The impact of Bonnie Reiss Climate Action fellows at UCSB

At UC Santa Barbara, students play a crucial role in the fight against climate change, with a deep commitment to sustainability on campus and in the local community. The UC President’s Bonnie Reiss Climate Action Student Fellowship Program has been a driving place for the mission. The students participating act as leaders, shaping the future of sustainability. Supported by the university's dedicated departments and mentors, these fellows embody the strength of student-powered change. 

Abigail Balais and Michelle Shteynberg, both fourth-year students, are two of the fellows working on climate action. Their work spotlights how students can combine academic knowledge, passion as well as collaboration to address the critical environmental challenges of our generation.

Abigail Balais, double majoring in Environmental Studies and Sociology, serves as UCSB's Climate Resiliency Fellow. In her position, she has collaborated with the Emergency Management team to assess risks such as sea-level rise, wildfires, and extreme temperatures. Her efforts contribute to UCSB's Climate Action Plan, focusing on plans of action and strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate-related threats.

When asked about what drew her into the field of sustainability, she shared a thoughtful answer, “What drew me to the field of sustainability and environmental science was that for every other career path I considered, I was continuously taking into consideration the environmental impacts of the field itself, distracting me from the actual content of my classes. It made it hard to focus on the general goals and objectives of any career path or job as I was expected to ignore, in a way, the environmental implications that I would later be complicit in. I wasn’t allowed to, or given the opportunity, to do anything about it. Being in my major now, I’m able to protect the most vulnerable, and move towards becoming a generation of repair, through whatever channel that may be.”

Abigail’s outreach initiatives are equally exciting. She has recently organized events like Isla Vista Clean Air Day, promoting air quality awareness, and Community Disaster Education workshops that aim to prepare students and staff for emergencies and natural disasters. In addition, as president of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Club, Abigail enriches a culture of preparedness on campus with her work. She helps in enhancing UCSB’s resilience as well as inspiring her peers to take control of their safety and contribute to climate resilience efforts.

This aligns with Abigail's future as she is “getting a greater understanding of what it takes to write  and implement the policy that enacts positive environmental change. I’m gaining a really important point of view and perspective on everything that is considered when trying to support a population that varies in so many ways. I’m learning about how to navigate various professional situations in ways that are productive and proactive, while learning how to create inclusive spaces for my peers ” 

Michelle Shteynberg, an Environmental Studies major, brings her enthusiasm for climate resilience and environmental planning to her position as the Climate Action Engagement Fellow. In her role, she helps advance UCSB’s Climate Action Planning while connecting the campus community with sustainable and affordable transportation options to staff, faculty and students alike.

She briefly shared where her passion comes from, “I want to play a role in the conservation and recovery of our earth and the communities around me. My passion for climate resilience and environmental planning have converged to inspire me to pursue projects focusing on expanding community knowledge about environmental resources and promoting environmental equity. I feel as though we as students have the power to spark change, and it is up to us to continue to educate others and play a direct role in creating a healthier, more sustainable world.”

Michelle collaborates with the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) to boost the access to sustainable transportation for students, staff, and faculty alike. She also creates outreach ideas to inform the community about the connection between transportation choices and their effects on climate goals. By organizing town halls and forums, Michelle ensures that students and stakeholders play an active role in shaping UCSB’s climate initiatives.

The successful work and collaboration of CNI fellows like Abigail and Michelle is only possible through the support of UCSB’s departments and programs. The Emergency Management team, Transportation Alternatives Program, and the Office of Sustainability work closely with students, providing mentorship, resources, and opportunities to lead and inspire influential initiatives. This collaboration not only strengthens the fellows’ work but also naturally reinforces the university’s commitment to empowering student leadership in the field of sustainability.

Michelle bravely shared how much of our planet has already been harmed, “I want to be able to make a direct impact on the environment by focusing on sustainability and green infrastructure in our built environment, specifically the spaces we create and live in. I hope that humans can reduce their emissions to protect the living, breathing parts of our planet to sustain the beauty that it contains.” With a goal to raise awareness in her community. 

Abigail and Michelle’s work highlights that students at UCSB can be strong drivers of change. With an aim to tackle immediate climate challenges while influencing their peers to take action, regardless of their academic background or goals. Through their positions as CNI fellows, they show how sustainability is not just an end goal, but a collaborative effort that requires a vision, commitment and work to reach equity.

As current CNI fellows, these students are laying the foundation for more sustainable practices and resilience at UCSB, on campus and in the community. As the impact goes beyond campus, and aims to inspire others to take part in more eco-friendly practices for a more sustainable world.

To learn more, visit Climate Action Initiative website