Youth Action Center
Climate change represents the biggest challenge and opportunity for a generation. The youth of today will inherit a planet unlike any other in the past, and they have the unique opportunity to fundamentally transform our world for the better. Whether it’s learning about renewable energy, biking to school or simply voting, you can take action NOW to protect the planet. Here are some ways to get active on climate change and create a clean, just future for all.
Mobilize Your Campus
A. Start Planning for Earth Day 2009! With the Kyoto Treaty up for review, a new president in the United States and global warming-related challenges arising all around the world, Earth Day 2009 will be the perfect opportunity to showcase solutions and demand action. Get your college or university to celebrate Earth Day 2009 or organize an event independently. Download our Organizer’s Guide and get started!
B. Powershift ’09 - Join Earth Day Network and thousands of students from all over the US on Washington, DC from February 27 to March 2 to demand a new Green world. THE ROOTS and SANTOGOLD are the headlining musical performances!! Contact Ryan McLaren at mclaren(AT)earthday.net to register and for additional information.
C. Get Your President on Board! Have your College President sign the President’s Climate Commitment! The American College & University President’s Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) is a commitment from presidents and institutions to neutralize greenhouse gas emissions on campuses and provide the means to help all of society do the same. The ultimate goal is climate neutrality – starting with commitments from college and university presidents – to set a powerful example for the rest of society.
If you are serious about fighting climate change on your campus, have your President or Chancellor sign the ACUPCC for real change! Student groups from around the country are rallying around ACUPCC to drive climate action. To learn more and make your campaign a success, join the over 400 colleges and universities committed to the ACUPCC.
Volunteer with Earth Day Network
Earth Day 2009 will be huge, and we need every hand we can get! Visit our Volunteer Center and join our team of dedicated, unpaid helpers. We can’t give you money, but you won’t regret the experience!
Join a Youth Group Fighting Climate Change
Millions of young people around the world are creating coalitions to fight global warming on the local, national and international level. Join one – or many! – and become part of the movement to save our collective future. Here are some ideas:
- Energy Action Coalition (US)
- Jeunes Volontaires pour l’Environnement (West Africa)
- AVAAZ (Global)
- Australian Youth Climate Coalition
- Canadian Youth Climate Coalition
- People and Planet (England)
- African Youth Initiative on Climate Change
- World Youth Organization on Climate Change (Global)
Fundraise at your School
It’s about time we went green with fundraising. The days of Sally Foster’s wrapping paper and sweatshop chocolates are over. Here are some tips to effectively raise money for your projects and the new “green” movement.
Reduce your mileage
An easy way to reduce your carbon footprint is by driving less. Starting this Earth Day, share a ride and save the planet. Go to gohov.com for more information. If you are in the UK, visit liftshare.com.
