Author: Jason Luo ’25
The People-Powered Push for Climate Justice
In recent years, many institutions have made significant strides toward adopting sustainable practices. From universities and organizations to corporations and other influential entities, the shift toward environmentally-conscious policies is evident. Yet, there remains a crucial element that is often overlooked: the people. Sunrise Princeton aims to address this gap by rallying the power of the people to confront climate change and support movements and policies aimed at improving the lives of those most disproportionately impacted by climate change. Their efforts are part of a larger movement, coined as environmental justice, that is shifting away from assessing environmental impact solely through carbon dioxide emissions and considering the very present issues occurring in many communities consisting of those with lower socioeconomic status. At the heart of their mission is the belief that meaningful progress depends on collective action, driven by the strength and unity of communities committed to a just and sustainable future.
The Vision and Goals of Sunrise Princeton
As a relatively new organization, Sunrise Princeton, previously known as Divest Princeton, is dedicated to building climate justice within both the University and surrounding communities by actively addressing the interconnected issues of environmental and social equity.
Interviewing past year’s coordinators, Eleanor Clemans-Cope ’26 and Alexander Norbrook ’26, allowed us to gain insight into Sunrise Princeton’s creation. Clemans-Cope, an economics major, was inspired to become environmentally engaged by her younger sister, who was concerned about the future and motivated them both to get involved in climate organizing and eventually join their local Sunrise chapter. Norbrook, a history major, had an innate interest in nature and concern about climate change from a young age. He joined his high school’s Sunrise organization and decided to bring that climate activism engagement to Princeton. Both previously involved with the Sunrise Movement and wanting their efforts to support groups beyond Princeton’s campus, they, alongside the current undergraduate members of Divest Princeton decided to shear gears. Despite the change, they continue to support Divest Princeton’s mission, by striving for the complete divestment of the remaining $700 million contributed from privately owned fossil fuels and ending all related research and funding ties. Looking forward, they aim to leverage the University’s extensive resources to aid in the decarbonization of New Jersey and provide meaningful support to neighboring communities such as the township of Princeton.
Aligned with the broader Sunrise Movement’s three pillars of political action, people power, and people’s alliances, Sunrise Princeton empowers individuals to participate in climate justice advocacy, supports politicians committed to progressive environmental legislation, and works in solidarity with other social justice movements. Internally, Sunrise Princeton is organized into four teams, each with a specific focus that compliments the core goals of the organization. The Actions Team is responsible for coordinating club events and larger activism related projects/campaigns, such as last year’s Reclaim Earth Day (RED) event. The Communications Team handles advertising for events and projects, ensuring that their initiatives reach a wide audience. The University Team investigates Princeton’s relationships with fossil fuel companies, working to uncover and challenge ties that undermine climate justice. Finally, the Community Team focuses on outreach, building connections with New Jersey environmental organizations and grassroots led efforts to involve them in Sunrise Princeton’s events and projects.
In line with their mission, Sunrise Princeton has actively organized and participated in significant events to advance environmental justice on and off campus. A major accomplishment was Reclaim Earth Day (RED) this past April, where they collaborated with student groups like Princeton Conservation Society, Re:wild Princeton, Students for Prison Education, Abolition and Reform (S.P.E.A.R.), Princeton’s chapter of YDSA, etc. The event included speeches from figures like Professor Rob Nixon and a campus-wide rally advocating for Princeton to meet their climate demands. They also co-organized the NJ Climate Action Gathering at Rutgers University with Food and Water Watch, bringing together key voices in New Jersey’s climate and labor movements. Previously, as Divest Princeton, they staged a Die-in protest during a BP-funded Climate Mitigation Meeting to highlight greenwashing concerns. Last September, they helped mobilize around 60 students for the NYC End Fossil Fuels Climate March, joining over 70,000 participants in a powerful call for climate action.
Getting Involved
Sunrise Princeton is committed to making big waves on campus — at Princeton and across the nation — and are always welcoming new members. Want to be a part of the movement? Check out their website and Instagram to stay in the loop, and fill out this interest form to get involved. If you have any further questions, feel free to email sunriseprinceton@gmail.com.
Citations:
Home. Sunrise Movement. (2023, November 18). https://www.sunrisemovement.org/
Home – sunrise princeton. Sunrise Princeton – the world is hot and scary, we are cool and fun! (2024, February 12). https://sunriseprinceton.com/