About episode
No matter who I talk to – whether startup founders, investors, or corporate sustainability leaders – when I ask what is needed to really move the needle on climate change, everyone always comes back to the to importance of policy change, of making climate an electoral issue and holding political leaders accountable to take bold action.
There’s no denying that in recent years one of the most important forces making bold climate action more of a priority, has been the voice of young people. Their cry for change and their committed activism has been impossible to ignore, and the policies they’ve fought for have gained real headway. In the United States, at the center of youth climate organizing is an organization named the Sunrise Movement. They’ve been around for less than a decade but have mobilized effectively and are credited for inspiring and advancing historic climate policies like the Inflation Reduction Act.
Today we’re joined by two leaders of the Sunrise Movement, Matthew Miles Goodrich and Aru Shiney-Ajay. Miles was one of the founders of the movement and leads fundraising. Aru has been involved since she was 19 and now leads Sunrise’s strategy. They’re both inspiring representatives of the bold vision and commitment that’s made Sunrise so successful and that we all need to bring to climate work.
In today’s episode, we cover:
- [3:35] Miles’ background, role with Sunrise & how he got involved
- [5:34] Aru’s background, role with Sunrise & how she got involved
- [8:31] The origin & history of the Sunrise Movement
- [11:45] The reach that Sunrise has achieved & how it’s been successful at getting young people involved in climate action
- [17:00] How many people have been involved in Sunrise & how are they able to manage their volunteer army
- [19:31] Sunrise’s wins & progress
- [21:55] Sunrise’s role surrounding the Inflation Reduction Act and the impact of the IRA & other recent climate policies
- [27:57] Sunrise’s current strategy & priorities
- [32:34] Why is declaring a climate emergency needed & what would it lead to
- [34:45] Sunrise’s theory of change
- [37:44] The lawsuit against the state of Montana & implications of the case
- [39:45] Pivotal moments for climate & the progress being sought
- [41:20] Hopes for Climate Week
- [42:01] What else needs to happen to adequately address climate change
Miles’ background, role with Sunrise & how he got involved
Matthew, more commonly known as Miles, is a versatile figure within the Sunrise Movement, serving as a writer, organizer, and fervent advocate for the potential of young people. Since the organization’s inception in 2017, he has taken on various roles, including building their first website and actively canvassing for AOC during her 2018 New York State Director campaign. Currently, as the fundraising director, he contributes to developing the movement ecosystem for the Green New Deal and holds a prominent position on the senior leadership team alongside Aru. Miles’ journey in climate activism stems from a deeply personal experience, with his father’s cancer diagnosis in 2004, which exposed him to the profound impact of politics on individuals’ lives. The financial crisis of 2008 and the subsequent passage of the Affordable Care Act underscored for him the potential for the federal government to positively influence the lives of everyday citizens, motivating him to dedicate his young adult life to building a movement that can effectively address the climate crisis and make government work in favor of future generations.
Aru’s background, role with Sunrise & how she got involved
Aru, a 25-year-old activist, has been actively engaged with the Sunrise Movement since she was 19. Her journey with Sunrise began with her initial discovery of the organization and its mission to effect comprehensive change in order to combat climate change. This commitment led Aru to establish hubs in her college and hometown of Minneapolis and volunteer for two years. As a fellow, she oversaw the training of tens of thousands of individuals in Sunrise’s strategy and culture, facilitating the creation of new hubs. Aru’s role evolved as she spearheaded a two-year strategic redesign process and currently serves as the Deputy Campaign Director. Her involvement in climate activism was catalyzed by her upbringing, marked by an awareness of inequality, particularly through her parents’ roots in Kerala, India. However, it was her experiences during the Syrian refugee crisis in the Netherlands and witnessing the severe air pollution crisis in Delhi that transformed her perspective on climate change, solidifying her belief in the urgent need for action and her role as a U.S. citizen to address this crisis.
