General
The bottom line for our planet is that we cannot go on neglecting it the way we are. It is just not sustainable. We need to think more about what we can do to restore the balance between humans and the environment. Humans are part of the equation that causes climate change and humans need to part of the equation to fix climate change. If you listen to those running our country and other countries the excuse is always money. I wonder if they have ever thought that without a planet to live on money is useless. Over consumption has become a way of life for many and we need to change that.
Just because you are young does not mean you do not have a voice. There are lots of ways young people can get involved in helping the environment if you find something you are interested in then focus on that. Go for it! You can make a difference!
"We have to call upon the people of the world to speak up more forcefully, to put their weight in the balance of the scales that are measured by world leaders." - Al Gore
In December 2009 at United Nations conference in Copenhagen where leaders of the world came together to discuss climate change. The goal for this conference was to make a new climate agreement supported by every country. It was really important that every country worked together and committed to an agreement because we are close to a point where we will not be able to stop climate change and the events that will come with it.
The conference result is a little disappointing. World leaders were unable to negotiate a legally binding global treaty. These negotiations were always going to be tough as there are many needs from many countries to satisfy.
It might be the end of the conference but this is the beginning of further discussions and negotiations which will hopefully lead to a binding agreement that will protect our planet. World leaders will come together again on May 31 to June 11 and then second round talks will be held between November 29 and november 19. COP 16 will be held in Mexico City from November 29 to December 10. So there is still hope.
Everything we do has an impact on the environment. I really learnt about impact when I was ice climbing in New Zealand a few years ago. As I was climbing on the ice cliffs I noticed a red line in the ice. I asked my guide what it was and he explained that it was red dust from central Australia. The dust had blown all the way to New Zealand. This happened because the ground is so dry because of dought and the top soil needed to grow crops was blown away and in this case it had blown all the way to New Zealand. We saw more dust storms during 2009 and we may see more in the future.
We need to think about how we do things and rethink about how to do thing differently to ensure we do not have a negative impact on the environment. The world needs to work together and make positive impacts on the environment!
Here is what some of my frineds from around the world think about climate change:
Annie, 13 years old from Canada: I think that although it is a big problem and a big challenge it is also an opportunity for our generation to change the world through our actions. We need to think big and come up with large system changing ideas and actions. Although individual actions are necessary we really need a change in our systems.
Gook Hwa, Kim, 11 years old from South Korea: It’s happening very, very fast. Two years ago, we could see dragonflies in the middle of Fall, but this year dragonflies were seen in the middle of Summer.
Shivendra, 13 years old from India: I think that it is the time now to take some serious action on this major issue. Day by day, hour by hour, second by second changes are happening and we, all of the world should combine and become one.
Mauinsa, 15 years old from Trinidad and Tobago: I personally think that climate change is something that needs to be stopped. If it doesn’t, then there is a great chance that future generations after us would not know what a tree looks like, It would also greatly distress us in the Caribbean. Our flat islands would be like the lost city of Atlantis, under the sea. I would like to say, “The little bit that one does, would help the world tremendously”. This is my advice.
Lerato, 11 years old from South Africa: I think that climate change affects us all and the animals and we have to act together to stop climate change because if we don’t act we won’t have a future. So you can also help by planting a tree.
Mustapha, 15 years old from The Gambia: Climate change is a disastrous change in our environment and it is caused by humans and human activities. I as a child advocate will try by all means to advocate against climate change, because it affects us. Save the environment, safe your life and the brighter your future becomes.
Kazuki, 14 years old from Japan: I think of course we have to stop climate change. But in this developed world people live with the sacrifice of the nature. So we have to think about what we should do for a sustainable society.
