I was eight years old when I first felt the call to environmental activism. It started with quiet afternoons at a nearby stream, where I spent hours in nature, watching wildlife and observing the changing seasons from the same familiar spot. The stream was my sanctuary. But over time, I noticed it changing.
Neighbors began littering in the water —discarding tires, steel drums, and even hitting golf balls into the woods. Even at such a young age, I was outraged by the destruction of a place that had brought me so much peace. I believed that nature should be left as you found it. Fueled by that belief, I handwrote over 50 notes and delivered them to my neighbors, urging them to stop littering. But I didn’t stop there. What began as a child’s love for a stream grew into a lasting commitment to protect the environment.
I pursued studies in environmental science and political science in university, understanding that real change requires solid policy. I am currently an organizer at Sierra Club Connecticut. Activism has always been my calling, but lately, it’s become harder. Connecticut’s lack of action on climate issues is taking a mental and emotional toll on young people like me, who are urgently seeking solutions. Bold leadership is essential to transform our collective struggle into meaningful progress.
The Connecticut General Assembly has failed to pass any meaningful climate legislation the past two years I have been in the state’s environmental advocacy space. Although Connecticut claims to be a national leader on climate, it continues to lag behind more ambitious neighbors like New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.
Connecticut was the first state to pass a greenhouse gas reduction law, and last updated it in 2018 setting targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. However, the state is not on track to meet these goals, and costly climate impacts are rapidly increasing. During the 2024 legislative session I was at the Capitol in Hartford weekly to advocate for the passage of HB 5004 the “Climate Protection Act” that failed to pass.
Connecticut is also behind our neighboring states on clean energy. Connecticut only gets 3% of its electricity from solar while Massachusetts gets 20% of its energy from solar. All of our surrounding states have adopted new clean car and truck standards, Connecticut failed to adopt these standards. Additionally, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York now all have stronger pollution reduction targets than Connecticut. The data makes it clear — we’re falling behind. So why can’t we succeed when our neighboring states are leading the way?
Youth in Connecticut have been at the forefront of climate advocacy, with groups like the New Haven Climate Movement and Sunrise Connecticut who push for action and solutions. Despite their pleas and efforts, legislative inaction sends a clear message that their voices aren’t being taken seriously. The resulting “eco-anxiety” reflects growing fear and frustration over an uncertain future.
A study done by Sacred Heart University’s Institute for Sustainability & Social Justice determined that three-quarters of U.S. youths ages 15 – 29 are worried about climate change. The study also found that 55% of youth these ages in the Northeast experience eco-anxiety. Connecticut is already feeling the impacts of climate change—flooding, wildfires, poor air quality, and health crises— and youth are bearing the burden.
Personally, I am losing trust in our system and leaders because, time and time again, they have failed to deliver on their promises to address the climate crisis. Despite bold rhetoric and public commitments, meaningful action remains absent. The constant delays and political roadblocks leave me questioning whether our leaders are truly committed to protecting our future. Each missed opportunity deepens my sense of disappointment, especially as I watch neighboring states take bold steps forward while Connecticut lags behind.
To combat climate anxiety, frustration, and burnout in young people Connecticut must lead on meaningful legislation, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, invest in energy efficiency, and ensure young people’s voices are heard and being considered when making policy decisions.
If you are reading this now and want to take action you can sign this petition that is demanding bold climate action during the 2025 legislative session.
Julianna Larue is Chapter Organizer for Sierra Club Connecticut.