January ‘25 Chapter Call with LA Climate Emergency Mobilization Office’s Marta Segura
Sunday, January 26, 2025
7pm Via Zoom
Stream the interview below.
Our January chapter call featured a discussion with Marta Segura, Director of LA’s Climate Emergency Mobilization Office (CEMO) about climate resiliency in the wake of this month’s devastating fires.
Marta Segura is both the first Director of CEMO, which was launched in 2021, and the first Chief Heat Officer for the city of Los Angeles — one of 10 Chief Heat Officers appointed by cities around the world.
CEMO develops equitable climate solutions and to improve the health and resiliency of Los Angeles. The office has brought its collaborative approach to community engagement to topics included building electrification and extreme heat preparedness.
The urban Palisades and Eaton fires, which spread rapidly due to a combination of strong Santa Ana winds and climate change-induced extraordinary drought conditions, show the urgency of addressing climate change and preparing for the enormous challenges climate change poses for our region.
Although CEMO was created to address long-term climate resiliency, not to respond to any specific emergency, Marta talked about the city’s unified response to the wildfires, how her department is supporting the response by distributing air purifiers and health & safety resources, and how Los Angeles can build back in more resilient way.
Marta Segura, Chief Heat Officer for the City of Los Angeles and Director of the Climate Emergency Mobilization Office.
In the conversation with LA Climate Reality Chair Charles Miller, Marta also discussed how her upbringing in San Jose and exposure to pesticides influenced her career path and why extreme heat is a top priority for her office.
Prior to her current positions with the City of Los Angeles, Marta served as Southern California Climate Engagement Director for Center for Biological Diversity. Previous roles included City Planning Commissioner for the City of Los Angeles and roles at Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust and Communities for a Better Environment.
This conversation is part of our Climate Movers & Shakers interview series. Scroll down to watch the recording.