Students Lead Rally For ‘Climate Action’ In West Orange

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A group of activists recently rallied in front of West Orange’s town hall as part of a student-led demonstration for “climate action.”

According to a statement from organizers, the Feb. 20 rally was held to “demand that town councilors take concrete steps towards reducing West Orange’s carbon emissions and improving the town’s climate resiliency.”

Students from West Orange High School, Roosevelt Middle School, Golda Och Academy and Newark Academy took part in the protest.

The rally also saw support from Montclair Climate Action, Extinction Rebellion, SOMA Climate Action, and the Coalition to Save South Mountain Reservation, in addition to West Orange Councilman Bill Rutherford.

Speeches were given by Golda Och Academy student Daniel Shapiro, West Orange High School student Raimee Svetvilas, teacher and resident Loren Svetvilas, and Newark Academy student Svanfridur Mura. Roosevelt Middle School environmental club members also gave a composting presentation.

“We’ve seen the effects of the climate crisis firsthand here in West Orange,” said Daniel Shapiro, a youth who helped organize the rally. Shapiro pointed to the rockslide and flooding that took place after Hurricane Ida, which displaced 45 families living at Ron Jolyn on 275 Northfield Avenue.

Students at the rally presented a “Climate Action Pledge” for the town council and mayor, which included “13 concrete steps they can take to mitigate and adapt to climate change.”

“We’re out of time for excuses,” agreed Svanfridur Mura, another organizer of the Feb. 20 rally, who called for action on the part of the council.

“This isn’t a young person’s problem,” Mura said. “Climate change is here, climate change is now, and climate change is their responsibility.”

• See related article: West Orange Township Continues Environmental Initiatives
• See related article: Environmental Advocates Rate West Orange Council On Key Votes

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