The Brian Lehrer Show The NYC Mayoral Candidates on Climate
Jun 17, 2025
Keanu Arpels-Josiah, a climate justice organizer with Fridays for Future NYC and a Swarthmore College student, joins Julie Tighe, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters. They dive into mayoral candidates' stances on climate change, linking environmental policies to public health concerns. The duo discusses the urgency of youth activism in the climate movement and the need for addressing inequalities faced by marginalized communities. They highlight critical perspectives on candidates' records and the importance of informed voter engagement in the upcoming election.
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Youth Climate Organizing Example
- Keanu Arpels-Josiah organized major youth climate strikes mobilizing 200,000 young people in 2019.
- He helped lead the 2023 March to End Fossil Fuels with 75,000 participants demanding climate action.
Climate Justice Scope
- Climate justice links climate crisis impacts with systemic inequalities like housing and racial injustice.
- It frames climate action as a chance to create a just society with clean air, water, and housing rights for all.
Political Action for Environment
- The New York League of Conservation Voters uses rigorous political action to promote clean air, water, and energy.
- They believe voting is the top individual action to achieve institutional change on environmental issues.