On Wednesday, March 5th, high school students from all over New York gathered together in the State Capitol to advocate for climate justice. Approximately 600 teens from different high schools such as Townsend Harris, Brooklyn Tech, and NEST+M rallied together to discuss the importance of climate action. Students sent direct letters to Kathy Hochul, the governor of New York, as well as shared their own experiences regarding the world’s climate crisis.
In an interview with a Year One student that went to the trip at Bard, what their thoughts on the trip was, they answered, “It was a long ride but when we got there we went straight to work and advocated for climate justice and climate change for the whole day. Seeing so many people besides me fighting for the same idea was really inspiring and uplifting.” Just like many other students that took part in advocating climate justice, it would be their first time traveling out of the city, and into the Capital of New York. When students arrived at the Capitol, they spared no time and got straight to work. “I learned a lot more about our governor Hochul, and the actions she has taken up on that have negatively impacted our climate,” this student said in an interview. “It was informing but disappointing to find out that the words of our governor did not align with her actions. But I also learned a lot about how to advocate and protest.” The realization within the advocating young teens regarding just how serious climate change has affected our community was highlighted during this trip.
There were moments throughout the journey where group sessions were held. Students from all over the state spoke out on their personal concerns and how the climate has negatively affected their environment–from problems commuting to school to even health hazards–it was a safe space where anyone was able to share their first hand experience with the rapidly changing climate. It’s safe to say that this advocacy trip to Albany, New York opened up many eyes and created a genuine space for many individuals to come together and connect with one another on a problem so globally large, and advocate for what they believe is right.