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California Coastal Commission

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Monarchs hanging from a tree

Climate Storytelling Contest

2026 Photo Essay 2nd Place Winner

"Step-by-Step"
By Sophia Lam-Le, Westminster



Text: Step-by-Step, by Sophia Lam-Le.
Text: Climate change does not affect anyone at all -or that’s what I used to think. I’ve always noted how the sky in my area seems very polluted, the sky was not dark and mesmerizing as I once remember it to be. Climate change never seemed relevant until sophomore year, when I watched a film Before the Flood in my AP Environmental class. My view of the world changed. From physical and material consumption, we are in fact hurting the environment through the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. I changed my ways of living through simple things like walking more, recycling, and purchasing cotton clothes that will not be tossed in a short while. Although my actions may seem little, I believe starting late is better than never, because we all can contribute and expand further in our works to lower global warming.
Photo of cars on a freeway. Caption: California State Route 136. Text: In a car ride trip to San Diego, being one of the many places I’m driven to, reflecting the amounts of carbon dioxide that is released from this lifestyle, without me having a thought or care about it.
Photo of a bonfire at a campsite at night. Caption: Summerdale Campground, California. Text: A bonfire at 12AM in the mountains, lasting about 2 hours, representing the lack of care for my carbon footprint.
Photo of boxes and shopping bags outside. Caption: Home, California. Text: Consumption of fast fashion clothes and fast food on a daily basis.
Photo of a pier at night, with lights reflecting of the water. Caption: Huntington Beach, California. Text: The beach sky has lost its spark. Less, stars and a brighter night highlighting our damage to the environment.
Photo of a slide about global temperatures on a laptop. Caption: Home, California. Text: Warning of global climate change, marking the point where I become aware of my selfishness towards earth.
Photo of empty plastic, single-use water bottles and gallon water bottles piled on the ground. Caption: Home, California. Text: My attempt to change by recycling and reusing plastic water bottles instead of tossing them out.
Photo of a partially selfie, with a banner in the background that says Bolsa Chica Land Trust's Stewards. Caption: Bolsa Chica Land Trust, California. Text: Volunteer at Bolsa Chica Land Ecological Reserve on a Saturday, another attempt to help the environment instead of going out to go shopping.
Photo of a dirt trail during sunset with trees lining the left side. Caption: Huntington Central Park, California. Text: A 45 minute mini hike after walking from the library, enjoying nature as it truly is.
Photo of a road going through large trees. A person is stading on the right side of the road. Caption: Yosemite National Park, California. Text: My hike from a carpool trip with friends, saving gas while releasing less carbon dioxide. Win-win for both us and nature!
Photo of a teenager with long hair standing on a beach during sunset. Caption: Laguna Beach, California. Text: The sunset at the beach; signifying a promising future of hope that brighter than what we see.