OUR CAMPAIGNS
As the only youth-led climate advocacy group based in and focused on New York, we’re always fighting for our vision of an equitable Green New Deal and bringing high school and college students —our experiences, perspectives, and energy—into advocacy campaigns.
WHAT'S AT STAKE:
In 2019, New York City passed its landmark climate law, the Green New Deal For Buildings. Local Law 97 will regulate the City’s biggest polluting buildings and create 140,000 jobs this decade alone in design, renovation, and construction as we upgrade to high energy efficiency. With our progress under attack by intensive lobbying from the real estate industry, it’s crucial that we do our part
WHAT WE'VE ALREADY DONE:
TREEage has stood with our coalition partners at several press conferences, lobbied aligned Councilmembers, and mobilized 100+ students to send letters to the Department of Buildings or testify at a hearing.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
We’re still defending Local Law 97 alongside our coalition partners. Email TREEage’s Co-Executive Director Shiv Soin at shiv@treeageteam.org to get involved.
WHAT'S AT STAKE:
After passing the landmark Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act in 2019, New York State has yet to allocate full funding to meet the mandate enshrined in law—an abdication of duty as the planet burns and our communities flood. New York State on its own would be the 10th largest economy in the world, and right here, we have the power to decarbonize our state and serve as a model for the entire world.
WHAT WE'VE ALREADY DONE:
As the only youth member of the NY Renews Steering Committee, we are a key part of leading the fight for $10.5B in climate spending in New York State’s budget, which is expected to pass in early April. We have visited state lawmakers to encourage them to support a $10.5B Climate and Community Protection Fund and pass legislation to build renewable energy for all and create good, green union jobs.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
We are planning several actions — from visits to State Senators and Assemblymembers’ offices in their districts and in Albany, to holding mass protests, to connecting constituents with their legislators to voice their support. To get involved, sign up to join a Lobby Day or email TREEage’s Co-Executive Director Kathryn Gioiosa at kathryn@treeageteam.org.
WHAT'S AT STAKE:
Decades of intentional disinvestment in our public schools have resulted in crumbling school buildings, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of wraparound support for students who need it most. Racist policies have segregated schools and disproportionately underfunded and criminalized Black and brown students. Brutal budget cuts in last year’s city budget have caused further harm. Public schools should be safe, sustainable, and nurturing spaces for students to grow.
WHAT WE'VE ALREADY DONE:
Hear one of the leaders of the project discuss its focuses and details on Resources Radio here.
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WHAT'S AT STAKE:
Our communities are in crisis right now with the impacts of a global pandemic lingering, income inequality increasing, and costs rising. Working-class New Yorkers are struggling to make ends meet, and all of the issues our communities face are exacerbated by the climate crisis.
WHAT WE'VE ALREADY DONE:
With 1.1 million NYC residents being food insecure with Black and brown communities at the frontlines, we have launched a Community Fridge Initiative with three fridges—one with Ravenswood Community Fridge, another with Astoria Food Pantry, and a third one new Halal fridge in Bay Ridge.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
You can donate to our dedicated Community Fridge Initiative Fund or sign up for a volunteer shift to help stock the fridges.