Key Impact Points:
- Youth climate leadership: Jamie Margolin co-founded Zero Hour, a global youth climate justice movement, leading marches and advocacy efforts worldwide.
- Legal activism: She is a plaintiff in Youth v. Gov, suing Washington state for violating young people’s constitutional right to a livable environment.
- Political influence: Margolin testified before Congress alongside Greta Thunberg and was a surrogate for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign.
Championing Youth Climate Action
Jamie Margolin, an 18-year-old Colombian-American activist, has emerged as a leading voice in climate justice. She co-founded Zero Hour, an international youth movement that spearheaded the first Youth Climate Marches in Washington, D.C., and 25 other cities in 2018. Since then, Margolin has helped lead strikes, rallies, educational campaigns, and summits advocating for urgent climate action.
Fighting for Constitutional Rights
Jamie Margolin is a plaintiff in the Youth v. Gov lawsuit (Aji P. vs. State of Washington), challenging the state’s role in exacerbating climate change. The case argues that Washington state is violating young people’s constitutional rights by failing to ensure a livable environment.
In 2019, Margolin testified before Congress alongside Greta Thunberg, calling for decisive climate policies. She emphasized that youth are already experiencing the consequences of climate change and will inherit a world shaped by today’s decisions.
Political Engagement and Advocacy
Beyond activism, Jamie Margolin was a surrogate for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign, speaking at rallies—including a Tacoma Dome event attended by over 17,000 people. She also filmed campaign endorsement videos and was one of the youngest delegates at the 2020 Democratic Convention.
Her book, Youth to Power: Your Voice and How to Use It, serves as a guide for young activists, equipping them with tools to drive change. Her writing has been featured in CNN, The Guardian, Huffington Post, and more, amplifying her message on climate justice.
The Next Generation of Leadership
Jamie Margolin represents a growing movement of young activists demanding systemic change. Through Zero Hour, legal action, and political engagement, she continues to push for policies that prioritize climate justice.
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