Kicking off the panel, leaders addressed the growing threat of wildfires in our changing climate. Once a natural and beneficial part of ecosystems, wildfires have now become a life-threatening danger for both people and nature, driven by climate and land-use changes.

Calyton Tshudy, botanist and executive director of San Diego Canyon Lands, provided eye-opening insights into the “hydrologic whiplash” that triggers unexpected wildfires along the wildland-urban interface. He concluded with strategies for mitigating and adapting to future fire risks.

Dr. Robert Fisher, conservation biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Western Ecological Center, expanded on the cascading effects of wildfires—from land cover influences before fires to post-fire impacts like storm debris flows and aquatic species extirpation—highlighting the need to consider all spatial and temporal contexts to truly understand wildfire impacts.

Dr. Kris Preston, ecologist at the San Diego Management and Monitoring Program (SDMPP), discussed regional wildfire management strategies aimed at preserving the ecological health of San Diego’s landscapes.

Guided by moderator Dr. Ronald Askeland, Conservation Chair of the San Diego Sierra Club, this panel provided attendees with essential information and resources to better understand and address wildfires in San Diego.

“…the ‘wildfire’ panel was so timely and the comments so relevant.” – Dr. Anne Fege, Urban Forester with the Kate Sessions Commitment

The second panel shifted from wildfire to the region’s most vital resource: water. Moderated by Dr. Serge Dedina, Executive Director of Wildcoast, the session framed a clear mission for San Diegans and coastal communities: protect waters from upstream creeks through downstream estuaries and advance climate solutions through advocacy and nature-based approaches.

Phillip Musegaas, attorney and Executive Director of Coastkeeper San Diego, outlined local threats to waterways and the human and ecological consequences, calling for stronger enforcement, coordinated advocacy, and public funding.

Dr. Karin Zirk, Executive Director of Friends of Rose Creek, urged attention to chronically neglected upstream systems and stressed the need for public awareness and collaborative leadership.

Andrew Meyer, Conservation Director of the San Diego Bird Alliance, celebrated estuaries’ ecological value—highlighting sea-level rise, water-quality pressures, carbon sequestration benefits, and species like the Ridgway’s rail.

Closing the panel, Mitch Silverstein, California Policy Coordinator for Surfrider, warned that rising seas threaten San Diego’s beaches but also pointed to policy and restoration opportunities to help preserve them.

“I found it inspiring to have the opportunity to listen about how the community cares about the coastal beaches.” – Student at Mesa College

Moderated by Masada Disenhouse, Executive Director of SanDiego350, this panel brought together leaders from labor, conservation, policy, and community development to make the case that collaboration is essential in a polarized time.

Kelly Lyndon, co-chair of the San Diego Building Electrification Coalition, discussed equitable strategies to electrify homes across the region. Cristina Marquez, Environmental Organizer for IBEW Local 569, emphasized collaboration that centers working-class families and labor perspectives.

Ecologist and conservationist Bill Tippets offered ideas for aligning land-use planning and biodiversity goals through cross-sector partnerships.

Vice Mayor Marcus Bush of National City grounded the conversation in local realities, showing how politicians, nonprofits, and residents must work together on interconnected challenges.

The panel left attendees with concrete approaches and renewed hope for a future in which leaders across sectors coordinate to better serve communities and the environment. Overall, the panel gave attendees ideas and hope for a future where leaders strive to better represent their constituents through effective and proactive collaboration across sectors.

“...relieving to see the number of political conversations involved, which made me feel that we were all aware of the current issues affecting the world.” – Student at Mesa College

 As a call to action to end the Summit, Dr. Laura Deitrick with The Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego, along with additional remarks from Phillip Musegaas, presented findings of perspectives held by non-profits regarding the systemic issues of our current times and how they can be addressed to continue the work that needs to be done. While many perspectives of non-profits held significant concerns regarding their future in the current political climate, Dr. Deitrick and Musegaas expertly reminded attendees that we have the power to fight back with the information provided in their talks, and continue advocating for the entity that provides life for all: our environment.

Amid growing anxiety over an uncertain future and rapid global changes, now more than ever, diverse and collaborative leadership must step up to forge a bright, sustainable tomorrow. The Summit served as a critical platform, spearheaded by leaders across sectors, for discussing the necessary steps to be taken in this time of uncertainty.

“The day definitely solidified my passion for sustainability and helped me feel whole in finding my people!” – Student at Mesa College