Youth Activism Pushes for Climate Action in NYC

One hundred fifty New York City youth gathered in Brooklyn this fall, advocating for the City Council to pass the Livable Future package, which includes five bills focused on immigration, climate change, housing, and transgender rights.

This initiative is led by youth organizations such as Fridays For Future NYC and the Youth Alliance for Housing. The campaign aims to counteract policies from the Trump administration. City Councilmember Chi Osse, elected at age 23, stated that these bills are municipal solutions to national problems.

The Livable Future package has received support from other elected officials including Comptroller Brad Lander and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and on October 10, the Progressive Caucus voted to prioritize these bills before the end of the legislative session.

One significant bill, Intro. 1180, seeks to strengthen New York City's Green New Deal for buildings, specifically Local Law 97, which mandates that large buildings reduce pollution levels. Currently, under Mayor Eric Adams' administration, landlords can purchase Renewable Energy Credits, or RECs, to offset emissions, allowing compliance with pollution limits that critics believe are too lenient.

Intro. 1180 aims to close this loophole, limiting the use of RECs to no more than 10 percent of emissions over the limits. Keanu Arpels-Josiah from Fridays For Future NYC emphasized the need for stricter enforcement to ensure buildings improve energy efficiency.

Another bill in the package, Intro. 902, the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act, would require landlords of certain buildings to notify the Department of Housing, Preservation and Development before selling, thus allowing community organizations an opportunity to buy these properties first.

Supporters argue this will help maintain affordable housing, as many neighborhoods are being sold to large corporate landlords. The final two bills, Intro. 625 and Intro. 1027, focus on securing the rights of Transgender, Gender Nonconforming, Nonbinary, and Intersex individuals in city jails.

These bills ensure that individuals are housed in accordance with their gender identity and can access necessary healthcare while incarcerated. Lorelei Crean, a political organizer for NYC Youth for Trans Rights, highlighted the importance of these protections, stating that the community has faced increased attacks on their rights.

The Livable Futures package is not just about climate; it's about guaranteeing basic human rights, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in a sustainable future.