Youth climate activists are rocking the world as "The Generation of Greta" as deemed by The Guardian, is moving forward to let their voices be heard. The U.S is home to many of the young activists working towards activism to bring about meaningful change. Isra Hirsi is the 16-year old co-founder of the US Youth Climate Strike. Xiuhtezcatl Martinez at 19 is the youth director of Earth Guardians, an organization that trains youth to use civic engagement and the arts to solve environmental issues. 17-year old Jamie Margolin is the founder and co-executive director of Zero Hour, a youth- and women of color-led movement to support young activists and organizers.
"Young people are the ones who have to face the effects of our negative impacts on the environment the most," says Selen Nehrozoglu is a 5th year Rutgers Student double majoring in Entomology and Music and the PR manager of Rutgers SEA (Students for Environmental Awareness). "There is definitely a more thorough knowledge of climate change than ever before, as well as a newfound pressure for younger generations to take action against climate change. It does not matter how young one is, as long as the passion for change is there, the action will follow."
Selen Nehrozoglu volunteering at the New Brunswick Community Gardens on September 22nd, 2018. Photo provided by Selen Nehrozoglu
As Climate Week NYC is taking place from September 23rd to 29th this year, Rutgers SEA will be hosting its own "Rutgers Climate Action Week", held on the Rutgers New Brunswick campus from September 20th – 27th. Although it won't have 150 events, it will be open for any students looking to educate themselves and participate in many climate action related activities and events.
Find more about the event on Facebook Events.Rutgers SEA Facebook
This starts off with a Global Climate Strike in New Brunswick on Friday, September 20th. A Climate Action Fair will allow various organizations to highlight how they are working on climate change. A film screening of This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate. A panel and workshop on divestment relating to various campaigns, and an advocacy event and discussion on the Green New Deal.
A photo of some Rutgers SEA members at a picnic event on May 11, 2019. Photo provided by Selen Nehrozoglu
Rutgers SEA is an environmental organization listed in the NJEDL (NJ Environmental Digital Library) as an environmental organization. According to Selen there are about 35 members, and the goal of the group is to "raise awareness of environmental issues, to solve those issues, and to provide people with resources needed to conduct sustainable practices both in and out of campus". Rutgers SEA plans special events for every day of Earth week, including cleanups, discussion panels, and more. It's also not the only one on campus.
"I'm a part of SEED, Students for Environmental and Energy Development, and The Trail, a student-run newsletter focused on environmental news." says Christina Gonzalve, a junior studying environmental science. Through her studies Christina worked with a group on a small-scale aquaponics system and wrote an article for The Trail on climate change's effects on the coffee industry.
"Other clubs that SEA is involved with include (but are not limited to) RU Compost, Rutgers Sustainability Coalition, and Rutgers Zero Waste Collective." says Selen. Thanks to the passion of Rutgers's students, the university is home to many clubs and organizations focused on environmental action. Another one to mention would be Rutger's own Climate Institute, a university-wide effort to address climate change through research, education and outreach.
Youth activism is constantly growing as more young people take a stand, through starting clubs at university, or staging walk outs in high school. "Young people should be aware and involved because EVERYONE should be aware and involved," says Christina. She explains what more people need to realize. "Climate Change affects everyone regardless of age. It doesn't matter if you're 9 or 99. Your voice deserves to be heard."
Find more information about Rutgers Climate Action week on Facebook or contact Rutgers Sea at Rutgers.SEA@gmail.com.
