Cooling Cities and Creating Safe Spaces

Join us Tuesday, September 16, at 3 pm ET for a live webinar.

Register here.

This Just Energy for All webinar will explore how young people are leading the way in transforming urban spaces through tree planting, establishing pollinator gardens, and revitalizing vacant lots.

As climate change intensifies extreme heat across the United States, low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, shaped by decades of disinvestment and redlining, are hit the hardest by urban heat islands. Youth-led greening projects not only reduce these inequities by providing shade, cleaner air, and healthier environments, but they also create safe spaces for gathering, reflection, and collective action.

Together we’ll discuss the connections between youth leadership, racial and climate justice, and urban resilience, while highlighting the vital role that congregations and community organizations can play to support these efforts. From offering land for community gardens to helping fundraise for shade-tree initiatives, faith and local groups can be powerful partners in building greener, safer, and more just neighborhoods.