Youth Action Engages, Leads Clean Energy Movement

Youth leaders plan for the future of the Youth Climate Movement.

Yesterday, the Washington Post reported on a new poll conducted by the Yale Project on Climate Change, which they claim shows young people are uninterested in climate change. This message may fit into the Post’s preconceieved storyline of unengaged youth, but the reality — and even the numbers in the poll itself — paint a different picture.

Last week CO2nsequence flew 13 youth leaders to Washington to meet with their Senators, attend a rally and become part of the political process that will see comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation become law.

While here they spontaneously protested Sen. Lisa Murkowski, twice, ran into Sen. Debbie Stabenow in the hallway of her office building and brainstormed ideas to bring more youth into the fight for clean energy.

This is not just a youth moment, but for youth it can be, and in many cases has been, our movement. The effects of climate change are in the future of this nation’s youth. Pollution, joblessness, national security, all are increasing dangers to the future of today’s young people.

Which is why, when we see a poll with a writeup that makes it sound as if this generation is not engaged or interested in the issue, it gives us pause. Until we actually read it.

While much of the poll is about those 18-35, it should be pointed out that, if you were born in 1988, the year NASA scientist James Hansen first reported findings on climate change, you would turn 22 this year, the age many graduate from college.

According to the poll, those 18-34 overwhelming trust scientists as a source of information about climate change, some 82 percent, more than any other age group. The same age group is also more trusting of Barack Obama and religious leaders than their older counterparts.

Even some 68 percent of conservatives 18-34 say they trust scientists on climate change.

Even more positive is when just 18-22 year olds are sampled. Of the group, 60 percent say climate change is personally important to them. We have seen that in actions across the country and the world.

When those 13 were in Washington, they represented a wide swath of youth action across America, from national environmental awareness groups, to campus programs, to national coalitions that bring these students to their elected officials – because yes, college students vote too.

In just the last two weeks we have seen youth take over Murkowski’s office and one her fundraisers. We saw them take a full afternoon of Senate meetings. We saw the Hip Hop Caucus drive a bus across the country, visiting college campuses the entire way, before holding a rally in front of the capitol with students from Howard University all around.

And today, we are in day two of three-straight days of calling Senator’s offices to demand clean energy legislation. Not only are youth a major part of the effort, we jumped the gun and started Monday night instead.

Unlike many in this fight, who understandably see the benefit to the economy and national security (something those who are about to enter the job market absolutely see), this young generation also sees the environmental impact.

As Sen. Lindsey Graham said in the New York Times on Sunday:

“I have been to enough college campuses to know if you are 30 or younger this climate issue is not a debate. It’s a value. These young people grew up with recycling and a sensitivity to the environment — and the world will be better off for it.”

That was a Republican. When he speaks to youth, he hears that climate change is something that concerns that generation. It ought to; it’s the future.

Youth had a strong presence in Copenhagen in December, a stronger than normal presence in the 2008 elections and, according to a September vote, 69 percent say they would be more likely to re-elect a Senator that votes for climate legislation.

Climate change is the issue that disproportionately affects future generations more than the current one. Today’s youth are the employees, soldiers and world citizens of tomorrow. And we know it. We are fighting for our future.