Gen Z Climate Activists Are Reshaping New Jersey’s Future

Across the country, a growing number of young people are finding their political voice not in the voting booth, but in the streets, on their campuses, and through grassroots organizing. From climate marches to creative campaigns, Gen Z activists are shaping the state’s future, and they’re not waiting for permission from traditional political structures.

These activists are part of a growing wave of political engagement that promotes direct action, coalition-building, and digital mobilization. In New Jersey, their work has become a driving force in environmental justice battles, challenging state leaders on climate policy while influencing legislation like the proposed NJ Climate Superfund Act, which holds fossil fuel companies accountable for climate change.

Sam DiFalco, Senior North Jersey Organizer with Food & Water Watch, has seen firsthand how young people are driving environmental justice work. Many of these young activists are supported by organizations like Food & Water Watch, which provides guidance, resources, and a platform for students to take action on environmental issues across New Jersey.

“We are a national organization working on issues related to food, water, and climate, and have been active in [New Jersey] for 15 years,” she said. “We organize people to stop all new fossil fuel projects in New Jersey and to get our legislators to pass strong climate legislation, including the NJ Climate Superfund Act.”

Her own connection to youth activism began before she joined the organization. In 2019, she helped lead a youth-driven march in Newark to stop a proposed gas power plant. DiFalco’s early experiences showed her just how powerful student-led action can be. She saw young organizers researching proposals, attending public meetings, and rallying community support. 

These efforts showed the importance of giving guidance and resources to students to help turn their ideas into effective campaigns. 

“Earlier that year, Food & Water Watch supported students in Ridgefield and surrounding communities to stop a different proposal for a new gas power plant,” she recalled. “Students spoke out at government meetings, wrote to the [governor] and other elected officials, and organized a 500-person march in opposition. Both of these gas plants were ultimately cancelled.”

Most recently, DiFalco worked with a team of high school and college interns to organize the NJ Youth Climate Convergence, a day-long conference in March featuring workshops, training, and discussions on environmental justice in Newark. 

The event brought together youth from across the state to learn about climate activism, share strategies, and connect with other young organizers. Interns helped to plan every aspect, from workshops to discussion sessions, making sure that participants had opportunities to engage with environmental justice issues in meaningful ways.

“Over 50 students came from as far north as Ramapo College and as far south as Rowan,” she said, noting the energy and determination in the room.

For DiFalco, Gen Z activists bring something different to the table than past generations. Not only does their digital fluency help amplify messages quickly, but they are driven to action because they know their future is on the line, she said.

“A young person in NJ now has access to footage taken earlier in the day from people dealing with a climate emergency anywhere in the world,” said DiFalco. “They utilize humor, social media trends, and memes to share information with peers quickly and effectively.”

Campuses, she added, remain a hub for activism. Beyond digital platforms and community events, campuses continue to play a huge role in facilitating activism. They provide a space for students to collaborate, share ideas, and build drive around these environmental and social issues. 

“The ability for young people learning and often living together to organize on a social issue remains ever present,” she said. “In NJ, we’ve seen many youth climate movements grow out of campus organizing.”

However, she also warned of “the growing crackdown on campus protests and student activism” and stressed the importance of solidarity. “It’s important for students to stand up for what they believe in and for adults around the state to stand with student protestors in the face of repression.”

Looking ahead, DiFalco sees both opportunity and risk. She pointed to the NJ Climate Superfund Act, which would make fossil fuel companies pay for climate change damage, as a major chance for young voices to make an impact this fall. Their voices may be more influential than ever, showing peers and lawmakers that the future of New Jersey depends on those willing to stand up and take action.

“New Jersey could pass landmark legislation this fall… There are lots of opportunities for young activists to get involved, whether that be calling their reps in Trenton, helping to organize a demonstration, or attending a hearing at a statehouse,” DiFalco said.