In episode 88 of Citizens Climate Radio, we dive into the passion and action of young climate activists, exploring their journeys from concern to meaningful action. Host, Peterson Toscano leads the conversation, spotlighting the endeavors of students like Emily O’Keefe and Helen Tiffin in fostering awareness about climate change and feasible solutions, focusing particularly on the carbon fee and dividend policy.
See full show notes and transcript at CCLUSA.org/radio
From Concern to Action
Emily O’Keefe, a student at the College of William and Mary, candidly shared her progression from a state of existential concern about climate change to actively seeking out impactful solutions. Emily’s journey started with a realization about the importance of sustainable living and protecting the environment. This ultimately led her to a gap year where she could detach and reconnect with nature by hiking the Appalachian Trail.
"I want to do something really big about climate change. And I'm just trying to figure out how can I do that?" - Emily O’Keefe
Evolving Ideas & Shared Enthusiasm
Emily’s initial idea to start a social movement was supported and molded by her friends, like Helen Tiffin. They delved deep into discussions about the nature of the movement and the message it should convey. Eventually, she was introduced to the carbon fee and dividend policy by a friend, Philip Ignatov. This policy became the focal point of their movement due to its effectiveness and tangible impact.
Helen Tiffin supported Emily’s enthusiasm, remarking on the nonpartisan nature and wide appeal of the carbon fee and dividend idea, noting, “It really is something that we can all agree upon.”
Carbon Fee & Dividend – An Equitable Solution
The carbon fee and dividend policy essentially imposes a fee on corporations extracting fossil fuels, making fossil fuel-intensive products more expensive and thereby encouraging consumers to opt for more sustainable alternatives. Importantly, the policy also includes an equitable dividend system where the revenue from the fees is distributed equally among Americans.
"So that actually makes it so that the majority of Americans, around two-thirds, will actually break even or profit from the money coming back to them in this cashback form, than they have to pay in increased prices." - Emily O’Keefe
Building a Movement
Emily, Helen, and their friends engaged in creating signs which read
Most Effective Climate Policy #carbonfeeanddividend bit.ly/writecongresshere
They raised awareness on their campus, and beyond and fostered a ‘snowball effect’, enabling more and more students and people to recognize and understand the carbon fee and dividend policy, spreading across multiple universities and leveraging online platforms like Instagram for greater reach.
Their campaign also linked to direct actions, creating templates for people to write to Congress and advocate for the policy. “It is all about spreading that awareness and education and whatever form it presents itself,” Helen stated.
Sustaining Impact & Longevity
The Carbon Fee and Dividend Movement initiated by Emily and her friends has found a stable home base within the Citizens Climate Lobby’s Higher Education Team, ensuring the sustainability and longevity of their efforts.
"We are going to be partnered with Friday's For Future in advocating for this...This will bring a lot of power to the movement." - Emily O’Keefe
Emphasizing the nonpartisan and optimistic values of the Citizens Climate Lobby, Emily believes in the importance of embodying these values for the successful advancement of the movement. They continue to use platforms like Slack to coordinate efforts across various chapters and provide resources to aid climate work.
Follow the Climate Fee and Dividend Movement on Instagram and visit their website. 
Takeaways
This episode sheds light on the relentless spirit of young activists, their journey of transforming concern into impactful action, and the communal spirit th