{"id":1276,"date":"2026-02-03T18:09:05","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T02:09:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/ccas\/?p=1276"},"modified":"2026-02-03T18:09:05","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T02:09:05","slug":"annual-report-for-the-center-for-climate-action-and-sustainability-ccas-24-25","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/ccas\/annual-report-for-the-center-for-climate-action-and-sustainability-ccas-24-25\/","title":{"rendered":"Annual Report for\u00a0The Center for Climate Action and Sustainability (CCAS) 24′-25′"},"content":{"rendered":"

A Year in Focus<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Evergreen State College<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

2024-25<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Message from the Director\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

The Center for Climate Action and Sustainability (CCAS) at\u00a0The Evergreen\u00a0State College is proud to celebrate its fourth year! This report provides an overview of our achievements throughout the 2024-2025 fiscal year, highlighting\u00a0significant events, project and grant updates, contributions to academics and curriculum, and general impacts on Evergreen and the broader community.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The year was full of\u00a0ups and downs,\u00a0challenges\u00a0and successes. Both nationally and in Washington State, the challenges of budget cuts and political divisiveness have\u00a0greatly impacted\u00a0climate and education work. Students at Evergreen were active in expressing concern about actions of the new national government, Israel\u2019s war in Gaza, political instability in Europe and the United States, and the ongoing climate catastrophe, marked notably (in the US) by the Eaton Fire that ripped through the City of Altadena\u00a0and 14,000+ acres of Los Angeles county,\u00a0and by the devastating floods brought by Hurricane Helene to the western Appalachian region of North Carolina.\u00a0 CCAS is not immune to these political-ecological challenges. We were surprised and disappointed by the sudden cancellation of the Tribal Stewards Program grant\u00a0we’d\u00a0been awarded through NOAA\u2019s Climate Ready Workforce initiative.\u00a0\u00a0We also felt the pressure of climate-related political changes that have raised students\u2019 climate anxieties and fear of political repression.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Yet, on the flipside, these political-economic conditions have sparked the intersectional climate movement, a movement that has centered attention on creating positive social change for everyone. It is in this context that the work of higher education institutions has never been more important \u2013 educating and empowering the next generation of environmental leaders, informed citizens, and workers who will be facing these challenges head on. CCAS is here to embrace this challenge and help build a brighter and\u00a0more just\u00a0world.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I wanted to share\u00a0a few\u00a0highlights from the past year to\u00a0demonstrate\u00a0our determination and success.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We have expanded our team \u2013 welcome MES Fellows!\u00a0<\/span><\/b>Over the past year, we have taken on some portions of the work of Evergreen\u2019s Office of Sustainability (which has been in hibernation since May 2024).\u00a0\u00a0This change has brought us funding to support MES Sustainability Fellows \u2013 current MES students who help work on climate and sustainability projects. This extra capacity has been a wonderful addition to\u00a0CCAS,\u00a0and we are so excited that Enija, Ian, Emma, and Gwendolyn will be able to continue\u00a0working\u00a0with us\u00a0into\u00a0the next academic year! Thanks also to\u00a0alumni\u00a0MES fellows Emma Wright and Amanda Rueda.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We hosted impactful events and workshops that highlighted CCAS to new communities!\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0This year we helped organize\u00a0several\u00a0events including the Jose Gomez Farmworker Justice Day, the Rachel Carson Forum with the Master of Environmental Studies Student Association (MESA), and the Climate and Sustainability Symposium with the Thurston Climate Action Team (TCAT). These events brought together students, faculty, community members, and non-profit organizations to focus on important local and regional climate and sustainability issues. Additionally, CCAS staff presented and organized a number of events including a Solarpunk and game design workshop at the Equity Symposium (with faculty member Sam Saltiel), the Coyote & Crow Longhouse Game Night (with the Native Pathways Program and the Indigenous Futurists Society), and a hugely successful Climate 101 and Solarpunk Futures workshop at the Stafford Creek Correctional Facility in partnership with the Sustainability and Prisons Project (SPP).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"<\/a>

Figure 1: Dr. Levenda delivers presentation at Stafford Creek Correctional Facility as part of CCAS collective workshop with Michael Joseph and alumnus Mina Aloria.<\/p><\/div>\n

