Athens’ budding environmental group, Fridays For Future, strives to advocate for the planet.
Jaidyn Hughes, a junior studying wildlife conservation biology, is the president of the organization and formed the chapter after researching what women of today are pursuing for inspiration.
The search connected Hughes to Greta Thunberg, a famous Swedish activist passionate about climate change. The youth-led and organized movement was formed by Thunberg and other activists in 2018 after sitting in front of the Swedish parliament “every school day for three weeks” protesting “the lack of action” toward the “climate crisis."
According to the official website, there are currently many Fridays for Future chapters located in 7,500 cities with more than 14,000,000 people involved.
“I thought it sounded like a really nice thing to get more involved in,” Hughes said. “So I went to find my closest branch, and then I found that there wasn't a single one in the entire state of Ohio.”
Jada Townsend, a senior studying environmental geoscience, is the chapter’s secretary and said she joined the group because of Hughes' determination.
“Jaidyn especially is very adamant on attending protests and things like that (and) trying to educate our members about certain legislation,” Townsend said.
Townsend said Fridays for Future members participated in Athens’ “No Kings” Protest, a movement opposing President Donald Trump’s authority, U.S. involvement with Iran, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation policies and more, according to a previous report by The Post.
Fridays For Future members hope to give people the platform to fight for environmental preservation. Hughes said the Athens chapter has multiple goals.
“I'm really passionate about giving students volunteer hours in experience and practice in political organizing and that kind of deal,” Hughes said. “We’re still new, and I’m still growing my base for it, but once we have more people power, we’ve got some really big things in store about improving environmental issues locally.”
One of Athens County's environmental topics is wastewater. According to a previous report by The Post, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is considering a general wastewater permit, which would allow a streamlined process for data centers to receive authorization to discharge wastewater into surface waters.
“It's wastewater … dumps are being proposed in their areas that might affect their water supply, which is an environmental justice issue at its core,” Hughes said. “I have connections to help out when we have the capacity.”
Hughes’ passion for planetary health began at a young age.
“Climate Action is tiring mentally, but appreciating what we do have and maintaining hope for being able to preserve and maintain as many natural areas as possible keeps me going,” Hughes said. “I wouldn't have been able to do that without being outside like I was as a kid.”
Clare Haddon, a sophomore studying environmental and plant biology, is the chapter vice president and said doing simple tasks can make a big difference for the environment and climate education.
“Finding as much opportunity to bring it up as a topic … is super important to getting involved,” Haddon said. “Doing your part personally … picking up trash, recycling, talking to others about the climate. Even on social media, you could repost something to educate others further.”
The new chapter is still getting its footing and looking for new members. Picking up litter, making a Donkey coffee run and playing board games are some of the activities Athens’ Fridays For Future did this semester.
Despite some fun activities, Hughes said the chapter is getting to work.
“Our big campaign that we're working on right now is wastewater treatment education to make sure that people can acknowledge and appreciate the work that goes into having clean water,” Hughes said.
Athens’ Fridays For Future hopes locals and potential new members can appreciate the earth and learn how to care for it. For more information about meetings, those interested can visit the chapter’s Instagram.
“This is the world that we are going to grow old in, and we deserve to have it be one that is safe and beautiful, and one that we have put effort and love into in order to receive love back,” Hughes said.
