CityViews
Organizing for a Sustainable Future
As the world grapples with the climate crisis, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and disheartened by the lack of progress. However, as a member of the Sunrise Movement, I firmly believe that we cannot afford to wait for four years to act. The longer we wait, the more politicians and corporations take away from the futures of people growing up right now.
The Impact on Future Generations
My generation (Gen Z) is the first to grow up with a palpable fear of the climate crisis looming since childhood. As extreme, "once-in-a-lifetime" climate disasters color our young adulthood, we are forced to imagine a different future for ourselves than previous generations had. This growing sense of planetary uncertainty is a driving force for many young adults in choosing not to have children, speaking to a lack of hope for our future.
The Power of Progressive Action
However, involving myself in progressive organizations has given me hope and convinced me that we must win this battle. Future generations need us to preserve as much as we can for them. As a member of the Sunrise Movement, I am fighting for a future in which my peers and future generations can grow up on a safe and healthy planet, with a government that cares enough to protect us.
The Crucial Role of New York City
The Sunrise Movement New York City hub is a group of young people volunteering our time to fight for a solution to the climate crisis. We understand the significance of New York’s global influence and its power to create change. New York City should be leading the fight against climate change, but with an inadequate mayor and a dismally slow net zero plan, we are falling behind.
The Current State of Climate Change in New York City
New Yorkers already feel the effects of climate change, from routine flooding of subway stations to 80-degree days in October. The city experienced its first drought in 22 years this fall, causing wildfires and lowering reservoir levels. A 1-in-1,000 rainfall event in August of 2024 flooded parts of New York City and Long Island, stopping trains, destroying roads, and killing two people. About 350 New Yorkers die each summer because of extreme heat, and that threat continues to grow as the city sees more frequent hot days. Experts predict that sea levels will rise between six and 11 inches in the next 30 years, regularly flooding and even fully covering coastal areas all over the city.
Addressing the Injustice of Climate Change
As one of the largest and most diverse cities in the world, New York City also has some of the most extreme socioeconomic disparities. Almost a quarter of New Yorkers live in poverty, and more than half have a difficult time paying their bills. People of color and women are more likely to experience poverty, and extreme heat, flooding, and other climate disasters are going to harm these vulnerable groups the most. It is an immense injustice that the city with the most millionaires in the world (approximately 350,000) is not using its wealth to prepare for climate change and prevent as much destruction as we can.
A Better, Greener City is Possible
I believe that a better, greener city is possible and that the young people living here deserve it. We have the money, power, and opportunity to make the city better for all residents while cutting carbon emissions. New York City deserves a transportation system with proper government investment, including protected bike lanes, electric buses, and trains that are safe, resilient to heat, and affordable. We need affordable, safe housing and accessible heating and cooling spaces for New Yorkers to handle extreme temperatures. Disaster relief, urban green spaces, and affordable healthy food should all be part of a climate plan that changes this city for the better.
Conclusion
New York City has huge global influence and should be leading the way on climate action, while encouraging other big cities to follow. We must harness the energy of the moment to take necessary action and prevent the worst of the climate crisis, starting in this city and reverberating around the world. It is time for New Yorkers to get involved in organizations like Sunrise NYC and to elect a climate-focused mayor who will move us in the right direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Sunrise Movement?
A: The Sunrise Movement is a youth-led movement for climate justice, working to pressure Congress to pass a Green New Deal and hold elected officials accountable to the people.
Q: What is the goal of the Sunrise Movement?
A: The goal of the Sunrise Movement is to create a world where our generation has a livable future, with a government that prioritizes the health and well-being of people and the planet.
Q: How can I get involved with the Sunrise Movement?
A: You can get involved with the Sunrise Movement by joining a local hub, attending events, and spreading the word about the importance of climate action.