In addition, our Climate Lecture Series featured\u00a0several\u00a0speakers including climate change professionals in\u00a0Thurston County,\u00a0Indigenous climate activists Jacob Johns and\u00a0Jhajayra\u00a0Machoa\u00a0Mend\u00faa, just transition advocate and scholar Dr. Mijin Cha, and green jobs expert Dr. Nikki Luke.\u00a0All of\u00a0these events brought important climate discussions to Evergreen, helping students learn about important climate issues locally and internationally.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We continued to advance sustainability projects on campus and beyond.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/b>In summer 2024, we saw the installation of the largest solar array ever on campus \u2013 a project funded by a $260,000\u00a0grant from\u00a0the Clean Energy Committee at Evergreen, and developed in collaboration with\u00a0<\/span>Olympia Community Solar<\/span><\/a>, MAD Energy, Campus Facilities Staff, and the students of\u00a0<\/span>E<\/span><\/a>vergreen’s Clean Energy Committee. This project\u00a0is expected\u00a0to save produce\u00a0an average of\u00a099.3 MWh\u00a0of electricity, saving the college\u00a0approximately $10,000\u00a0a year on its utility bills. Faculty and students can now follow and use real-time data from this array\u00a0in their programs. (<\/span>Learn more about the solar project<\/span><\/i><\/a>).\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Figure 2: Ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the CRC Solar installation. Pictured here includes (left to right) Mason Rolph, OCS President, John Carmichael, Evergreen President, MAD SOLAR TEAM, CCAS Intern Alumni Emma Wright and Lana Jarvis, CCAS AD Michael Joseph, and Facilities manager Marshall Urist<\/p><\/div>\n

Moving Forward<\/span><\/b>! CCAS\u00a0has\u00a0started to work\u00a0on\u00a0a strategic plan that will provide\u00a0us\u00a0a pathway for\u00a0expanding our work as a public service center dedicated to climate action and sustainability.\u00a0\u00a0In the coming years, we will\u00a0continue to develop\u00a0our role as a hub for climate action and education. This includes\u00a0building on our\u00a0partnerships with local environmental networks such as Thurston Eco-Net,\u00a0with the\u00a0Washington Higher Education Sustainability Coalition,\u00a0and\u00a0with\u00a0governmental bodies such as the Clean Energy Technology Workforce Advisory Committee, local and Tribal governments, the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), and non-profit organizations\u00a0including\u00a0the Thurston Climate Action Team,\u00a0the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Team,\u00a0Mason County Climate Justice, and many\u00a0others.\u00a0As the generous gifts that helped\u00a0establish\u00a0the Center\u00a0reach their term,\u00a0we\u00a0are working\u00a0hard\u00a0on seeking\u00a0new\u00a0funding through grants and donations\u00a0to support\u00a0our\u00a0work.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was a busy and exciting year! CCAS has become a regular part of the Evergreen\u00a0community,\u00a0and we are excited\u00a0about expanding\u00a0our reach.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mission and Vision\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Mission Statement<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Climate Center at Evergreen empowers individuals and communities to take bold, actionable steps toward a just, sustainable, and climate-resilient future.\u202f<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Through education, research, and civic engagement, we foster interdisciplinary collaboration, support place-based solutions, and equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to lead transformative climate action. By serving as a hub for learning, creativity, and advocacy, we connect Evergreen to the South Puget Sound region and beyond, ensuring that sustainability efforts are both locally grounded and globally relevant.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We work to:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Create opportunities for climate change education and professional\u00a0training<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      \n
    1. Produce and sponsor research on climate and sustainability and\u00a0facilitate\u00a0practical opportunities to work on these issues for students and\u00a0faculty<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
        \n
      1. Build partnerships through climate\u00a0action<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Vision Statement\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        We envision\u202fa just,\u202fequitable, climate-stable world.\u202f<\/span><\/b>Evergreen\u202fis\u00a0a leading climate institution\u202fand\u202fmodel of sustainability, equity, and resilience\u202fthat inspires\u202fpositive\u00a0change.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        Core Values<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Collaboration and Connection:<\/span><\/b>\u202fWe break down silos and foster partnerships across disciplines, sectors, communities, and cultures.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
            \n
          1. Equity and Justice:<\/span><\/b>\u202fWe prioritize equity, decolonization, and accessibility in all aspects of climate action, ensuring that historically marginalized voices\u00a0are centered\u00a0in decision-making.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
              \n
            1. Resilience and Regeneration:<\/span><\/b>\u202fWe focus on sustainable practices that build lasting, positive impacts\u202ffor\u202fpeople and the planet.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                \n
              1. Imagination\u00a0and\u00a0Creativity:<\/span><\/b>\u202fWe value emotional intelligence, curiosity, creative solutions, social imagination, and lifelong learning as the foundation and continuous drivers for meaningful climate action.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                Year 4\u00a0Highlights\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

