‘Climate anxiety’ isn’t a fad. For Jewish teens like me, it’s our inspiration. – Jewish Telegraphic Agency

Report on Jewish Youth Climate Activism and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

This report highlights the involvement of Jewish youth in climate activism, emphasizing their commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The Jewish Youth Climate Movement (JYCM) serves as a case study illustrating how faith-based communities contribute to global sustainability efforts.

Background and Motivation

1. Personal Experience with Climate Change
   • Evacuation during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, intensified by climate change.
   • Joining the Jewish Youth Climate Movement at age 15 to advocate for climate action.
2. Ongoing Activism
   • Balancing high school with several hours weekly dedicated to climate advocacy.
   • Engagement in writing, planning, and attending climate actions to secure a sustainable future.

Challenges in Climate Action

• Increasing climate anxiety among youth due to escalating climate disasters.
• Hypocrisy and backtracking by federal government and major corporations on emission reduction commitments.
• Impact of policy changes, including the contrast between Biden administration’s climate initiatives and current federal climate neglect.
• Demoralization among youth activists amid reduced governmental and corporate focus on climate change.

Jewish Values and Climate Activism

The Jewish Youth Climate Movement integrates Jewish teachings and community values to sustain motivation and resilience in climate activism:

• Climate work is viewed as a form of tikkun olam (repairing the world), aligning with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by caring for vulnerable populations.
• Use of Jewish rituals, texts, and community support to foster hope and prevent burnout.
• Strategic mobilization based on shared faith and collective identity enhances community engagement and activism effectiveness.

Innovative Campaigns: Underwrite Earth

1. Campaign Overview
   • Collaboration with other climate organizations to pressure insurance companies to stop underwriting fossil fuel projects.
   • Recognition that insurance is critical to the viability of fossil fuel infrastructure.
2. Faith-Based Strategy
   • Engagement of Jewish executives in insurance companies through faith-informed appeals.
   • Distribution of postcards and letters from Jewish leaders urging ethical decisions aligned with climate responsibility.
3. Impact
   • Notable success with insurer Chubb withdrawing support for the East African crude oil pipeline.
   • Demonstrates the financial and ethical incentives for insurance companies to support SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Community Support and Mental Health

• Addressing burnout through community solidarity and spiritual healing.
• Jewish teachings such as pe’ah (leaving a corner of the field for those in need) inspire gratitude and sustained activism.
• Peer support within JYCM fosters resilience and continuous engagement despite political and environmental challenges.

Conclusion and Future Directions

Jewish youth climate activists continue to innovate and adapt their strategies to advance climate justice and sustainable development. Their work exemplifies the integration of cultural identity with global environmental goals, reinforcing the importance of community-based approaches to achieving the SDGs. The movement’s persistence underscores the critical role of youth and faith communities in combating climate change and promoting a sustainable future for all.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article focuses heavily on climate change impacts, climate activism, and the need for urgent climate action.
2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Discussion on fossil fuel projects, clean energy initiatives, and the Inflation Reduction Act’s climate spending.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • References to climate anxiety, mental health challenges, and the effects of climate disasters on well-being.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Calls for reducing fossil fuel consumption and responsible environmental stewardship.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Mentions of government policies, federal administration actions, and corporate accountability.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies and strategies.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.a: Enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.4: Achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 13
   • Number and severity of climate change-fueled disasters (e.g., hurricanes, wildfires).
   • Greenhouse gas emissions levels and trends.
   • Implementation status of climate policies such as the Inflation Reduction Act.
   • Public and corporate commitments to reduce emissions (e.g., insurance companies refusing to insure fossil fuel projects).
2. Indicators for SDG 7
   • Investment levels in clean energy initiatives.
   • Reduction in fossil fuel project approvals and insurance coverage.
3. Indicators for SDG 3
   • Prevalence of climate-related anxiety and mental health issues among youth.
   • Access to mental health support for climate activists.
4. Indicators for SDG 12
   • Reduction in fossil fuel consumption and related environmental impacts.
5. Indicators for SDG 16
   • Government policies and actions on climate change.
   • Corporate accountability measures and transparency in environmental commitments.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: jta.org