The Sunrise Movement and The Green New Deal

The Sunrise Movement: A Powerful Voice for Generation Z

In 2018, leading scientists issued a dire warning: humanity had just 12 years to transform the global economy in order to prevent catastrophic environmental breakdown. It was during this critical time that the Sunrise Movement emerged, propelled by the urgency of the climate crisis. This decentralized organization of young people, joined by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, brought forward a plan that matches the scale and urgency of the crisis: the Green New Deal.

The Sunrise Movement and its young advocates are raising their voices in the streets, demanding that elected officials support the Green New Deal and take immediate action to slow climate change. They recognize the power of their numbers and are working to turn the heads of those politicians who have been swayed by corporate interests. By supporting the Green New Deal, they aim to disrupt an economic system that many believe is already broken, with a few individuals holding disproportionate power and little regard for environmental limits. The movement seeks to bring power back to the people and demand basic human and environmental rights.

Recently, the Environmental Forum of Marin held an event on the Green New Deal, featuring influential speakers such as U.S. Representative Jared Huffman, journalist Mark Hertsgaard, and Lucy London, a high school senior from Marin County who helped organize a school strike with 1.6 million students. These young activists are demanding radical action on climate policy and rallying support for the Green New Deal. Their clear thinking and reasoned discourse are resonating in the political sphere, challenging the influence of corporate interests and demanding meaningful change.

The Green New Deal, with its focus on sustainability, economy, and equity, offers comprehensive solutions and systemic thinking. Its demand for equitable climate protection integrates economic revitalization, rapid adoption of clean energy, and the creation of millions of high-paying jobs. The plan includes provisions for clean air and water, universal healthcare and education, sustainable infrastructure, and healthy and affordable food. It encompasses the fundamental needs and aspirations that were once part of the American Dream. It is no surprise that today’s youth are demanding clean air, a habitable atmosphere, and dignified work.

Congressman Jared Huffman, a proponent of the Green New Deal, emphasizes the importance of reading the document to counter misinformation and push back against exaggerated claims. He encourages people to hold their elected officials accountable and make their voices heard, even if it means going to their offices in large numbers. The select committee on the climate crisis, which includes the Green New Deal, offers an opportunity to address the urgent need for action and push for a net-zero emissions target by 2050. It is essential to hold politicians, including those who receive fossil fuel money, responsible for their decisions.

Mukta Kelkar and Isaac Silk, representatives of the Sunrise Movement, shared their personal journeys and the reasons behind their activism. They highlight the urgency of addressing climate change and the need to counter the influence of fossil fuel money in politics. They stress that the costs of inaction far outweigh the costs of taking immediate and substantial action. The Sunrise Movement, which started in 2017, has become a force for change, mobilizing young people across the country to demand action on climate change and push for the Green New Deal. By refusing fossil fuel money and advocating for political action, they are challenging the power of the fossil fuel industry and its impact on policy decisions.

Mark Hertsgaard, a journalist who has covered climate change for 15 years, emphasizes the need for media to cover climate issues and amplify the voices of young activists. He believes that the press has a crucial role in informing the public and holding leaders accountable. Hertsgaard also calls for a recognition of the criminal actions taken by oil companies that knowingly deceived the public about climate risks. He stresses the importance of not compromising on the urgency of the crisis and pushing for the full implementation of the Green New Deal. He suggests that the movement needs to create political space for elected officials to respond to the demands of the public.

The Green New Deal represents an opportunity to address the climate crisis while stimulating the economy and creating a more equitable society. It requires collective action, including transitioning to clean energy, reducing meat consumption, engaging in local politics, and supporting organizations like the Sunrise Movement. The urgency of the climate crisis necessitates a united effort to bring about systemic change and push for a future that ensures a habitable planet for future generations.

As the Sunrise Movement continues to gain momentum and young activists make their voices heard, it is crucial for the media and the public to support their efforts. The Green New Deal offers a comprehensive and achievable solution, but it requires widespread support and political will to become a reality. By amplifying the message, engaging in political action, and demanding accountability from elected officials, we can create the political space needed to address the climate crisis and ensure a sustainable and just future.