                Throughout the year, our programs included multifaceted structures that\u00a0addressed\u00a0climate action, social justice, and sustainability. We used storytelling to connect with our community through a series of film screenings, fostering spaces for cultural enjoyment and sparking discussions on environmentalism, Indigenous rights, and collaborative leadership. Our quarterly Sustainability Roundtables and campus-wide events brought together diverse\u00a0members of the Evergreen community\u00a0to understand pressing issues, strategize\u00a0about implementing\u00a0various programs, and ensure better long-term maintenance of\u00a0campus\u00a0sustainability initiatives. Notably, the Climate & Equity Symposiums and\u00a0our\u00a0Summer Institute equipped faculty and staff with the tools to integrate\u00a0climate action, social justice, and sustainability\u00a0into their classrooms, ensuring that our efforts extend far beyond individual events and into the core of our educational mission.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Sustainability Roundtables\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

                Fall \u2013 November 4<\/i>th<\/i>,\u00a02024\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

                This roundtable reviewed a network map of campus sustainability groups, identifying overlapping missions and opportunities for collaboration.\u00a0A new Strategic Action Plan for Campus Sustainability\u00a0was introduced, which aims to replace the\u00a02009\u00a0Climate Action Plan.\u00a0(That was intended to guide campus\u00a0activities\u00a0through\u00a02020, but\u00a0doesn’t\u00a0seem to have had much effect on them.)\u00a0The discussion also addressed the lack of a centralized Office of Sustainability, proposing a new model for governance, where representatives from key areas like Student Activities and Facilities would meet quarterly to streamline communication. The group also shared project resources, discussed a\u00a0deadline for feedback on the new\u00a0campus-wide strategic plan, and covered future events.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Winter \u2013 February 26<\/i>th<\/i>, 2024<\/i>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

                “Imagining a Sustainable Evergreen” brought together students, faculty, and local partners to discuss ongoing campus sustainability efforts. The event highlighted three new student-led groups focused on food justice on campus. These groups are working to improve transparency in campus food systems, launch a sustainability campaign, and create new community garden spaces. The seminar also served as a moment to reflect\u00a0the potential consequences of\u00a0the recent dissolution of the Sustainability Office. Despite this\u00a0setback, the event\u00a0showcased\u00a0a range of new green initiatives and collaborative actions, from campus pollinator projects to energy infrastructure improvements.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Spring \u2013 May 12<\/i>th<\/i>,\u00a02024<\/i>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

                The Spring event focused on a collaborative design charrette to reimagine\u00a0and revive\u00a0Evergreen’s communal bike\u00a0shop, exploring the ways in which the club and bicycling\u00a0are\u00a0important\u00a0for campus sustainability, accessibility, and student well-being.\u00a0Administrators attended and\u00a0provided\u00a0important information\u00a0about\u00a0the inner workings of campus facilities and\u00a0our\u00a0decision-making structure. Attendees left with a better understanding of the\u00a0logistics\u00a0of beginning and\u00a0maintaining\u00a0a\u00a0project that requires physical space.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Idea Co-Lab\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

                The Idea Co-Lab (Climate Cafe Series)\u00a0provided\u00a0a space for students to\u00a0workshop\u00a0climate action projects, collaborate with faculty mentors, and access sustainability resources. A key partnership with Artists with Ecology\u00a0allowed\u00a0MES Fellowship students\u00a0collaborating\u00a0with local teams to develop an art installation that doubles as an ecological data-monitoring tool. The program also featured various workshops, panel discussions, and civic engagement education sessions, all aimed at equipping the community with the tools for sustainable activism.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Earth Week Events\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

                Farmworkers Social Justice Day, April 23<\/i>rd<\/i>, 2025\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

