How Local Governments Can Learn From Generation Z

February 2023
Citation:
53
ELR 10087
Issue
2
Author
Ella Stack, Linda Breggin, Oscar Fox, Keala Minna-Choe, Brendan Hyatt, and Lily Morse

Young people are leading the fight against climate change in the United States and around the world. Thirty-two percent of Gen Zers—more than any other generation—have taken concrete actions to address climate change in the last year. Local governments and officials can work with young leaders in their communities to advance climate action by providing resources and enacting change through ordinances, policies, programs, and infrastructure development. On November 15, 2022, the Environmental Law Institute and the Local Government Environmental Assistance Network hosted a panel of youth climate leaders who shared insights about how to engage youth in climate action and their climate action priorities. This Dialogue presents a transcript of that discussion, which has been edited for style, clarity, and space considerations.

Ella Stack is a Research Associate at the Environmental Law Institute. Linda Breggin (moderator) is Director of the Center for State, Tribal, and Local Environmental Programs at the Environmental Law Institute. Oscar Fox has served on the Mayor’s Youth Council for the city of Nashville. Keala Minna-Choe leads the Climate Reality Project Youth Environmental Action Pod in the San Diego Green New Deal Alliance. Brendan Hyatt is a Research Fellow for Human Trafficking Search. Lily Morse is Executive Director of the Green Schools Campaign.

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