Campus Climate Action beautifies Fresno State

Fresno State Campus Climate Action students are planting native California plants around campus. Their goal is to educate students about the issue of global warming.

“We live in a world that a lot of climate is changing, and because of that you can see native plants suffering and most of the time they can be extinct,” said Pedro Squiapati, a master’s student of plant science.

Squiapati is working to enhance soil health, which helps prolong the life of plants.

“When you’re planting native crops, you’re kind of trying to make our soil better with all of the microbiota that plants carry with them to the soil,” Squiapati said.

As an agricultural state, California is dependent upon the health of the crops and soil. When certain plants go extinct, the native insect and animal species that depend on them, also suffer.

Hillary Rodriguez is a student member of Campus Climate Action and a content creator for the organization.

“As we know, pollinators are very important for our crops, so if we don’t have that habitat, eventually it’s going to affect us as a community and humanity,” Rodriguez said.

Pollution from things like pollen and algae can cause respiratory issues, runny nose, and sneezing.

“By helping to create a sustainable campus with some California natives and also reducing the amount of water usage we have is some of the best ways we can help alleviate those symptoms,” said Alex Ramirez, education lead for the California Climate Action Corps.

If you want to learn more about sustainable gardening or how to get involved with the campus climate action, follow their Instagram @fsclimateaction