From Earth Day Live to political pushes, young climate change activists continue the fight despite coronavirus
- Climate activists like Jamie Margolin in the US and Mulindwa Moses in Uganda may have been slowed by the pandemic but are not defeated
- One event, Earth Day Live – which kicks off Wednesday – will be live-streamed online for everyone in lockdown to take part
Jamie Margolin had not expected to be sitting in her bedroom right now. The high school senior had prom and graduation coming up, but also so much more: a multi-state bus campaign with fellow climate activists in the US; a tour for her new book; and attendance at one of the massive marches that had been planned this week for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.
Then the coronavirus pandemic arrived in Seattle, her hometown in the US state of Washington, and her plans went out the window.
“But still so much to do,” Margolin, 18, says, perched in front of her computer for a video interview from that bedroom.
Like many other young activists who have helped galvanise what has become a global climate movement, Margolin is not letting a spreading virus stop her. They are organising in place, from the United States to Ecuador, Uganda, India and beyond.
And while some fear they have lost some momentum in the pandemic, they are determined to keep pushing – and to use technology to their advantage.
