Climate Resiliency Action
San Mateo County Early Childhood Climate Action Plan
Build Up SMC is proud to share the San Mateo County Early Childhood Climate Action Plan (SMC ECCAP), the first county-centered climate action plan focused on early childhood. The goal is to ensure young children and child care providers are part of San Mateo County’s broader climate resilience strategy. This plan includes:
Research on climate impacts at child care facilities, particularly in under-resourced areas
Strategies for adapting child care centers to withstand heat, air pollution, and climate disruptions
Policy recommendations to increase funding and access to climate-resilient upgrades
Cross-sector engagement with government, environmental groups, and public health experts
The SMC ECCAP is the cornerstone of Build Up SMC’s Climate Resiliency Initiative and influenced a growing portfolio of resources to support early care and learning sites. We invite child care providers to explore the plan, resources and solution briefs designed to strengthen climate awareness and readiness. We also call on leaders in government, business, health, and climate to join us and use these data and recommendations to inform local climate and emergency planning.
We are grateful to Elliot Haspel and the team of cross-sector leaders who authored the U.S. Early Years Climate Action Plan. This plan links caring for our children with caring for our planet and inspired the SMC ECCAP.
Canopy Tree Planting
In partnership with Canopy—a nonprofit that connects communities through thriving urban forests via tree planting, stewardship, education, and advocacy—Build Up SMC launched a pilot project in spring 2025 to address tree canopy deficiencies in priority zip codes. By planting trees at child care centers, we aim to:
Lower temperatures and create shaded outdoor learning spaces
Improve air quality and reduce heat-related risks
Engage communities in urban forestry and sustainability education
On May 17, 2025, we hosted our first event bringing volunteers, families, educators and local residents together to plant trees and create healthier, cooler outdoor spaces at three early learning sites in East Palo Alto. Check out the video! Stay tuned for updates on more tree plantings later this year.
