You Are Stealing Our Present: The Urgency of Climate Action and Youth Activism

You are stealing our present.

For years, scientists have been warning us again and again about the risks and dangers of climate change. They have told us that our way of life is not sustainable, that we are using up resources faster than they can be replenished, and that the planet is warming at an alarming rate. And yet, for the most part, we have ignored these warnings.

This statement, made by young climate activists around the world, speaks to a growing sense of urgency among the younger generation. They are looking at the world we are leaving them, and they are not happy with what they see.

We continue to drive gas-guzzling cars, to fly on airplanes, to eat meat produced through unsustainable farming practices, and to consume goods that are shipped across the globe, contributing to a massive carbon footprint. We continue to prioritize economic growth over environmental sustainability.

Meanwhile, young people are watching as their future is being stolen from them. They are seeing the effects of climate change in their own communities, from extreme weather events to rising sea levels to food and water scarcity. They are seeing the impact that our actions today will have on their world tomorrow.

The youth-led climate strikes, which began in 2018 with Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, have drawn attention to the urgency of the climate crisis and the need for action. These strikes have spread around the world, with millions of young people taking to the streets to demand that governments and businesses take action to address the climate crisis.

But despite the growing awareness of the need for change, progress has been slow. The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015, was a major step forward in international cooperation to address climate change. But even with this agreement in place, many countries are falling short of their commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

As the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said in a speech in 2019, “The climate emergency is a race we are losing, but it is a race we can win.” But in order to win this race, we need to act now. We need to make major changes in the way we live our lives and the way we do business.

We need to transition to renewable energy sources, to build more sustainable transportation systems, to reduce waste and consumption, and to protect the natural habitats and biodiversity that are essential to our survival. And we need to do all of this quickly, before it’s too late.

The good news is that there are already many inspiring examples of individuals, communities, and businesses taking action to address the climate crisis. From young climate activists organizing protests and strikes, to cities committing to 100% renewable energy, to companies investing in sustainable technologies, there is reason for hope.

But we need to do more. As the youth climate movement has made clear, our future is at stake. It’s time to take action, to make the changes we need to make, and to ensure that we are not stealing the present from future generations.

In the words of Greta Thunberg, “We have not come here to beg world leaders to care. You have ignored us in the past and you will ignore us again. We have run out of excuses and we are running out of time. We have come here to let you know that change is coming, whether you like it or not.”

It’s up to all of us to fasten our actions to make that change happen.

Here are some relevant weblinks for further reading:

• The Climate Strike website, which provides information on the youth-led climate strikes
• The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which oversees the international climate negotiations
• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which produces reports on the science of climate change
• The Sunrise Movement, a youth-led organization advocating for a Green New Deal in the United States
• The Climate Reality Project, an organization founded by former Vice President Al Gore to promote climate action
• The Drawdown project, a comprehensive plan to reverse global warming through practical solutions

It’s important to note that the climate crisis is not just an environmental issue, but a social justice issue as well. The impacts of climate change are felt most strongly by marginalized communities, who often have fewer resources to adapt and respond to the effects of a changing climate.

As the youth-led climate movement has made clear, we need to prioritize social justice in our efforts to address the climate crisis. We need to ensure that the transition to a more sustainable future is equitable and inclusive, and that those who are most affected by climate change are at the forefront of the solutions.

In the words of environmental activist and author Naomi Klein, “This is not a battle between the present and the future. It’s a battle between the winners of the past and the rest of the present. And the only way we can win is by building a broad, diverse, intersectional movement that can take on the powerful interests that have brought us to this point.”

We are at a critical moment in history, and the decisions we make now will have a profound impact on the world we leave to future generations. It’s up to all of us to listen to the voices of young people who are demanding action, and to work together to create a more sustainable and just world. As Greta Thunberg has said, “We are the change, and change is coming whether you like it or not.” It’s time to embrace that change, and to ensure that we are not stealing the present from those who will inherit our world.

In conclusion, the message from young climate activists is clear: “You are stealing our present.” We cannot afford to ignore the urgency of the climate crisis any longer. We need to take action now to create a more sustainable and just world.

Here are some action points that individuals, communities, and businesses can take to address the climate crisis:

Reduce your carbon footprint by using public transportation, biking or walking, and consuming less meat and dairy.

Support political candidates who prioritize climate action and hold elected officials accountable for their actions.

Advocate for sustainable policies and practices in your community, such as renewable energy and sustainable transportation.

Invest in renewable energy and other sustainable technologies, and divest from fossil fuels.

Support organizations working on climate action, such as the Sunrise Movement and the Climate Reality Project.

Educate yourself and others about the science of climate change and the impacts it has on our world.

Prioritize social justice in your climate action efforts, and work to ensure that the transition to a more sustainable future is equitable and inclusive.

We have the power to create a better future for ourselves and for future generations. It’s time to take action, to listen to the voices of young people who are demanding change, and to build a more sustainable and just world.

This post is part of Blogchatter’s CauseAChatter