The Activist for Activists. Author of Make a Difference with Mental Health Activism and The Happy Activist: Journey the 5-Step Activism Path to Focus Your Passion and Change the World. Teacher, Psychologist, Environmental Activist, Animal Lover.
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Last Updated on February 27, 2025
A landmark legal action on climate change is winding its way through the courts. In it, the twenty-one young plaintiffs ask governments to deal with the problem since they are not doing so voluntarily.
Kelsey Juliana is the oldest of the twenty-one kids. In addition, she is the named plaintiff in the lawsuit Juliana v. United States. Although she is now an adult, most of the plaintiffs are still children.
The Legal Action
Juliana v. United States asserts that state and federal governments have endangered their future by not taking measures to reduce fossil fuel emissions.
“We filed a civil rights violation case on the grounds that the U.S. government is threatening our rights to life, liberty and property. They’re threatening our access to stable, healthy, natural resources protected under the public trust doctrine. Through this doctrine, the government is entrusted with the protection of resources for generations to come. By allowing for our water, air and land to become polluted, they are neglecting their responsibility.” -Kelsey Juliana
Despite the best efforts of opposing attorneys, Juliana v. United States is proceeding through the courts in preparation for trial. To learn more, you can get updates on the legal action’s progress at Our Children’s Trust.
Kelsey Has Activism in Her DNA
A 60 Minutes segment on the protection of spotted owls features infant Kelsey in a sling while her mother walks the picket line. Specifically, Kelsey grew up in the Northwest U.S., an area where people are serious about environmental activism. Nevertheless, Kelsey’s method of legal action is unique, and so far, is working.
A Focus on Your Passion
Kelsey’s passion for environmentalism focuses on children. To support that, she is in college now, studying environmental education. Kelsey wants active hope and a nonpoliticized reality.
Her advice to budding activists? Focus on passion.
“Everyone always asks, ‘What can I do?’ But instead of just calling congressmen, reflect on yourself…Who are you, what makes you happy? Then transition that to: What do you love, what do you care about? What kind of world do you want to see in 20 years?..People contribute very different things,” she said. “Each of us has a unique gift that we can offer.” Kelsey Juliana
Yes, we each have unique gifts we can offer to our cause. And you can use resources for finding your passion and matching that to your strengths in The Happy Activist.
In addition, the companion book, The 5-Step Activism Path Workbook, has worksheets, exercises, and reflections to help you get clear about your passion.
Resources
More about the Juliana v. United States legal action at OurChildren’sTrust.org
Earth Guardians is a good resource for young environmental and social activists.
Read about teen climate change activist Greta Thunberg.
Browse more activist profiles.
How to Find the Best Activism Method
Environmental Injustice is Something Awful in Your Backyard
It gives you hope, doesn’t it?
Yes, it does.
Oh, please let these kids be smarter than we’ve been.
I know, right? Each kid in the lawsuit has been impacted by climate change in different parts of the country. Their stories are sad.
Interesting.
Thanks for stopping by!
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Such an inspiring young lady and a lesson for all of us!
She is inspiring! I like that her focus is on the children.
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