                On March 25th, the\u00a0theme of the\u00a0annual Jos\u00e9\u00a0Gomez Farmworkers Justice Day\u00a0was\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAnother World is Possible with Farmworkers\u2019 Rights to\u00a0Unionize.\u201d Hosted by the Center for Community-Based Learning and Action, the Clean Energy Fund, CCAS, and\u00a0others, the event honored the legacy of\u00a0Jos\u00e9\u00a0Gomez, a member of the faculty, (as well as\u00a0a Dean,\u00a0a former executive assistant to Cesar Chavez,\u00a0a\u00a0Harvard Law graduate, and the first openly LGBTQ+ board member of the ACLU.)\u00a0The event highlighted ongoing struggles since the installation of a dangerously discriminatory administration, including the recent ICE detention of Alfredo \u201cLelo\u201d Juarez. A panel of speakers, including\u00a0Familias\u00a0Unidas\u00a0por\u00a0Justicia,\u00a0Edgar Franks and members of the Cooperative Tierra y Libertad, shared stories of mistreatment in the workplace, from unpaid breaks to wage theft. They also\u00a0showcased\u00a0the cooperative model as a path to a “solidarity economy” where workers govern themselves, receive just treatment, and are protected from labor abuses. The event underscored the critical role of organization and solidarity in\u00a0advocating for\u00a0farmworkers’ rights and dignity.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Rachel Carson Forum, April 24<\/i>th<\/i>, 2025<\/i>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

                The annual Rachel Carson Forum, hosted by<\/span>\u00a0the Master of Environmental Studies Association (MESA), celebrated its 40th anniversary with the theme,<\/span>\u00a0\u201cStories of Adaptation: asking ourselves how environmental work has changed over the last 40 years.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>The event honored the legacy of Rachel Carson by bringing together activists, scientists, and writers to promote environmenta<\/span>l awareness. Speakers included\u00a0retired Evergreen faculty member\u00a0Dr. Rob Knapp,\u00a0who discussed the sustainable design of buildings,\u00a0drawing on his recent book,\u00a0<\/span>Bananas in Snow Country<\/span><\/i>.\u00a0Dr. Francisco Santiago-Avila\u00a0spoke on transforming our relationship with nature.\u00a0\u00a0and Dr. Adam\u00a0Romeroexplored\u00a0the potential for a sustainable U.S. agricultural system. The forum provided a platform for meaningful discussion and highlighted the ongoing commitment to environmental education and advocacy at\u00a0The\u00a0Evergreen\u00a0State College.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Climate & Equity Symposiums\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

                Equity Symposium Climate Lecture, April 16<\/i>th<\/i>\u00a0and 17<\/i>th<\/i>\u00a0,\u00a02025<\/i>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

                A special climate lecture, titled “Solarpunk and You,”\u00a0was presented\u00a0as part of Evergreen\u2019s annual Equity Symposium. The workshop, featuring a lecture by Sam Saltiel,\u00a0a\u00a0presentation by CCAS\u2019s Michael Joseph, and discussion\u00a0by\u00a0Anthony Levenda and Kendra Aguilar, explored the genre of Solarpunk and its ability to inspire hope and action in a world often dominated by dystopian narratives. The session used tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) as a vehicle for societal imagination, helping participants reflect on their individual strengths and explore practical tools for building a sustainable,\u00a0equitable\u00a0future. The event aimed to equip students, educators, and sustainability advocates with actionable insights on how to harness their unique abilities for climate action.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Climate Symposium, May 17<\/i>th<\/i>, 2025<\/i>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

                The Thurston County Climate & Sustainability Convention, co-hosted with the Thurston Climate Action Team (TCAT), successfully brought together\u00a0elected officials, staff, invited speakers, and citizens from across the county\u00a0for a\u00a0full\u00a0day of workshops, networking, and collaborative visioning\u00a0about climate and sustainability. The event celebrated the diverse and impactful work being done in the region, featuring a project and poster gallery that\u00a0showcased\u00a0contributions from students, staff, faculty, and other regional partners. Master’s theses and undergraduate research\u00a0were also highlighted. The convention served as a platform for attendees to meet and connect, strengthening collaborative efforts for a more sustainable future in the South Sound.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Summer Institute\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

                Teaching and Learning for Climate Action: Building a Greener World (2 days), July 28<\/i>th<\/i>\u00a0and 29<\/i>th<\/i>,\u00a02025<\/i>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

