gen z and climate action

"When it comes to taking action to solve climate change, steps like recycling, using less plastic, or saying goodbye to plastic straws – our collective intent usually comes with the hope that we will leave our planet a little better than its current state. But what happens when the answers aren't a fit for all people?" In the first part of our climate action conversation, we spoke with two organizations that are influencing change in their respective industries. In this second part, hear from youth activist Daphne Frias, who explains how climate policies often exclude people with disabilities, and Jo Dodds, president of Australia’s Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action who came close to losing her home in a devastating fire in 2018. They explain how their work is customized to fit the needs of their communities, and how grassroots efforts contribute to a bigger conversation and real change when it comes to matters of preserving the planet.

Tired of the same voices talking about science and the environment? Tune into the Agents of Change in Environmental Justice podcast, a biweekly show that dives into the career paths, research, and big ideas from early career researchers from underrepresented groups. Serious conversations, big laughs, tears, and storytelling—the show takes an unflinching look at the intersection of our environment and social justice. You can listen and subscribe to Agents of Change in Environmental Justice on all major podcast platforms or visit the homepage at https://agentsofchangeinej.org.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Between wildfires, floods and other severe weather discrepancies taking place each year, thinking about the solutions to the issue of climate change is overwhelming. And even when people do their best to do their individual part, it can feel like a drop in the bucket, or like it’s simply not enough. But what action, of any size, has the potential to drive real, global change – influencing leaders and driving focus of the largest climate issue at hand? If we join our voices together, do we have the ability to make change across education, nonprofit, public and private sectors?

In this episode, we hear from Amanda McKenzie, CEO of Australia’s leading climate change communications organization Climate Council, and Derrick Emsley, Co-Founder and CEO of the sustainable clothing brand Tentree -- two individuals who have found their communities and stakeholders to be at the core of their success. Although they sit on different degrees of the climate conversation spectrum, both Amanda and Derrick believe that a combination of technology and effective communication has the potential of giving people privilege to use their voices – creating a ripple effect of positive changes on the planet.

Tired of the same voices talking about science and the environment? Tune into the Agents of Change in Environmental Justice podcast, a biweekly show that dives into the career paths, research, and big ideas from early career researchers from underrepresented groups. Serious conversations, big laughs, tears, and storytelling—the show takes an unflinching look at the intersection of our environment and social justice. You can listen and subscribe to Agents of Change in Environmental Justice on all major podcast platforms or visit the homepage at https://agentsofchangeinej.org.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.