Youth Demand Action on Climate Change

Youth Demand Action on Climate Change

A World Environment Day Event

Sponsored by the Windham World Affairs Council

During their lifetimes, young people aged 12-21 have experienced five of the hottest years ever recorded. Facing the extremes of climate change has resulted in rising acts of activism across the country. 12-year-old Haven Coleman confronted a Colorado Congressman at a town hall over his denial of the climate change problem. Alexandria Villasenor (13) has sat in front of the UN building in New York City every Friday since December 2018. In Minneapolis, Isra Hirsi (16) began working with iMatter and Minnesota Can’t Wait, two climate advocacy organizations. This youth activism and others have become known in the Twittersphere as part of the wider youth-based climate movement called #FridaysforFuture. Inspired by Greta Thunberg, a 15-year-old (now 16) who sat every Friday on the steps of the Swedish parliament to protest the government’s inaction on climate change, youth movements have been mushrooming around the world.

To understand the impact and interest of youth in our neighborhoods, backyards, and school grounds in the areas around Brattleboro, the Windham World Affairs Council invites youth activists who have been making their own waves in their communities, schools, and legislatures in the spirit of climate justice and activism.

We will hear from these young people, be inspired by their activism and ideas, and then work together to design recommendations and plans to support these youth in their activism. The event, which will begin with local youth leaders discussing their work and end with small group engagements and discussions, will be facilitated by Julie Snorek and Lissa Weinmann.

Dr. Julie Snorek is a Research Associate in the Environmental Studies Department of Dartmouth College. As a social ecologist, Julie Snorek has been developing an intricate understanding of social, ecological, and political transitions in the Sahel and Sahara where she has lived and worked for  over twelve years with rural, nomadic and semi-nomadic societies. Throughout her research, Snorek strives to engage in a co-production of knowledge and to support and enhance practices of sustainability. She received her Ph.D from the Autonomous University of Barcelona in 2016 and her M.S. from SIT Graduate Institute in 2010.