It will take all of us: never too young to lead on the climate crisis
On Earth Day 2020, Mary Robinson launched this series of intergenerational blogs. In her special Earth Day message, she outlined the need for us to respond to the global challenges we face in solidarity.
Over the next ten weeks, we will be sharing stories of courage, hope, inspiration and challenge as young leaders in the climate movement write as guest bloggers championed by, and in solidarity with, the Elders.
Read the blogs:
Xiye Bastida, an 18-year-old Mexican-Indigenous climate justice activist based in New York City, pushes back on click-bait and lazy journalism around coverage of the climate movement. She urges recognition of the rainbow of diverse voices acting to bring about an equitable, sustainable and just future. Championed by Mary Robinson.
Omnia El Omrani, a medical student and climate activist from Egypt, reflects on the impact of climate change on public health and calls on governments to recognise investing in health is a key facilitator of sustainable development in the COVID-19 recovery. Championed by Graça Machel.
Litokne Kabua, a young climate activist from the Marshall Islands, highlights the experience of small island communities living with the impacts of climate change. He implores world leaders to take action before it is too late. Championed by Hina Jilani.
Jamie Margolin, an 18-year-old Colombian American climate activist shares a letter to fellow climate activists calling on them to recognise that the “fight for climate justice and the fight for social justice” are inseparable”. Championed by Zeid Raad Al Hussein.
Noting that it took a global pandemic to raise the importance of public health, David Imbago Jácome, a medical doctor from Ecuador, calls for a healthy recovery that takes care of both the most vulnerable and the planet. Championed by Ricardo Lagos.
Adegbile Deborah Morayo, a 12-year-old climate activist from Nigeria, writes about living with the impacts of environmental degradation and how this drives her passion to be a climate activist advocating for the right to a clean and healthy environment. She remains hopeful that the voices of young people will help accelerate the action needed to tackle the climate crisis. Championed by Desmond Tutu.
Brianna Fruean, a climate activist for Samoa, writes about three things she has seen, learned and been inspired by, across the globe during our current struggles. She calls on the international community to use this period to reflect on the kind of world they want to live in. Championed by Ban Ki-moon.
Erin Fowler, a young climate activist from Scotland, recalls the passion of local communities as they work together with global citizens to tackle transborder issues like climate change and plastic pollution. Recognising the real potential of united climate action, she calls on the international community to work together, as it has in response to COVID-19, to create a more just and sustainable future. Championed by Gro Harlem Brundtland.
Howey Ou, a climate activist from China, says that just as the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the whole planet, so too does the climate crisis. Warning against inaction, she calls for a collective effort to achieve climate justice. Championed by Juan Manuel Santos.
Vanessa Nakate, a young climate activist from Uganda, outlines the devastating impact of climate change and warns that those on the frontlines must be engaged in finding solutions. She also highlights the challenge of climate activism in the Global South. Championed by Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.
Ridhima Pandey, a 12-year-old climate activist from India explains the motivations behind her environmental activism and why she seeks to raise awareness about caring for the planet. Drawing linkages between the effects of COVID-19 and the ongoing climate crisis, she calls on policymakers to act. Championed by Ela Bhatt.
Theo Cullen-Mouze, a young climate activist from Ireland, argues that the COVID-19 response shows the capacity of the world to collaborate, mobilise vast resources and take radical action in times of crisis. He calls for intersectional climate justice to ensure that we shape a liveable future for our planet. Championed by Mary Robinson.
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