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UCLA researchers explain how California’s Transformative Climate Communities Program is the next step toward fighting climate change

A series of community images

A new UCLA report is making headlines on how the Transformative Climate Communities program (TTC) is reshaping the lives of Californians. UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation researchers documented the progress of TCC-supported action in five communities across California: Fresno, Ontario, Stockton, and the Watts and Northeast San Fernando Valley neighborhoods of Los Angeles. These annual reports are part of the ongoing evaluation that UCLA is conducting in collaboration with TCC grantees, with the goal of implementing these reports into new policy guidelines that will help serve underprivileged communities.  

Watts is recognized as one of the leading regions in this program, where 300 residents received energy efficiency upgrades — including smart thermostats and LED lighting — to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and reduce their energy bills. In addition, volunteers delivered 261 thousand pounds of fresh food to nearly 10,000 residents using leftovers from grocery stores — thus reducing waste and food insecurity. The community also started planting 2,250 trees, which aims to cool down streets and sequester carbon. 

Read more about the TCC program at UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation. 

 

Study Authors: 

Jason Karpman, UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation

Colleen Callahan, UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation 

Erin Coutts, Los Angeles Regional Collaborative for Climate Action and Sustainability 

J.R. DeShazo, Ph.D, UCLA Luskin Center for innovation 

Silvia R. González, Ph.D, UCLA Luskin Center for innovation 

Bo Liu, Ph.D, UCLA Luskin Center for innovation 

Kelly Trumbull, UCLA Luskin Center for innovation 

V. Kelly Turner, Ph.D, UCLA Luskin Center for innovation 

 

Image Source: From left: Youth assisting with community outreach for TCC-funded tree plantings in Pacoima (Credit: Pacoima Beautiful). Construction at Vista Verde Apartments in Ontario (Credit: National Community Renaissance). Mural in Stockton that also serves as the Stockton Rising logo (Credit: risestockton.org). Resident tries on a new helmet at Bike Safe Fresno event (Credit: Office of Council Member Miguel Arias, District 3 Office). TreePeople staff and volunteers planting trees along Croesus Ave. in Watts (Credit: Watts Rising Collaborative).