Empowering Communities through Climate Justice: A Path to Resilience and Equity

Marta Segura, Chief Heat and Climate Emergency Mobilization Officer, City of Los Angeles

From Adversity to Environmental Justice Leadership      

From my teen years in San Jose, California, I knew that I wanted to influence policies affecting marginalized, historically disinvested communities, particularly the environmental impacts on their health. Pesticides crop-dusted my community, and our neighborhood was demolished, giving me a fire in the belly to understand why our community was negatively impacted by government decisions while others were not.

In the 1970s, long before environmental or climate degrees were widely available, I found my way to UC Santa Barbara, where I earned a Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies. The program has since evolved, now offering more science and management courses than before. From there, I pursued a Master’s in Public Health at UCLA, specializing in Environmental Health and Policy. I was determined to follow a path that would allow me to influence climate policy, which eventually led me to this role.

My engagement with community leaders and focus on environmental justice brought me here. My community nominated me for this position, and local environmental and social justice leaders were instrumental in establishing the Climate Emergency Mobilization Office, where I now serve as Director and Chief Heat Officer.

Building Trust Through Co-Designed Climate Solutions   

We strive to co-produce and co-design our policy recommendations with community leaders through workshops, focus groups, and community assemblies. We aim to be authentic and trusted partners. We work closely with local, trusted partner networks that have built rapport with communities over the years, keeping them informed, engaged, and delivering tangible results. Transparency is vital, and it is essential to keep these communities informed throughout the process.

Collaborative Efforts for Equitable Climate Resilience     

We are expanding our cooling center network with the Los Angeles Libraries. Thanks to their amazing leadership and general manager, all 73 city libraries now serve as cooling and warming centers. We have also influenced equitable building decarbonization policy in collaboration with departments such as the Department of Building and Safety, the LA Housing Authority Department, and the Bureau of Engineers.

“Building rapport behind the scenes and setting aside egos has been key. Demonstrating that our efforts are for the community—as public servants—helps create genuine partnerships”

Building rapport behind the scenes and setting aside egos has been key. Demonstrating that our efforts are for the community—as public servants—helps create genuine partnerships.

Innovative Cooling Strategies and Community Resources          

The City of Los Angeles has installed hydration stations at all 73 libraries and most of our Recreation and Parks Facilities. We have also provided three Climate Stations for people experiencing homelessness. Additionally, we are on track to become the first West Coast city to develop a Heat Action Plan, highlighting all our cooling strategies.

We’ve embraced digital tools by creating the Cool Spots LA Map, a web-based application that shows all cooling centers and amenities. Collaborating with the Department of Water and Power (DWP), we also promote their Cool LA program, which provides resources and rebates to help residents cool their homes.

Leading with Vision, Collaboration, and Trust      

It’s crucial to offer support, have a clear vision that resonates, and help other departments achieve their goals while securing funding and resources. When benefits are co-benefits that uplift everyone, meaningful change begins.

Trust must be earned, and it goes a long way. However, this is not a fast process—we must remember to lead at the speed of trust.