Inaugural San Diego Climate Week aims to inspire environmental advocacy
With four main anchor events and more than 100 smaller ones, there’s plenty of ways to participate across the county.
Written by Lauren J. Mapp, Edited by Maya Srikrishnan
The first ever San Diego Climate Week launched Wednesday with more than 100 events aimed toward increasing sustainability and climate change awareness.
From Oct. 1-8, San Diegans can choose more than 100 events to attend throughout the county, including four, free anchor events.
Each of the main events — Cycling towards Cleaner Air, Exploring Ecosystems and Water Pollution, Honoring Indigenous Knowledge for Land Conservation and the “Threads Between Us” film premiere — offers complimentary food and beverages, as well as child care from Destination Baby Co. and the Mother Earth’s Learning Center.
“Accessibility is huge for us, so we're trying to make it no barrier to come to these events,” said Erika Rodriguez, San Diego Climate Week chair.
While other cities around the world host Climate Week events, San Diego hasn’t hosted one until this year.
Rodriguez said the idea to host a local event came earlier this year at the start of the second Trump Administration.
“It was very clear that they were not prioritizing the climate — rolling back policies and pretty much any progress that we've already made,” Rodriguez said.
On Inauguration Day, President Donald Trump signed executive orders that withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, fast-tracked fossil fuel and mining projects, and bypassed the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.
Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Government Efficiency canceled more than 400 pending grants nationwide in the spring, including $20 million in funding for the Environmental Health Coalition in National City.
Rodriguez hopes the inaugural San Diego Climate Week will inspire more people to advocate for the environment by contacting their government representatives, volunteering for cleanups and donating to nonprofit organizations.
“We want to urge government leaders to act now,” she said. “Our community's health depends on action, not promises.”
Below are some San Diego Climate Week events. You can find the full schedule of events here.
Oct. 1
Cycling towards Cleaner Air: As part of San Diego Climate Week kickoff, Bike SD will lead a ride from Trolley Barn Park in University Heights to Balboa Park. The bike ride will end with free snacks and beverages at the Mingei International Museum, followed by a city proclamation by Mayor Todd Gloria and San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava. The event concludes with a panel discussion on how to provide clean air for all San Diegans. Guests can skip the bike ride portion of the event. 5-8 p.m., 1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Oct. 2
Greening Your Finances: GreenPortfolio is hosting a webinar on how to make environmentally conscious investments, choose a climate-conscious bank and what to ask financial advisors. 1-1:30 p.m., Zoom
Oct. 3
Exploring Ecosystems and Water Pollution: During an anchor event at the Tijuana River Estuary, guests can participate in a guided walk through the wetlands and attend a panel discussion on the binational water pollution crisis, led by WildCoast, Sierra Club San Diego and San Diego Coastkeeper. 2:30-5:30 p.m., 301 Caspian Way, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Oct. 4
Honoring Indigenous Knowledge for Land Conservation: An anchor event at the Water Conservation Garden in El Cajon led by Indigenous leaders will focus on traditional ecological practices and land stewardship. The day includes three panel discussions; food provided by Sabrina Magante's Indian Tacos and Jimbo’s Naturally; a native crafts marketplace, and musical performances by Raza Roots, Red Bird and Red Warrior Drumming. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr. W, El Cajon, CA 92019
Oct. 5
Crochet & Cabernet: The Block Club is hosting a beginner crochet workshop as part of San Diego Climate Week. The lesson will include wine from Mvinyo Book Bar and a complimentary snack. Tickets are $25. 3-6 p.m., The Block Club, 6403 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92114
‘Threads Between Us’ Film Premiere: During the fourth and final anchor event, guests can view a premiere of “Threads Between Us” at Coastal Roots Farm in Encinitas. Directed by Jenna Carlisi, the film focuses on sustainable businesses in San Diego, featuring Dr. Bronner’s, Jimbo’s Naturally and Goodwill Industries of San Diego County. The evening also includes a sustainable business mixer prior to the screening, refreshments, a performance by Wild Caravan and live screenprinting. 4:30-8 p.m., 441 Saxony Rd., Encinitas, CA 92024
Oct. 6
Kupiihaaw Mataayum: Tipey Joa Native Warriors is hosting Kupiihaaw Mataayum (Autumn Gathering) at Kosay Kumeyaay Market in Old Town. The day will feature Kumeyaay clay pot and basket weaving demonstrations, as well as self-guided tours of the Native garden. 3-6 p.m., 85472 Calhoun St., San Diego, CA 92110
Oct. 7
Beach Cleanup: Paddle for Peace is hosting a beach cleanup near the Pacific Beach Lifeguard Station for people age 15 and older. The event kickoff with a short Ocean Breath exercise and reflection on climate justice. 4-6:30 p.m., 4400 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109
Oct. 8
Nudging Climate Action: The Better Food Foundation is hosting an online conversation with Cass Sunstein, author of “Climate Justice: What Rich Nations Owe the World—and the Future” and “Nudge.” 9-10 a.m., Zoom
