the country. Indeed, we aim to use this achievement to catalyze further change in communities across Arizona and the country.
The climate crisis is here, and even as the national tides of politics ebb and flow, we all must continue to act to effect change in our local communities. Embrace radical hope and take action.
Article by Ojas Sanghi, Tucson Co-Lead, Arizona Youth Climate Coalition