                The two-day Summer Institute on Teaching Social Action, hosted in partnership with the Washington Learning and Teaching Center, focused on exploring\u00a0Solarpunk\u00a0and planning for\u00a0sustainable\u00a0classroom practices. The event brought together faculty and staff for a series of\u00a0hands-on\u00a0design sessions aimed at building climate literacy and agency\u00a0in\u00a0students. On Day 1, participants\u00a0were introduced\u00a0to the core concepts of Solarpunk and its intersection with\u00a0teaching for\u00a0social action. The afternoon session featured a powerful workshop led by Barbara Smith from the Native Case Studies initiative, who provided\u00a0advice\u00a0on the respectful integration of\u00a0the college’s collection of\u00a0Native case studies into curricula. Day 2 began with a seminar on Utopias,\u00a0Protopias, and Dystopias, where attendees examined how imagined futures in literature and media influence our understanding of justice and sustainability. The institute concluded with a visioning and design thinking session, where participants used tools like\u00a0backcasting\u00a0and\u00a0sustainable, measurable, action-oriented, relevant, time-bound, inclusive, and\u00a0equitable\u00a0(S.M.A.R.T.I.E.) goals to transform large-scale challenges into actionable steps for their classrooms.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                MES Fellowship\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

                This program,\u00a0supported by an endowment from the Cargill Foundation, and\u00a0now housed and expanded within CCAS, supports\u00a0graduate\u00a0students’\u00a0hands on\u00a0contributions to projects that deepen community partnerships and drive climate action. The fellowship has historically played a key role in the college’s decarbonization planning, land stewardship, and sustainability reporting, with past fellows moving on to careers in environmental and public service leadership.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Bulkhead Removal & Salmon Habitat Restoration<\/i>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

                Fellows are\u00a0assisting\u00a0in the removal of bulkheads\u00a0on the college’s beach, creating educational materials about Indigenous stewardship and coastal ecology, and collaborating with the South Sound Salmon Enhancement Group and the Squaxin Island Tribe.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Student Role<\/span><\/i>:\u00a0Ecological\u00a0monitoring, site sampling, reflective writing, and partner collaboration.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Impact<\/span><\/i>: Improving\u00a0local ecological resilience, strengthening partnerships with local groups and\u00a0tribes to create educational materials informed by Traditional Ecological Knowledge\u00a0(TEK), developing\u00a0lesson plans for faculty, ensuring\u00a0long-term ecological monitoring, and hosting\u00a0public events to engage the community in restoration and citizen science.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                \"\"<\/a>

                Figure 3: MES Fellows Ian Man and Emma Hamaker-Teals setting pit traps for sample collection<\/p><\/div>\n

                Deschutes Estuary Restoration Team\u2019s (DERT) Community Envisioned Deschutes Estuary (CEDE) Series<\/i>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

                Fellows are working to assess and coordinate with CCAS partner DERT to understand the feasibility and\u00a0logistics\u00a0of CEDE, with the goal of\u00a0participating\u00a0in the Deschutes Estuary restoration.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Student Role<\/span><\/i>: L<\/span>eading the research and design process, developing a framework for a functional, scalable prototype.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Impact<\/span><\/i>: Production of an innovative floating wetland prototype, integrating art and ecology to create a blueprint for future environmental restoration and public education projects in the Puget Sound\u00a0estuaries.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Evergreen Story Maps Initiative<\/i>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

                Fellows are\u00a0working\u00a0to create a shareable, visually appealing, and easy-to-navigate\u00a0<\/span>ArcGIS Story Map<\/span><\/b>\u00a0that introduces The Evergreen State College through a sustainability and ecological\u00a0lens<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Student Role<\/span><\/i>:\u00a0M<\/span>aintaining\u00a0and editing ArcGIS\u00a0map,\u00a0as well as\u00a0acting as\u00a0liaison\u00a0between faculty\u00a0and\u00a0staff for content creation and distribution.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Impact<\/span><\/i>:\u00a0This virtual and self-guided tour\u00a0will\u00a0highlight Evergreen’s green initiatives, sustainability efforts, student resources, and ecological features to serve as an introduction for prospective students, a companion for on-campus visitors, and a tool for programs like MES orientation and Greener Foundations.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Climate Action Plan Reconstruction<\/i>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

                Students are working to revise Evergreen\u2019s Climate Action Plan\u00a0(CAP)\u00a0by building a shared understanding of what makes a strong sustainability plan, learning from past efforts, and compiling research on best practices. This project involves evaluating the existing plan’s strengths and weaknesses and setting new goals and targets for campus sustainability.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Student Role:\u00a0<\/span><\/i>Research, s<\/span>ummarize, and contextualize past and current sustainability planning efforts.\u00a0Prepare\u00a0foundational materials that can guide future development\u00a0of climate and\u00a0sustainability\u00a0action plans.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Impact:\u00a0<\/span><\/i>The condensed and digestible history, context, and general notes\u00a0will\u00a0ensure\u00a0that other entities can make informed decisions in the formation of CAPs down the line.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Climate Lecture Series\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

