Youth vs. Apocalypse Raises Their Young Voices in Protest

For the past few years young climate activists have been gathering in the thousands to raise their voices in protest. They are Youth vs. Apocalypse (YVA). Look for them in Sacramento for Lobby Day on May 16th as they march in protest. They also plan to go to a hearing and show their support for teachers’ public pension divestment from fossil fuels.

Youth vs. Apocalypse protesting at SF City Hall as part of the Climate Strike – photo by Vita Hewitt

YVA is primarily youth of color from working class backgrounds. They fight for a habitable climate and an equitable, sustainable and the world. They know and live on the dangerous climate precipice we collectively stand on.

What Issues Currently Matter Most to Youth vs. Apocalypse?

Currently, YVA is demanding that Governor Gavin Newsom commit to being a leader in combating the effects of climate change. They are asking that he take action to regulate the fossil fuel industry and corporations that support it. As a result of living in proximity to these sites many of the activists watch their families torn apart by health issues. YVA is also pleading to Governor Newsom to stand against incarcerating refugees and separating families. Due to droughts and famine, more refugees are finding it necessary to flee their homes.

Photo by Vita Hewitt

Protestors – including Youth vs. Apocalypse – photo by Vita Hewitt

Gracie Osbourne the Community Education Organizer at YVA says, “We understand that Governor Newsom is the power-holder of each demand listed. We want to hold him accountable to ensure he truly is an advocate of climate and social justice, not only with words but with policies.” She continues, “Young people don’t often get the space to speak about what matters to us. People of color are disenfranchised and don’t get the space to talk about what matters to us. So YVA makes spaces and keeps space for those to come.”

YVA is more than protests. As a group they build a community that encompasses educating and involving more youth as climate justice leaders. A primary goal is to “change the narrative” around climate change by involving the people most impacted and most often shut out of the discussion.

As a reminder: YVA will be marching in Sacramento for Lobby Day on May 16th. They will go to a hearing and show their support for teachers’ public pension divestment from fossil fuels.

To Learn More: https://www.youthvsapocalypse.org/about

Photo by Vita Hewitt

A young protester demands Climate Justice in front of San Francisco City Hall on April 21st – photo by Vita Hewitt

NOTE: All photos are by Broke-Ass Stuart Staff Photographer, Vita Hewitt