Belmont City residents may soon see a significant focus on climate resilience for young children and childcare facilities, following a passionate presentation at the recent Planning Commission meeting. Daojian Pei, the Program and Operations Manager for Build Up San Mateo County, emphasized the urgent need for action to protect the most vulnerable members of the community—children aged birth to five years old.

Pei highlighted the release of the San Mateo County Early Childhood Climate Action Plan, which aims to address the unique challenges faced by young children and childcare providers during climate-related events, such as extreme heat and poor air quality. She pointed out that these conditions can pose serious health risks, including emergency room visits for children with asthma.

The plan serves as a roadmap for local governments, businesses, and nonprofits to collaborate on funding and implementing climate-ready upgrades for childcare facilities. Pei stressed that many local childcare providers operate on tight budgets and lack the resources necessary to enhance their climate resilience.

As a Belmont resident for over 14 years, Pei expressed her hope that the city will adopt the strategies outlined in the plan, ensuring that early childhood considerations are integrated into local climate resilience efforts. This initiative not only aims to safeguard the health of young children but also supports the backbone of the local economy—childcare providers.

The discussions at the meeting signal a growing recognition of the importance of including early childhood needs in climate action strategies, potentially leading to a more resilient future for Belmont's youngest residents.