                The Climate Lecture Series served as a cornerstone of the Climate Center\u2019s educational programming, fostering meaningful dialogue on pressing environmental and social issues.\u00a0Over the past year, we hosted a range of scholars and practitioners who engaged the campus and broader community in critical discussions.\u00a0Additional\u00a0abstracts and speaker bios can be found at\u00a0<\/span>https:\/\/www.evergreen.edu\/climate\/events-and-workshops<\/span><\/a>. Below is an overview of the lectures, their themes, and audience impact:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Water and Environmental Justice in Renewable Energy Transitions<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0– Dr. Alida Cantor \u2013 October 26, 2024<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                This lecture highlighted\u00a0the ways in which\u00a0renewable energy projects, despite being crucial for climate change mitigation, can\u00a0disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.\u00a0leading\u00a0to environmental injustices and disputes over land and water.\u00a0Dr. Cantor shared her research on the hydro social cycle impacts, imaginaries, and environmental justice\u00a0issues tied to water-energy transitions in the Western United States.\u00a0<\/span>Dr. Cantor is an Associate Professor of Geography at Portland State University.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Climate Action in Local Government –\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b>Dr. Pamela Braff, Linsey Fields, Rebecca Harvey, and Alyssa Jones Wood \u2013 November 18, 2024\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                A panel focused on the work of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Collaborative discussed local and regional climate action. Climate professionals in local and county government shared their experiences in meeting greenhouse gas reduction goals and building climate resilience for communities in the South Sound. They responded to questions about the challenges and opportunities for climate action, particularly in the face of potential reductions in federal support for mitigation and adaptation efforts.\u00a0<\/span>Dr. Pamela Braff is the Director of Climate Programs for the City of Olympia. Linsey Fields is the City of Lacey\u2019s first Climate and Sustainability Coordinator. Rebecca Harvey is\u00a0the\u00a0Thurston County Commissioners’\u00a0Climate Mitigation Senior Program Manager. Alyssa Jones Wood is the Sustainability Manager\u00a0for\u00a0the City of Tumwater.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Voices of Resistance<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0– Jacob Johns,\u00a0Jhajayra\u00a0Machoa\u00a0Mend\u00faa, Kayla Jenkins – January 22, 2025<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                This panel explored the intersection of climate justice and Indigenous rights, a<\/span>ddressed the struggles for Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination, and discussed their hopes for collective action to tackle the climate crisis.\u00a0<\/span>Jacob Johns is a climate justice organizer and current\u00a0Eastern Washington University\u00a0activist-in-residence.\u00a0Jhajayra\u00a0Mendoza\u00a0Mend\u00faa\u00a0is a land and water protector who serves as spokesperson for\u00a0A\u2019i\u00a0Cof\u00e1n\u00a0people.\u00a0Kayla Jenkins is an Indigenous Outreach & Education Advisor\u00a0for\u00a0the Ecuador-based Kuan-Kuan Foundation.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Just Transition: Ensuring Equity in the Shift to a Carbon Free Economy<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0\u2013 Dr. Mijin Cha \u2013 February 19, 2025\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Dr. Cha shared her\u00a0expertise\u00a0on climate and environmental justice, labor\/climate coalitions, and the intersection of inequality and the climate crisis.\u00a0A discussion\u00a0followed\u00a0on\u00a0the critical topic of strategies and policies needed to transition to a sustainable, carbon-free economy while protecting the rights and livelihoods of workers and communities.\u00a0Dr. Mijin Cha is an Assistant Professor in the Environmental Studies Department at\u00a0the\u00a0University of California,\u00a0Santa Cruz<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Empowering the Energy Workforce: Uneven Geographies of Apprenticeship, Wages, and Employment in the US after the Inflation Reduction Act<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0\u2013 Dr. Nikki Luke \u2013 April 25, 2025<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Dr.\u00a0Luke explored the intricate dynamics of energy governance and its impact on labor and communities. Drawing from her extensive research in urban geography, she discussed\u00a0the ways in which\u00a0power relations rooted in race, gender, class, and ability\u00a0influence\u00a0energy policy and the organization of energy justice movements. With a particular focus on the\u00a0American\u00a0South, Nikki highlighted the challenges and opportunities faced by workers in the energy sector.\u00a0<\/span>Dr. Nikki Luke is an Assistant Professor of Geography at the University of Tennessee<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Highlights and Impact Overview \u2013 Climate Lecture Series<\/i>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

