Defend Our Future Action recognizes that young people have the most at stake in the fight against climate change — and have the most influence. Millennials are the largest generation in America, meaning they can be the largest block of voters. By mobilizing them to take action and vote, Defend Our Future Action is putting the world in the hands of the people who will inherit it.
Who we are
Volunteer
Volunteers are crucial to our work. We need people to help us register voters, educate communities and campuses on the issues, and support our pledge to vote campaign. We know that getting someone to pledge to vote makes it more likely that they will follow through. Help us get young people across the country into the voting booth.
Apply to volunteer
Donate
When you give to Defend Our Future Action, you’ll be helping to mobilize young people who care about saving our planet for future generations. The money you contribute will go to making sure we show our elected leaders that if they want the support of young people, they must support climate change solutions.
Send us your donationIssues
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges we face today. The impacts of climate change are already being felt by our communities, our economy, and our health. But there are solutions that we can implement, that will lessen global warming pollution and help slow the pace of rising temperatures.
Clean Energy
The overuse of fossil fuels, and the pollution that results from extracting and burning them, is the largest contributor to climate change. When we use fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas, we release greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide and methane into our atmosphere. These greenhouse gases trap heat and result in warming temperatures, which leads to stronger storms, rising sea levels, and longer periods of drought.
Clean energy offers a better solution: one that protects our environment and keeps the lights on while putting people to work. With industries like solar, wind and hydropower we can permanently change how we make, move and provide energy. Companies are shifting to more sustainable practices and investors are lining up to support clean energy projects, and our economy stands to benefit enormously. The world is ready to make the transition to clean energy—it’s time for America to lead the clean energy revolution.
Environmental Justice
Low income communities and people of color are disproportionately affected by pollution and the impacts of climate change. Of people who live within three miles of coal-fired power plants, 39 percent are people of color, and their average income is just $18,400. Living in these areas makes one more prone to premature death, asthma, heart and lung issues, birth defects, and many other health issues.
Abroad, third world countries and impoverished communities are more likely to feel the most dire consequences of climate change. Food and water scarcity, rising sea levels, forced migration, and extreme weather events threaten to devastate the world’s most vulnerable populations. By taking on climate change, America can work to keep these communities safe.
Voter Rights and Mobilization
In the 2014 midterm elections just 19.9% of eligible 18-29 year olds voted, the lowest level ever recorded. It’s no secret that many young people feel disillusioned with our leaders in Washington. But staying home on Election Day is the worst way to break the gridlock that has stalled climate progress.
When we vote together, and in force, we can decide who will represent us and who will help shape the future of our country and our world.
About
Defend Our Future Action is the advocacy partner of Defend Our Future. We are mobilizing young people to demand action on climate change – so that their voices and votes will shape the world they stand to inherit. Young people can change the outcome of elections by supporting candidates who will protect the environment and lead our country to a clean energy future.