Image - climate protestors
Image - climate protestors

Youth Talk: The Influence of Environmental Activism on Gen Z Voting

“The Influence of Environmental Activism on Gen Z Voting” unites four environmental leaders from a variety of backgrounds for a thought-provoking discussion about environmental activism and civic engagement. Representing the voices of student activists as well as professional environmentalists, our speakers will explore the movement’s impact on voting and youth turnout in recent elections and discuss the strength of environmental activism as a form of civic engagement. Accomplished leaders in their own right, panelists will share their personal journeys and provide key takeaways from the intersection of environmentalism and politics, to inspire the next generation of voters and citizen leaders.

This event is part of the Creating Citizens Speaker Series at UC Berkeley, a partnership between The Commonwealth Club, the Associated Students of the University of California Vote Coalition, and the University of California National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement. The series gives UC Berkeley students and community members opportunities to listen to and ask questions of leading minds in politics, media and education as they learn how to become better, more involved citizens. 

We look forward to welcoming community members and students from around the Bay Area to participate in this riveting conversation and to join us for future programs in the Creating Citizens Speaker Series.

This program is part of The Commonwealth Club’s civics education initiative, Creating Citizens.

Produced in partnership with the EAVP Vote Coalition.

Speakers
Image - Sharon Daraphonhdeth

Sharon Daraphonhdeth

Director, Student Environmental Resource Center, UC Berkeley; Instagram @SERCBerkeley

Image - Abigail Dillen

Abigail Dillen

President, Earthjustice; Instagram @earthjustice

Image - Daniel Kammen

Daniel Kammen

James and Katherine Lau Distinguished Professor of Sustainability, Department of Nuclear Engineering, and Director, Center for Environmental Policy, Goldman School of Public Policy, UC Berkeley; X @dan_kammen

Image - Ashi Mishra

Ashi Mishra

Senior, UC Berkeley, and Associated Students of the University of California Eco-Senator; Instagram @asucecooffice

Image - Valeria Espino

Valeria Espino

Junior, UC Berkeley; Environmental Justice and Climate Change Policy Lead, External Affairs Vice President's Office—Moderator