Last Saturday, Irvine’s environmentalists launched Earth Year, Irvine’s inaugural community fair on sustainability.

During the event, panelists from the Irvine Climate Coalition imparted inspiring messages. Here are a few of the quotes we will be sharing throughout the week: 

“A just and equitable future is all about kids everywhere having the right to breathe clean air and drink clean water. We need to one day live in a world where health is not determined by your zip code.” -Kim Konte, Non-Toxic Neighborhoods

“Climate change became personal for me when I realized that countries in the Global South contributing the least to global emissions would experience the most harm. My family comes from the Philippines, and that’s when I realized I had to get involved.” -Rachel Abalos, Green Team Irvine Valley College

'“I am motivated to stay hopeful in the face of ‘climate doomer-ism’ because change can happen at the local level and fundamentally support the global fight against climate change.” -Lexi Hernandez, Climate Action Campaign

Councilmember Larry Agran, co-founder of the Irvine Climate Coalition, was happy to convoke a large and growing community: 

“Our event is the first of what I know will soon be a longstanding tradition. Everyone needs to be involved in sustainability efforts and climate action, and everyone should start by getting involved at the local level.”

Thanks to everyone who came, volunteered, or spoke at Earth Year for making our environmental community one!