The origin & history of the Sunrise Movement
In recalling the genesis of the Sunrise Movement, Miles reflects on the impact of Hurricane Irene in 2011, a storm that wrought destruction on his family’s home and prompted his realization of climate change’s imminent presence, which fueled his determination to take action. As an Eagle Scout, he had already pursued eco-conscious initiatives, like a composting system in high school, but yearned for a more substantial contribution. This led him to organizing and initiating one of the initial fossil fuel divestment campaigns on his college campus in 2012, amid a burgeoning youth movement. Recognizing the limitations of fighting climate battles on a localized scale, a diverse group of activists united to devise a grander strategy, culminating in the formation of the Sunrise Movement in response to the 2016 political landscape, marked by the contrasting visions of Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump. Witnessing the underrepresentation of climate issues in mainstream politics, especially after Trump’s election, fueled a sense of urgency and self-reliance among young activists, prompting an accelerated launch of Sunrise to harness the spirit of resistance. Miles shares that Sunrise has trained around 35,000 young people since 2017.
The reach that Sunrise has achieved & how it’s been successful at getting young people involved in climate action
Reflecting on Sunrise’s achievements, Miles identifies two crucial factors. Firstly, the movement has dispelled misleading narratives around climate action, particularly those perpetuated by the fossil fuel industry. These narratives wrongly emphasized individual carbon footprints and small-scale actions like shorter showers or turning off light bulbs as solutions to the climate crisis. In reality, such measures were insufficient due to the lack of accessible clean energy sources. Sunrise boldly called out this misinformation and offered a new perspective.
On the flip side, Sunrise presented an inspiring and unifying vision that went beyond propaganda. Instead of false solutions, they proposed a compelling alternative that resonated with people. At the core of this vision is the Green New Deal, which involves investing in the working class, utilizing federal government resources to accelerate the clean energy economy, reviving union jobs, holding fossil fuel executives accountable, and addressing the challenges faced by communities affected by fossil fuel pollution and deindustrialization. This vision also prioritizes racial and economic justice as integral components of climate action.
Sunrise’s approach hinges on rallying young people together, emphasizing the potential for collective action to achieve remarkable results. Their message is clear: by working in unity, they can bring the vision of a better country to life.
Why has Sunrise gathered so much momentum
Anu underscores the pivotal role of Sunrise Movement’s visionary approach in mobilizing young people for climate action. She emphasizes that young individuals possess a unique ability to break free from societal constraints on what is deemed achievable. When addressing the climate crisis, Anu often encounters questions about the feasibility of stopping it, and she firmly believes that the only obstacle in their path is their own hesitancy. Scientifically, mobilizing the necessary resources is entirely feasible, but societal barriers hinder progress. Young people, unburdened by such reservations, can envision what is possible and advocate for comprehensive change in a way that many adults find daunting. The audacity of Sunrise’s vision and their unwavering commitment to the scale of transformation required to combat the climate crisis has drawn many to their cause.
Furthermore, Anu highlights the movement’s resolute dedication to achieving tangible victories, a facet she believes is sometimes overlooked in climate advocacy. Unlike succumbing to despondency and a sense of inevitability, Sunrise is resolutely focused on securing governing power to implement their vision through initiatives like the Green New Deal. This aspiration to exert real influence and reshape the country’s direction resonates deeply with supporters, as it represents not just a quest for minor change, but a bold pursuit of fundamental transformation.
Additionally, Anu stresses the importance of infusing joy, hope, and camaraderie into their organizing efforts. Maintaining a vibrant and inclusive culture is a cornerstone of Sunrise’s principles, with the final principle encapsulating their spirit of determination, fervor, and hope. Anu cherishes the moments of shared music, dance, and candid conversations that contribute to this vibrant culture. These cultural elements have played a vital role in creating a sense of belonging within the movement, ultimately contributing to Sunrise’s growth and appeal as a community.
Resources Mentioned
Connect with Matthew Miles Goodrich & Aru Shiney-Ajay
Connect with Jason Rissman
Keep up with Invested In Climate
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