Upcoming events.
Environmental Film Series: Chasing Carbon Zero
Join CEC, Citizens' Climate Lobby, and the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara Earth Advocates for a screening of "Chasing Carbon Zero," a NOVA documentary that explores the race to Net Zero by 2050. Following the film, hear from LEED-certified architect Dennis Thompson and renewable energy expert Craig Lewis about how we can get to Net Zero by electrifying our cars and homes, and adopting renewable energy, and the challenges that lie ahead. Audience questions and discussion welcome. Light snacks provided. This event is co-hosted by CEC.
An Evening with Climate Expert and National Security Advisor Sherri Goodman
Join CEC, UC Santa Barbara, and the City of Santa Barbara for a discussion with climate expert and National Security Advisor Sherri Goodman. Moderated by Dr. Leah Stokes, the conversation will center on climate change and national security: how military leaders’ thinking has evolved, what contingency plans they have, and where they see conflict coming next. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase Goodman’s new book, Threat Multiplier, detailing the inside story of the military’s fight for global security, a tale that is as hopeful as it is harrowing. CEC is a co-host of this event.
Central Coast Town Hall & Green Drinks
Join the Central Coast Green Business Council (CCGBC) for a fun and informative town hall meeting at CEC's Environmental Hub. Now a member of the U.S. Green Building Council California, a nonprofit advocating for a sustainable, resilient, and equitable built environment in California, CCGBC is set to supercharge the green building movement. Grab a drink and a snack, and get all your questions answered. Together, we’ll ensure that the Central Coast and all of California have a voice in creating a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future for everyone. CEC is a co-host of this event. Learn more and register.
CEC Youth Climate Workshop
Sixth through twelfth grade students are invited to join CEC for a workshop that explores ways we can communicate climate change through advocacy. In this workshop, we'll cover:
Zine-crafting focused on climate and policy
How to talk with elected officials
How to advocate for causes you believe in
Meet local elected officials and network with other young people who are inspired to take climate action. Snacks and beverages provided. Learn more and register.
Living With Fire Summit
Community Environmental Council and UCSB's California NanoSystems Institute are hosting the Living with Fire Summit.
At this summit, presenters will share progress, successes, and challenges of wildfire resilience projects at various stages in our region, as well as future opportunities for innovation.
This summit will:
Inspire new, innovative wildfire resilience research projects and collaborations
Foster connections to provide “real world” feedback and broaden adoption of resilience efforts
Educate agencies on the wildfire resilience projects currently underway and in need of investment
Develop a shared understanding of the policy and technology gaps that need to close in order to advance wildfire resilience
Enhance understanding of the nuances and complexities of wildfire and its impact and importance in each area of government activity
By understanding the systems and infrastructure our wildfire resilience efforts are built on, we can adapt and innovate to better live with fire.
This event is funded by the State of California's 2022 Climate Action Initiative and is a part of Santa Barbara County Wildfire Resilience Collaborative.
Second Life: Building Community around Preservation and Adaptive Reuse in the California Desert
This event comprises a series of presentations followed by a panel discussion analyzing the impact of preservation and adaptive reuse projects in the California desert. These projects not only extend the lifespan of architecturally significant structures but also, more significantly, foster public commitment to preserving and celebrating the region’s modern built identity—a dedication that stands out prominently in the area.
ArchitecTours
Join the American Institute of Architects, Santa Barbara for their 15th annual ArchitecTours, a celebration of exceptional local architecture, showcasing the design and depth of knowledge of AIASB architects. This year’s tour will include several unique residences: a modern ranch style home in Hope Ranch, a timeless masterpiece overlooking Santa Barbara, a contemporary residence on the Mesa, and a modern home that kept preservation and sustainability in mind. In addition, tour-goers will also have the opportunity to visit the Community Environmental Council’s Environmental Hub, the first of it’s kind. All projects on the tour demonstrate the beauty of Santa Barbara’s signature indoor-outdoor lifestyle and the diversity of our built environment. Learn more and register.
Santa Barbara Event Professionals Networking Mixer
Join us for an exclusive Industry Night for non-profit event planners, vendors, and partners at our Environmental Hub.
