Young people are the voices of the world. They are our hopes, our promises for a better future, a better tomorrow because they are the leaders of tomorrow. This is also the reason why young people should take action to address climate change and other environmental problems. Because of their longer life expectancy, they will need to live with the consequences of a dying environment left to them by their forefathers. Addressing the concerns of the environment should be done now and youths need to take a stand in this matter.

One of the most prominent youth environmental activists is Greta Thunberg. At just 16, she has already inspired many youths from all over the world to join her in protesting for the climate and holding politicians to account for the lack of action on the climate crisis. The ‘Greta Thunberg’ effect, as it is called is demanding governments to focus and act on climate change and urging people to change the way they live to keep global temperatures from rising.

Climate change, deforestation, plastic pollution and loss of biodiversity is very real and is happening all around us. We see violent tornado outbreaks, severe flooding and wildfires in all parts of the world. We hear about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch swirling in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, its area now twice the size of mainland United States. We can feel that the days are getting hotter and skies hazier. Just last month, fires consumed the Amazon rainforest – home to approximately 10 million species of animals, insects and plants. Today, it continues to burn. At the same time, fires in Indonesian Borneo and Sumatera are choking citizens and animals as well as disrupting air travel.

With so many things going on in the world, it is easy for youths to push the responsibility of caring for the Earth to the government and wait for a miracle to happen. But let us not forget that the Earth belongs to all of us, big or small, young or old as well as to all the unique species of flora and fauna and that we only have about 11 years to reduce global carbon emissions to save the planet. As such, youths bear a responsibility to care for it for our sake and the sake of our future generations too. 

            At present, young climate strikers are going on a climate strike in over 150 countries. They are protesting against new pipelines and mines and pushing for climate justice. Going on climate strikes would not solve the climate crisis but it demonstrates that people, youths in particular, care for their planet and want to make a change. Greta Thunberg’s lone protest outside the Swedish parliament last year caught the world’s attention and inspired millions of youths to do the same.

Youths can be strong advocates for the environment. By being climate ambassadors, youths can advocate for the environment in their local community, campaign for car-free days and better public transportation system as well as promote recycling and reusing of products. Nowadays, there are also platforms like Tunza Eco-Generation and Voices of Youth which offer original advice and opinions across the globe – by youths, for youths. Youths should be ready to speak up and show the world that we are an unstoppable force – that we will do whatever it takes to save the planet.

Together, let us all, the youths of the world, start today for a better tomorrow. Let us work together to combat climate change because WE are the voices of the world. Don’t let being young stop you from advocating for issues that you care about but use that to inspire other youths to do the same.

 Picture Credits: Google Images