Climate Anxiety to Climate Action


By Morgan Robb

Morgan Robb

Have you ever experienced climate anxiety? It is easy to feel overwhelmed with all the news stories and research about how our planet is being destroyed. At the height of the pandemic, I found myself going down a rabbit hole of climate change stories and documentaries.  

I watched as wildfires ravaged throughout California and Australia. I helplessly watched as hurricanes and natural disasters got stronger and destroyed communities around the world. During the presidential election, I found myself scrolling through a flurry of posts by climate change deniers and getting extremely worked up about it. 

I was furious, yet as a young teenager, I felt powerless. It was as though us youth were handed this colossal issue and told, ‘We messed up. Now it’s your problem.’ Despite my deep concern and fear, I did nothing. I was paralyzed by the thought that I was too young to do anything; that even if I tried, adults would not listen to a fourteen-year-old girl, especially in the midst of a global pandemic. I am no Greta Thunberg. 

In the summer of 2022, I got a text from a friend saying that a climate movement led by Jewish teens was being started in Baltimore. A few minutes later, I signed up. After two years of feeling helpless, I was relieved to finally have an opportunity like this; an opportunity to use all my bundled-up climate anxiety for a greater good. 

The Jewish Youth Climate Movement (JYCM) is a movement for 8th-12th graders who are passionate about the environment and the climate crisis. There are 50 chapters (and growing) around the United States that are dedicated to building and advocating for a healthy, sustainable future through a Jewish lens. 

There is a deep connection between the environment and Jewish teachings and values. We have holidays dedicated to the Earth, like Tu Bishvat and Sukkot. Many of our traditions and celebrations revolve around fruits and other sacred foods grown from the ground. Jewish concepts, such as Tikkun Olam, teach us about the importance of caring for the world and trying to make it a better place. In order to protect Jewish tradition and G-d’s creations for ourselves and future generations, we must take charge in repairing the world through climate justice

Joining the Jewish Youth Climate Movement was one of the best decisions I have made. It has given me the space to connect with likeminded teens who share a passion for protecting the environment. JYCM has also given me the chance to turn my idleness into action.  

From teaching Hebrew schoolers about climate change, to speaking with politicians about climate policy, to planning events with Jewish organizations and synagogues, JYCM has provided me with so many valuable opportunities to make a difference in the community. 

If you or someone you know are interested in joining Baltimore’s JYCM, please reach out to a leader of the Kvutzah @ juliasl3503@gmail.com, or message us on Instagram at @jycm.baltimore. 

A proud agency of The Associated, Pearlstone serves as Adamah’s headquarters. The JYCM is a project of Adamah.

The JYCM in Baltimore is funded in part by the Blaustein Fund. 


Subscribe to our newsletter

The Associated is a home for everyone in the Baltimore Jewish community. We offer several email lists to help people find a community, engage with their peers and support Jewish journeys around the world.

Join Our Mailing List

Add Impact to Your Inbox

Sign up for our newsletter


Subscribe to our newsletter

The Associated is a home for everyone in the Baltimore Jewish community. We offer several email lists to help people find a community, engage with their peers and support Jewish journeys around the world.

Join Our Mailing List