Resilient Roots: Climate Leaders Network

Resilient Roots is a climate education program led by Greenbelt Alliance and Sustainable Solano that will equip 20 Suisun City and Fairfield residents with the inspiration and resources to champion climate action in their own communities.

Greenbelt Alliance and Sustainable Solano are nurturing local champions while igniting a movement to cultivate resilience and sow the seeds of a sustainable future—not only for Suisun and Fairfield but for the entire state of California.

Throughout the 10-month course beginning in September 2024, participants will engage in a skill-building and leadership development curriculum, including guest speakers, workshops, field trips, outreach, and project development. The Climate Leadership Network will hone local expertise to develop an understanding of interconnected climate challenges, planning and policy development skills, and the tools for participants to lead local action and grow their climate leadership!

This project will meaningfully address gaps in public awareness and capacity by supporting residents in becoming advocates and bringing their own expertise into all types of planning, restoration, and development projects and policies. Learn more at the program at solanoresilientroots.org.

Why Suisun City and Fairfield?

Neighboring cities Suisun City and Fairfield face intersecting climate challenges of sea level rise, wildfires, and inland flooding that will affect predominantly low-income communities within their borders. Sustainable Solano and Greenbelt Alliance are launching a new climate fellowship program that will help create local climate champions and prepare Suisun and Fairfield communities and ecosystems for a changing climate.

Resilient Roots will meaningfully address gaps in public awareness and local capacity to build climate resilience by creating a network of local climate champions who will address the region’s climate challenges, such as protecting and restoring the San Francisco Estuary and elevating the local community in planning for a more sustainable future.

By doing so, Resilient Roots will support residents in becoming advocates and bringing their own expertise into all types of planning, restoration, and development projects and policies.

What We'll Accomplish

Together with Sustainable Solano, Greenbelt Alliance will accelerate climate adaptation by improving on-the-ground community engagement with 20 engaged community members. Resilient Roots Fellows will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to take action to prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change—namely sea level rise leading to wetland loss and wildfires.

As a result of this project, Fairfield and Suisun can expect increased participation and decision-making on climate resilience, environmental justice, and local environmental planning from residents disproportionately at risk from climate change that will positively impact the health, vitality and resilience of communities and ecosystems in Suisun City and Fairfield.

Meet Our Fellows!

Community Showcase

The program will culminate in a fun-filled, impactful showcase event in June 2025 to celebrate the work of the program participants and launch a digital resource for other communities to learn from our findings. Stay tuned for more Resilient Roots updates!

This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement (98T89401) to (Greenbelt Alliance/People for Open Space). The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does the EPA endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in this document.

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