                The lecture series successfully aligned with the Climate Center’s mission to inspire informed action by\u00a0showcasing\u00a0diverse topics,\u00a0including\u00a0water and environmental justice in renewable energy transitions,\u00a0the\u00a0challenges of climate action in local government,\u00a0indigenous\u00a0resistance,\u00a0and\u00a0strategies for a just transition to a carbon-free economy.\u00a0One\u00a0notable outcome\u00a0was increased\u00a0collaboration on curriculum development and the integration of\u00a0new ideas\u00a0into faculty discussions. The series succeeded in encouraging critical thought and\u00a0the making of new\u00a0meaningful connections between issues affecting ecological and sociological sectors\u00a0by\u00a0students, staff, faculty, and community members.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Student Initiatives Towards Sustainability\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

                Edible Campus\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

                Evergreen\u2019s Edible Campus program is a\u00a0hands-on, student-led initiative focused on\u00a0the history, science,\u00a0design\u00a0and management of edible landscapes, and on\u00a0actually\u00a0creating\u00a0socially inviting and sustainable edible landscapes across campus. The Climate Center has an\u00a0ongoing\u00a0relationship with the class, often serving as a counselor\u00a0and\u00a0providing crucial information and guidance as the program navigates facilities and\u00a0the\u00a0campus\u2019 land\u00a0management entities. In the past year, students engaged in a wide range of practical projects, including land and soil assessments, organizing focus group feedback, creating food forest maps, and preparing to build new gardens. The program, which\u00a0operates\u00a0year-round\u00a0as a\u00a014 credit\u00a0offering each quarter, teaches students the fundamentals of agroecology, horticulture, and applied quantitative skills through hands-on practice. Students apply principles of agroecosystem diversity, soil science, and resource recycling while learning about plant growth, garden management, and site assessment. The program emphasizes\u00a0a holistic approach,\u00a0exploring the human dimensions of food traditions,\u00a0the dynamics of\u00a0governance, and\u00a0the functioning of\u00a0solidarity economies. Students learn to use practical tools like design thinking and data analysis to turn their ideas into reality, transforming the campus into a living laboratory for sustainable change.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                On-campus Bike Shop Revival<\/i>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

                Efforts are currently underway to\u00a0create\u00a0“Bike Shop 2.0,”\u00a0through\u00a0a student-led initiative focused on creating a functional and community-oriented space\u00a0to revive the campus bike shop. Students\u00a0are involved in\u00a0building equipment, creating an inventory system, and planning future events. The project is focused on recruiting and building support,\u00a0negotiating with\u00a0facilities and\u00a0the\u00a0administration\u00a0for space, and serving the Evergreen campus as an official “shop\u201d.\u00a0Students have\u00a0already\u00a0held multiple \u201cBike Repair Clinics\u201d around campus,\u00a0using\u00a0pop-up stalls where students and community bicyclists have been able to service their vehicles on the go. The long-term plan includes developing sustainable fundraising strategies and engaging with the community to ensure the bike shop\u2019s longevity. Over the last year, CCAS has provided the Bike Shop crew\u00a0with\u00a0spaces for discussion and\u00a0creative planning\u00a0and\u00a0has aided with\u00a0project management.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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                Figure 4: A pop-up Bike Repair Clinic held on Evergreen\u2019s Red Square in early fall of 2024<\/p><\/div>\n

