As the climate crisis becomes more and more dire, it is important to note that there are activists and organizations that are making an effort to help raise awareness and fight climate change. It is difficult to read and hear about all of the ways that climate change is getting worse, or how the government is making decisions that further negative environmental impacts. While being aware of the climate crisis and strategies to fight it or raise awareness about it is incredibly important, the constant intake of information about how things are going wrong is often overwhelming and discouraging. Remembering that there are still good people doing amazing work, in my opinion, makes it easier to face the climate crisis. This post highlights two notable climate activism movements/organizations that are working to create meaningful change around the country and around the world.
Sunrise Movement
One of their main goals and strategies of raising awareness about climate change is by trying to make the Green New Deal popular. One of the things that Sunrise Movement does is promote and encourage local organizing for green deals and legislation at local levels. One of their goals is to set an example of what climate action should look like.
Some of the recent work done by Sunrise Movement in 2024 was to persuade voters to vote against Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Part of Sunrise Movement’s reasoning for this was focused on the level of trust that voters had in Kamala Harris over Donald Trump on the topic of climate change, something exemplified in a national poll that was done by the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School.
Extinction Rebellion
XR, though first established in the United Kingdom, has members across the world. XR, as a movement, believes that there is no other choice but to rebel against the systems that have brought us to the point of climate disaster that we have reached, a sentiment I have to agree with.
While XR and activists associated with the movement plan and participate in marches, protests, and events, the movement also has an amazing website that highlights news about the climate crisis, the overall climate movement, and even news pieces about hope and resistance despite the bleak state of the world.
I think we really need a Sunrise chapter on our campus. Nice to read about XR - I learned a great deal from the time I spent with them.
ReplyDeleteAmazing post! I agree with Dr Webb, it would be amazing to see a sunrise movement group here at Western. I think education and advocating for change of climate change is extremely important.
ReplyDeleteIt is crucial that people without significant influence in the political world use their voice to raise awareness. I really like the map you included with the upcoming XR events.
ReplyDeleteI love that you highlighted both of these groups, and the facets of them that make them unique. I was happy to learn even more about XR after hearing Dr. Webb's discussions about working with them.
ReplyDeleteOur voices are the best way to help combat climate change. Organization such as XR and Sunrise is great way to show politicians that we care about these problems.
ReplyDeleteGreat to read more about XR following our discussion in class Thursday. Publicity and the spread of information is so critical in any topic, especially climate change. It's great how international these have been too.
ReplyDeleteThis is great! I love to see young people my age getting involved in climate change! it is incredible to see the change happening and the way they are creating talking points for conversations.
ReplyDeleteThis blog is a powerful reminder that even in the face of overwhelming climate news, there are movements making real change.
ReplyDeleteMovements like the environmental movements are needed and I feel in the future that more groups will rise up to challenge and call out the damage they have seen
ReplyDeleteI have been feeling so anxious about climate change and global warming and how no one seems to be doing anything to prevent it. It can be overwhelming and frustrating trying to always look and hear about the facts because it is a sad reality. We need large-scale activists and people to have these large moments to protect the future.
ReplyDeleteIt is really cool hearing about different international movements in specially in light of our reeding " Green Rising".
ReplyDeleteThe Sunrise Movement and Extinction Rebellion are two impactful climate activism organizations that mobilize individuals to raise awareness and advocate for meaningful action against the climate crisis through grassroots organizing and civil disobedience.
ReplyDeleteWhen the crisis can seem overwhelming, it is encouraging to see how groups like Extinction Rebellion and Sunrise Movement are fighting climate change. Their efforts to raise awareness and push for legislative change are essential in the fight against climate catastrophe, and their emphasis on youth involvement, local organization, and non-violent civil disobedience serves as a reminder that group action can have a big impact.
ReplyDeleteIt’s really encouraging to hear about movements like Sunrise and XR that are pushing for real change. In such a heavy and overwhelming crisis, knowing there are people actively fighting for a better future makes a big difference.
ReplyDeleteXR is international - I am not sure about Sunrise...
DeleteI love the idea that both groups are aiming at the same goal but going two different ways about it. That makes me feel like the situation is well rounded when being worked on. If they come at it from all angles, then maybe there will be a change.
ReplyDeleteHearing about these climate movements around the world is sometimes the only thing that gives me hope amidst the climate crisis. It is frustrating that these people have been speaking out for years, and still little to nothing has been done. It is still relieving to know that there are people out there who all share the same value of saving our planet.
ReplyDeletehank you for teaching me more about the XR! I recently saw an XR bumper sticker the same day I learned about them. I really like the map that was provided too. It’s cool to see how massive and organized this group is.
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