Climate Resiliency Action
Build Up SMC is building awareness of climate-related risks in early childhood and taking action to build climate resiliency in child care facilities
Early Childhood Climate Action Plan
Build Up SMC is creating a countywide Early Childhood Climate Action Plan 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.
Click here to learn more or read the U.S. Early Years Climate Action Plan by Elliot Haspel, which inspired and served as a model for the San Mateo County Climate Action Plan.
Canopy Tree Planting Pilot
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 tree-planting pilot 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. Stay tuned for updates on more tree plantings later this year.
