The Young Activists of New Jersey’s Climate Justice Movement

As someone in my late twenties, climate change has loomed large over most of my life. It drove me to study environmental policy in school and join Food & Water Watch after graduation. People of all ages are fighting tirelessly for a livable future, but I feel especially energized seeing people my age and younger taking their future into their own hands, organizing and wielding their power, and making incredible progress. So I was excited to see the New Jersey team’s recent Youth Climate Convergence in February.

The day-long event was entirely planned and led by Food & Water Watch interns in high school and college: Allie Park, Nidhi Karnik, and Tarani Nethagani. Through six months of organizing, they gathered 55 young people — from middle school to recent college grads — from across the state in a day of learning and connection. “I think this event will have helped restart the NJ Youth climate movement,” said Sam, Food & Water Watch Senior New Jersey Organizer.

Recently, I spoke with Allie, Nidhi, and Rani to talk about their journey planning the Convergence and their perspectives on climate justice.

They brought on guest speakers, planned the day’s agenda, and connected with student groups to organize and recruit for the event. They included a film screening, Q&As, a campus organizing training, and breakout groups on lobbying, storytelling, and campaign planning.