                Film Screenings\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

                Nausica\u00e4 of the Valley of the Wind<\/span><\/i><\/b>, September 24<\/span><\/i>th<\/span><\/i>, 2024, in partnership with\u00a0Evergreen’s\u00a0<\/span><\/i>Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Transformational Change\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/a>(CELTC)<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                The Climate Center, CELTC, and the Evergreen community came together to kick off the year with a reflective and powerful film in tune with current events.\u00a0<\/span>Nausica\u00e4 of the Valley of the Wind\u00a0<\/span><\/i>follows human society post-collapse. A small group led by a young woman\u00a0navigates a ravaged environment in hopes of bridging communities in conflict and the remainders of the natural world.\u00a0Far more than a movie night, the event used the film’s themes of environmentalism, leadership, and hope to connect with students\u2019 own passions for sustainability and social justice.\u00a0Concluding with\u00a0a post-film discussion, the evening highlighted the importance of representative media, focusing\u00a0on\u00a0how\u00a0widely the story resonated. Conversations about activism, climate anxiety, and the balance between science and empathy sparked critical thought and social imagination, providing a guiding light for first year students as they began their own journeys at Evergreen with images and\u00a0subsequent\u00a0reflection about the possibility of creating a better future.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Fish War<\/span><\/i><\/b>, November 18<\/span><\/i>th<\/span><\/i>, 2024, in partnership with CELTC and\u00a0s’g<\/span><\/i>\u02b7<\/span><\/i>i\u00a0g<\/span><\/i>\u02b7<\/span><\/i>i\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u0294<\/span><\/i>\u00a0altx<\/span><\/i>\u02b7<\/span><\/i>\u00a0 House\u00a0of Welcome<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Later in\u00a0the\u00a0fall, CCAS hosted a screening of the documentary\u00a0<\/span>Fish War<\/span><\/i>\u00a0at the\u00a0s’g<\/span>\u02b7<\/span>i\u00a0g<\/span>\u02b7<\/span>i\u00a0<\/span>\u0294<\/span>\u00a0altx<\/span>\u02b7<\/span>\u00a0House of Welcome. The event, held in honor of Native American Month,\u00a0showcased\u00a0this\u00a0film,\u00a0produced by Northwest Treaty Tribes and the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission.\u00a0<\/span>Fish War\u00a0<\/span><\/i>details the long-standing fight for Indigenous fishing rights in Washington, drawing connections to critical issues of climate action and treaty rights. Following the film, a panel discussion\u00a0featured\u00a0speakers with\u00a0expertise\u00a0in Indigenous rights and environmental justice. The event successfully brought together students, faculty, and community members to engage in a meaningful dialogue about the historical and ongoing struggle for justice and\u00a0tribal\u00a0sovereignty.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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                Figure 5: Post film discussion panel<\/p><\/div>\n

                Finding Common Ground<\/span><\/i><\/b>, February 24<\/span><\/i>th<\/span><\/i>, 2024, in partnership with CELTC,\u00a0the Master of Environmental Studies Student Association, and\u00a0s’g<\/span><\/i>\u02b7<\/span><\/i>i\u00a0g<\/span><\/i>\u02b7<\/span><\/i>i\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u0294<\/span><\/i>\u00a0altx<\/span><\/i>\u02b7<\/span><\/i>\u00a0 House\u00a0of Welcome<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                This documentary screening offered an in-depth look at how diverse groups in the Pacific Northwest have overcome historical conflicts to address major conservation challenges.\u00a0<\/span>Finding Common Ground\u00a0<\/span><\/i>follows the\u00a0historical\u00a0evolution from the “Fish Wars” to landmark agreements like the Centennial Accord and the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan. The film features interviews with key figures such as Ron Allen, Christine Gregoire, and Urban Eberhart, underscoring\u00a0the ways in which\u00a0collaborative leadership has led to innovative solutions in natural resource management. Following the screening, a panel of experts discussed the film’s themes,\u00a0providing\u00a0further insight into fostering collaborative approaches to contemporary issues.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Olympia Green Drinks\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n

                The Center for Climate Action and Sustainability has\u00a0maintained\u00a0a valuable partnership with\u00a0<\/span>Olympia Green Drinks<\/span><\/i>, a grassroots network that\u00a0provides\u00a0a vital way to connect students’ work at the college with environmental professionals and ongoing community activity.\u00a0\u00a0This collaboration\u00a0provides a unique\u00a0opportunity\u00a0for students\u00a0to\u00a0connect\u00a0with\u00a0ongoing\u00a0work\u00a0on climate\u00a0and environmental solutions in a simultaneously informal and professional setting.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Every month, these gatherings bring together a diverse group of professionals from NGOs, academia, government, and business. Students can connect with these experts, building\u00a0professional relationships\u00a0which contribute to creating\u00a0a connected\u00a0regional\u00a0landscape of environmental advocates. This format fosters serendipitous connections and the organic exchange of ideas, helping students go beyond theoretical concepts by engaging with real-world applications of their studies.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                Impact<\/i>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n