Organizing for Climate Justice and Democracy: Perspectives from German Youth Activism

Join us for an inspiring and insightful discussion on how young activists in Germany are leading the charge for climate justice and democratic change. This event will feature firsthand accounts and strategies from German youth activists, Luisa Neubauer and Helena Marschall, who have been at the forefront of the climate movement in Germany.

Explore how these passionate individuals are organizing grassroots campaigns, influencing policy, and mobilizing communities to create a sustainable and just future. Whether you're an activist, student, or simply interested in the intersection of climate and democracy, this event will provide valuable perspectives and actionable ideas.

Speakers

Luisa Neubauer

Luisa Neubauer is a German climate activist, politician and author. She is one of the main organizers of the school strike for climate movement in Germany, where it is commonly referred to under its alternative name Fridays for Future.

Helena Marschall

Helena Marschall is one of Germany’s most prominent youth climate activists, having co-created Fridays for Future Germany—a branch of the youth-led climate awareness movement inspired by Greta Thunberg.

Moderators

Simon Richter

Department of Francophone, Italian and Germanic Studies University of Pennsylvania

Simon is the Class of 1965 Endowed Term Professor, Department of Francophone, Italian and Germanic Studies, and chair of the Climate Week at Penn planning team. Simon's teaching and research focus on cultural aspects of resilience, climate adaptation and sustainability, especially with regard to water and forests, and take the climate emergency as their starting point. Recently, Simon has been a member of international design teams working on climate adaptation projects in Semarang, Indonesia, and Amsterdam.

Eliana Atienza

Eliana Atienza is an environmental justice activist and community organizer from Manila, Philippines. As a third-year Environmental Studies student, she explores the connections between environmental racism and anticolonialism, emphasizing how racial and class equality underpin climate justice. Eliana organizes with Fossil Free Penn and other community groups across Philadelphia.