By Raghav Akula, Syona Gupta, Shirin Sood, Shriyaa Madineni, Winston Kim • Youth Committee
The memories and experiences we’ve gained from being a part of the NJ Chapter’s Youth Committee have shaped us into better students and activists. Joining the Youth Committee has allowed us to grasp many more diverse perspectives than we would have otherwise. Our meetings have ranged from speaking for an hour every week to talking a couple of times a month, but every meeting has given us a taste of the variety of viewpoints people have on environmental issues.
Youth Committee Chair Enters University
In an era where climate change is becoming more concerning, many young individuals like Raghav Akula, founder of the Youth Committee, are advocating for environmental policy and voicing the climate concerns of youth. From early activism to his role as chair of the Youth Committee, Raghav’s journey has been one of determination and commitment. Raghav has been with the NJ Chapter for three years, starting as its student liaison. Among the many memorable moments during his time with the Sierra Club, Akula said, one stands out: the debate on the national park status of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The Sierra Club was trying to decide its stance on the issue and the best way to protect this wilderness area. Chapter Director Anjuli Ramos-Busot met with Lenape tribe members of the area to learn about the environmental justice issues they faced and then presented those findings at a Chapter Executive Committee meeting. Akula was inspired by Ramos-Busot’s leadership and her effective advocacy.
Sadly, Akula will leave the NJ Chapter this fall for studies at Georgetown University and its School of Foreign Service, where he plans to remain deeply involved in the environmental movement. Being based in Washington, DC, will allow him to continue contributing to the policy side of sustainability while nurturing connections to amplify his impact. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, the Chapter’s Youth Committee will continue the fight for a healthier planet, one step at a time.
Shirin Sood Reflects on Serving
“When I first started my environmental journey, I was only aware of the basics of climate change—CO2 pollution, deforestation, etc.—but the Youth Committee and the Sierra Club have shown us that these changes are very diverse and there is much work to be done,” Youth Committee Member Shirin Sood said. “I have gained exposure to different policy ideas, including the proposed Green Amendment and New Jersey’s successful plastic bag ban. These have enabled me to respect and understand the situations of communities across the state, especially environmental justice communities. This coming year I look forward to co-leading the Youth Committee with Syona Gupta and progressing toward our goals.”
Inspirational Figures
Some of our inspiration to fight in the climate movement comes from figures including Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, 23, an indigenous activist from the United States, who has advocated for environmental protection since a young age. As the former youth director of Earth Guardians, he combined art, music, and storytelling to inspire young people. He has given powerful speeches at international conferences and filed lawsuits against governments for their inadequate action on climate change. Martinez’s work shows how important it is to include indigenous wisdom and perspectives in our fight for a sustainable future.
Conclusion
Throughout our journey in the environmental movement, our exposure to a multitude of perspectives has expanded our knowledge of environmental issues. Climate change is a problem that cannot be solved by a single idea or person, and as a result, there are multiple perspectives that surround this multifaceted issue. Many times, groups on different sides of an argument want what’s best for the environment, but they may not agree on a solution. Essentially, various perspectives can arise on an issue even though all parties involved just want what’s best. For example, many people believe that electric vehicles (EVs) are a huge step forward in moving us away from fossil fuels, whereas others condemn the lithium mining that EVs necessitate and the toxic hazards of lithium-ion battery disposal. Both sides support creating a sustainable future. As we continue to progress, it’s important to note that everyone will have a different perspective, and that’s OK. What really matters is that we compromise and work together to find a future that works for us all. The Youth Committee has held itself responsible to capture the viewpoints of all communities while working on various projects. In the coming year and years to follow, we hope to stay on this path.
Finally, one of our goals has always been to invite more youth into this movement, and we encourage them to overcome any self-doubt or the fear of being the only one who cares. The first step is always the hardest, but with courage and confidence, young voices can shape a brighter, sustainable, more just future for all.