Climate change is not just an issue that will affect our children or grandchildren; it’s an issue that affects all of us, right now. It particularly affects those of us in Generation Z, as the effects of climate change, as of present, will continue to increase in severity over the course of our lifetimes. As Americans and as global citizens, we have a unique responsibility to take action—and that’s what our work as Co-Head Coordinators of Zero Hour NYC is all about.
That’s why we’re asking you — our peers, adult allies, and organizational partners—to join us in a historic youth-led climate march on July 21st this summer. Sign up here to march with young people to demand the bold climate solutions we need.
Zero Hour was founded by Jamie Margolin, a 16-year-old from Seattle, Washington, who wanted to galvanize her peers in the fight against climate change. Since its founding, Zero Hour has worked to unite youth voices across the country and globe, and bridge social movements to create a powerful coalition dedicated to both social and environmental justice. On July 21st, Zero Hour will stage an international Youth Climate March—with the main march in Washington, DC and sister marches from NYC to Melbourne, Australia.
Our demands for our cities, states, and countries are clear:
- Total divestment of public and private funds from the fossil fuel and big agriculture industries
- A just transition to 100% renewable energy by 2040
- A complete stop to the current construction of oil pipelines & fossil fuel infrastructure.
By joining the Zero Hour movement, students have the ability to build a better future for themselves — one without fossil fuels. Here in NYC, we are partnering with a diverse array of activist groups and organizations to maximize turnout for our July 21st March. We have worked closely with Fossil Free USA, People’s Climate Movement, 350NYC, 350.org, Alliance for Climate Education, and the Youth Progressive Policy Group. We are also working with People’s Puppets to use art as a means of amplifying our message of building a more sustainable future. In addition to organizational partners, we are encouraging elected officials, political candidates, and businesses to prove their commitment to a more sustainable future by marching alongside us.
On July 21st, the NYC Youth Climate March will begin at Columbus Circle at 11 AM and end at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza by UN Headquarters, where it will be followed by a Rally featuring student speakers experienced in environmental activism.
We hope this rally will make the issue of climate change more accessible and grounded in our everyday lives. We know that tackling climate change is as much about fostering concern for our fellow humans’ lives and livelihoods as it is about understanding science and statistics.
Our work does not stop here. We hope to show students that activism goes beyond attending demonstrations. That’s why we’re using the March to introduce students to the larger climate movement and publishing a post-march action guide that will detail some of the key ways youth can grow their involvement in climate activism beyond July 21st.
To RSVP to our July 21st March, go to our Facebook and Eventbrite links. For more information, check out our website and follow us on social media: Facebook/Instagram & Twitter.
To become more involved in the March, sign up here to be a day-of March volunteer. We’re holding a March Day Volunteers Training and Information Session on Wednesday, July 18th from 6-8pm at 125 Maiden Ln #5, New York, NY 10038, where we will prepare people who will help facilitate the march and go over in-person all of the critical march information, such as the route and transition to our post-march Rally.
Lastly, please donate to and share our grassroots fundraising campaign at gofundme.com/zerohournyc — we need your help to obtain the materials necessary to make our March and Rally the most impactful they can be!
If you have any press or general inquiries, you can email us at thisiszerohour.nyc@gmail.com.