Youth vs Apocalypse: The Fight of Young Activists Against Climate Change

In the last year, climate activism has become more prominent, especially among young people to make their voices heard seeing that they will be the generation that is highly impacted by global warming and climate change. Youth vs Apocalypse (YVA) is an environmental justice organization started by high school students from Oakland that have fought against inequities perpetuated by environmental issues. From fighting against the coal industry and big oil companies in the Bay Area to pushing Senator Feinstein to support the Green New Deal, Youth vs Apocalypse uses youth activism as a tool for change. 

YVA is led by twelve activists that range from the ages of twelve through eighteen and are known as the “lead circle.” They have organized marches in Los Angeles, California to persuade Governor Newson to issue new protection from fossil fuel extraction, movements like “No Coal in the Bay” and “Cal Youth vs Big Oil.” The group is unified in their mission in accordance with the “Points of Unity” —a set of community guidelines that emphasizes that science is real and young people can be good leaders when heard. 

The  “No Coal in the Bay” movement is often referred to as the beginning of Youth vs Apocalypse. Starting off as Youth vs Coal, the purpose of the group was to stop Phil Tagami, a developer in Oakland, from building a coal terminal through West Oakland. There was an emphasis on the environmental racism that occurs in communities of color. It would mean that there would be a high concentration of pollution in these communities causing negative impacts to their health, water, and homes, while white communities of Piedmont would continue to live their lives without the consequences of pollution from coal. This isn’t done coincidently but done because corporations and companies know that white communities are more likely to have the resources to fight back and sue them for the percussions of coal.

The negative impacts of coal create a domino effect that not only impacts the health of the people who live in communities nearby but also impacts their surroundings slowly and quietly. Air pollution includes mercury, lead, and other heavy metals that lead to asthma, brain damage, cancer, and premature death. More than 100 million tons of coal ash are produced every year and it ends up in ponds and lakes which leads to the contamination of waterways. Although those closest to the coal factories are impacted by the pollution first, its impacts are widespread in the long run. Coal adds to greenhouse gas emissions which has the consequence of global warming and climate change.

Youth vs Apocalypse has shown the public the cost of coal in order to block coal imports. Their efforts to stop the terminal from being built have led the Oakland City government to block the proposed coal terminal. However, this has not stopped the developers who are suing the city and has led to the project being caught up in federal and state lawsuits. 

YVA is also part of the #CAYouthvsBigOil campaign. California has stated that it’s on a path towards a cleaner energy agenda, yet it is one of the top oil-producing states in the country. In 2020, Governor Newson has approved over 1500 new fracking permits. This campaign focuses on holding Governor Newson accountable for revoking fracking permits given in 2020 and rolling out a 2500 ft buffer zone between communities and fossil fuels. They also demand leaders who are clean energy conscious and eventually have California run on clean energy. 

California’s former Governor Jerry Brown stated that California would be able to reach carbon neutrality by 2045. If this were to happen, there would have to be a large reduction in fossil fuels. This would mean that Governor Newson would have to end new permits for gas and oil extraction that would release more carbon emissions into the atmosphere. If there is an announcement of a phase-out of existing oil production, California would become the first oil-producing state to do this action within the Paris Agreement goals. It would also be necessary for the vulnerable populations to be protected in this time of transition, so workers would be protected from losing their job, communities will have the ability to find equitable housing, and there would have to be a plan in place for the new route of the economy. The 2500 feet buffer zone would also protect the communities nearby from harmful pollutants. 

YVA is part of making a difference both countrywide and statewide. They have been supporters of the Green New Deal and have been adamant with their Senators in supporting the passing of the Green New Deal. In a video of YVA standing up to Senator Feinstein, Feinstein states that she knew what she was doing because she had been in the position of knowing what to do for thirty years. The activists then stated that she should at least try to understand them and listen because they were the generation that would be impacted by climate change. 

The Green New Deal would make way for a huge reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It would create new high-paying jobs in clean energy industries and it would diminish the environmental inequalities that occur within social classes. It would include the discussion of the issues of poverty, income inequality, and racial discrimination, and find a solution in which everyone regardless of their social status has their basic needs met. However, many senators don’t want to support it because they believe it is too radical. It was seen in the recent election where Biden stated that he would not support the Green New Deal, but instead, he would create a climate plan that would be less aggressive.

If the Senate continues to vote against the Green New Deal, the other option might be creating local Green New Deals. The Universities of California hope to do so through the UC Green New Deal. The UC Green New Deal would reflect the values of students who want their universities to be more sustainable, equitable, diverse, and create greener alternatives in the use of energy during the current climate crisis.

Youth vs Apocalypse is an example of the difference activism can create. Age does not matter, and it does not make them any less capable of making a difference especially because young people are the ones who are going to experience the most devastating impacts of climate change. It is these activists and activists like Greta Thunberg or Zero Hour that impact the decisions that mayors, governors, and senators make which ultimately leads to the agreements they pass. Youth vs Apocalypse is making a difference that influences their future and many generations to come.