Stronger State Street
Join us for presentations by Strong Towns Santa Barbara members on the mobility, architectural, and economic considerations for redesigning the heart of Santa Barbara
The Case for Degrowth: Alternative Economics for Sustainable Futures
Giorgos Kallis is an ecological economist and political ecologist working on environmental justice and limits to growth.
"Just the Beginning: A Century of Political Power and the League of Women Voters" Film Screening
August 26 is Women’s Equality Day, celebrating the date the 19th Amendment was certified.
The Power of Participation: How You Can Help Good Environmental Bills Become Law
This year, and in coming years, California can protect the climate, the environment, and people's health through sound environmental laws.
An Evening with Nicole Masters: Envisioning a New Future Through Soil Resilience, Community, and Connection
Join us for an evening with agroecologist, author, and educator Nicole Masters for an inspiring presentation and discussion about the crucial role of community in soil stewardship and environmental resilience.
Creating Local Resilience with Regenerative Design: Solar Powered Homes, Communities, and Gardens
Join the Santa Barbara Permaculture Network for an evening with Leif H. Skogberg, a holistic sustainability educator, consultant, builder, designer.
"Plastic People" Santa Barbara Premiere
Join us for the Santa Barbara premier of “Plastic People,” a landmark feature documentary that chronicles humanity’s fraught relationship with plastic and one woman’s mission to expose shocking new revelations about the impact of microplastics on human health.
Plastic-Free Expo
You are invited to the Community Environmental Council and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper’s 3rd Annual Plastic-Free Expo featuring plastic-free information and activities.
Total Garbage: Lecture and Book Signing with Author Ed Humes
Meet Ed Humes, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of “Total Garbage: How We Can Fix Our Waste and Heal Our World.”
CEC Climate Talks: Dr. Flávia Maia
Dr. Flávia Maia, Obama Scholar, and Dalai Lama Fellow, believes that, in the midst of our legitimate concerns of a climate collapse, we also need spaces of joy and possibility.
UnCharitable Film Screening & Panel Discussion
Led by Dan Pallotta, whose record-breaking TED Talk has inspired leading philanthropists and changemakers, this documentary exposes the dark side of philanthropy.
Advancing Sustainable Development in an Era of Housing Growth
The County of Santa Barbara and its incorporated cities are planning the construction of nearly 15,000 housing units on the South Coast over the next eight years.
CEC Climate Talks: Michael Kearney
Michael Kearney, retired palliative care doctor and Author brings us Becoming Forest: A Story of Deep Belonging.
Plastic Free Future: A Vision for California's Coastal Resources
During this event, you'll hear from advocacy, science and policy experts who will discuss California’s pressing plastic pollution issues and the harmful impacts on our environment.
Estate Planning Seminar - Evening
Completing your will or trust requires a plan. Join us for a free estate planning seminar to get started.
Estate Planning Seminar - Afternoon
Completing your will or trust requires a plan. Join us for a free estate planning seminar to get started.
Sanctuary Screening & Panel Discussion - "Saving Animals, Saving Nature"
Please join us for a screening of the new documentary short, “Sanctuary,” about the ground-breaking Lompoc-based Shadow’s Fund and its new model for rescuing and rehabilitating dogs and farm animals
Beaverland: Lecture and book signing with author Leila Philip
Leila Philip is an award-winning author of nonfiction works, essays, poetry, and theatrical scripts. Her book, Beaverland, tells the story of the rodent that has played a giant role in shaping America.
Bikes and Data: A Santa Barbara Story
Learn how UC Santa Barbara and leaders across the South Coast are working together to make Santa Barbara a better place for biking.
Community Forum: An Ecological Framework for Downtown Santa Barbara
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) believes that the re-envisioning of downtown Santa Barbara provides an unprecedented opportunity to establish farreaching environmental measures to guide future development.
Youth Climate Workshop
Students in seventh through twelfth grade who are interested in taking bold climate action are invited to join CEC staff, CEC Climate Steward alumni, and community leaders for this free workshop on how to communicate climate change through the arts.
People’s Hearing on Climate Action
The Climate Protection and Restoration Initiative is hosting its third public hearing on climate action in Santa Barbara at the Community Environmental Council’s Environmental Hub.