The Power of Youth
June 26th, 2007 by Carbon CoalitionNH activists are finding new ways to tell our national leadership that they are concerned about climate change. One of the most creative efforts TPC has come across lately is the “Climb It for the Climate” which will take place on Saturday, July 14. The young, grassroots group Climate Summer is organizing a hike up each of the Presidential Peaks in the White Mountains to send a message to the country about NH’s concern for climate change. Hikers will hold banners atop each of the peaks asking the question “What would [president’s name] do?” It’s free to sign up and promises to be a great day for anyone who cares about global warming and enjoys hiking.
Young people are becoming a very active part of the climate change campaign. Even MTV has jumped on board with their Break the Addiction 12-step, 12-month action plan to make a difference. One result of The Johnson Foundation Wingspread Conference May 18-19 is that young climate change activists are now planning a large training session and rally for 3000-5000 college students this fall. The conference will be called Power Shift 2007 and will be held on the campus of George Washington University in DC. The students are working as part of the Energy Action Coalition to empower young people from all over the country to raise the issue of climate change in their respective campuses, cities and states. With the hope of drawing presidential candidates, the event will demonstrate the power of youth and show that they are committed to climate change as a central campaign issue.
According to a report done by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, voting among 18-24 year olds for the presidential election in 2004 reached an all time high at 47%, an increase of 11% from 2000. With the youth vote becoming increasingly important, it is being highly sought after by candidates across the board for the ‘08 run. Let’s just hope they listen to what the youth have to say!
