How youth are fighting climate grief with action

The first time I joined a hike with Climate Action Families (CAF), my heart was pounding. I was 8 years old, the shy new kid in the group, and wasn’t sure I’d fit in. But everything changed on that trail at Snoqualmie Pass when an adult volunteer pointed out a cluster of glowing mushrooms on a mossy tree stump. They explained how these fungi were bioluminescent, and we all crowded around, shining our black lights in the dim forest. That moment of awe — and many others since — became the fuel that keeps me working against climate change.

Maddie (5) holds a new mushroom friend on a CAF trip to Port Gamble Tree Farm. Photo courtesy of Climate Action Families

I’m in college now, and I’ve been with CAF for more than half my life. CAF is a youth and family-led organization committed to advancing climate justice from every angle. For 12 years, the group has empowered young people and their families to make a real impact, from personal transformations to reshaping government policies and even our power grid.

One of the main ways we do this is by staying connected to the places we’re fighting for. At CAF, we regularly acknowledge that most of us are newcomers to this land, and honor the Coast Salish peoples and their deep knowledge of this special place. We know we’re here to learn. That’s why we spend so much time together in nature — hiking, snowshoeing and cultivating a sense of awe for the world around us.

CAF youth take a break on a trip in 2019. Across the top is Zoe (13), Alex (12), Emory (14), and below is Allie (6). All are still part of the CAF family. Photo courtesy of Climate Action Families

Our outdoor adventures have been transformative for me. We’ve hiked through Discovery Park’s serene trails, explored the rugged beauty of Snoqualmie Pass, and marveled at everything from edible berries to slime molds and spotted banana slugs. Though I’ve been on other field trips and personal expeditions in nature, I’m especially grateful for all the wild places I’ve experienced with CAF across Washington.

Of course, facing the weight of the climate crisis is hard. Right now, fires are raging in LA and 6 million people are at risk. It can often feel overwhelming. Exploring the outdoors with others reminds me that, while the challenges are huge, we are in this together. Over time, I’ve gone from hesitantly showing up for hikes to leading outdoor events as a youth organizer. Learning how to guide a group safely showed me that every one of us can be a mentor for the next generation. CAF helped me build that confidence and now I’ve seen countless young people find their voices and realize how much they can do.

It’s still painful to watch climate change impact the trails we love. Reduced snowpack and wildfire scars are turning our healing forests into places of worry. The bomb cyclone that tore through Western Washington last November dropped two beloved trees onto my family’s home in North Seattle. CAF doesn’t just notice these shifts; we take action.

Yes, it can be daunting, but at CAF, we make sure to find joy and celebration along the way. Taking the time to watch a Puget Sound sunset or admire alpine wildflowers reminds us of the beauty and life we’re protecting. These moments ground us and refuel our passion for a better future.

Energized by that inspiration, we’ve taken countless steps for climate action. We’ve testified in front of local councils, challenged state and federal agencies in court on their climate commitments, and even spoken at the United Nations. Seriously — we’re that determined. We helped organize the Youth Climate Strikes in 2018 and 2019, worked to ban new fossil fuel infrastructure in our county and shut down banks funding fossil fuel extraction. We also get creative together. We’ve written subversive holiday carols, painted murals and busked for donations to plant trees. We work to keep the air we all breathe clean, informing the public about the pollution from Amazon trucks and monitoring the air pollution in members’ homes during wildfires.

Something as small as learning about a mushroom can spark a lifetime of curiosity in the outdoors. Photo courtesy of Climate Action Families

Now more than ever, protecting and appreciating trails is essential as the climate crisis grows. They are places of inspiration, resilience, and, for me, they’ve been a springboard to action. I hope everyone takes the chance to explore Washington’s trails, support organizations like WTA, and get involved in climate advocacy. It’s in these shared outdoor spaces that we find common ground and the spark we need to create real change.

Learn more at climateactionfamilies.org