Adam Met, bassist of AJR and a climate activist with a Ph.D. in International Human Rights Law, discusses his journey from music to activism, the importance of local engagement in climate action, and his new book 'Amplify', which serves as a guide for young people to get involved in social movements.
In a recent conversation, Adam Met, the bassist of the popular indie-pop band AJR, shared his journey from music to climate activism. With a Ph.D. in International Human Rights Law, Met has become a prominent advocate for sustainability and climate action. His new book, "Amplify," aims to inspire collective action and guide individuals in building effective movements.
Adam Met founded AJR with his brothers, Jack and Ryan, in 2005. Despite their parents not being musicians, their father’s passion for music influenced them greatly. They grew up listening to classic artists like Simon and Garfunkel, the Beach Boys, and the Beatles. As they matured, they began street performing in New York City, which honed their performance skills and taught them how to engage an audience. This experience laid the foundation for their successful music career, which now includes billions of streams and multiple platinum records.
Met's academic achievements are impressive, holding a BA in Business and Philosophy, a Master's in Constitutional Religious Law, and a Ph.D. in International Human Rights Law. He attributes his ability to juggle these pursuits to his need for diverse outlets for creativity. When frustrated with the music industry, he would focus on his academic work, and vice versa. This interplay allowed him to thrive in both fields.
During his Ph.D. studies, Met focused on large-scale energy projects and the green transition. He developed a model to ensure that human rights are protected during this transition, emphasizing the importance of local and indigenous community involvement in energy projects. His research highlighted that when local communities have partial ownership of energy projects, it leads to economic benefits and job creation, alongside providing clean energy.
After completing his Ph.D., Met was approached by the UN to leverage his platform as a musician for sustainability initiatives. This collaboration led to the creation of Planet Reimagined, a nonprofit organization that acts as a creative incubator for climate solutions. The organization nurtures innovative ideas in the nonprofit space, aiming to develop impactful climate projects.
Met's book, "Amplify," serves as a guide for individuals, particularly young people, who want to engage in activism. He noticed a common theme among fans and activists seeking guidance on how to participate in movements. The book combines strategies from the entertainment industry with social activism, providing various pathways for involvement. Met emphasizes that everyone has unique skills that can contribute to movement building, regardless of their background.
In the book, Met categorizes individuals into different roles such as messengers, researchers, pathfinders, and "Cassandra" figures—those who challenge the status quo and identify potential pitfalls. He believes that recognizing these roles can enhance teamwork and effectiveness in activism.
Met acknowledges the frustration and anxiety many young people feel about the current state of the world. He encourages local engagement, emphasizing that community-level actions can lead to significant change. He highlights the importance of participating in local elections and community boards, where decisions about zoning and energy projects are made. Young people have the power to influence these outcomes through their voting and activism.
Met advocates for policy changes that support sustainable practices, citing successful examples like congestion pricing in New York City, which has reduced traffic and improved public transportation. He stresses the need for common-sense solutions that can garner bipartisan support, demonstrating that climate action can be framed in ways that resonate with different political perspectives.
Adam Met's journey from musician to climate activist illustrates the interconnectedness of creativity, academia, and activism. His book "Amplify" aims to empower individuals to find their place in the climate movement, encouraging them to take action at the local level. As he emphasizes, every small effort contributes to the larger goal of sustainability and social change.
In a world where young people often feel disillusioned, Met's message is clear: engage locally, vote, and find your unique role in the fight against climate change.
