First, younger generations have to start using one of their most neglected yet important tools, their ability to vote. We have to vote for politicians that actually address climate change instead of burying their heads in the sand. Second, we have to start changing the narrative around nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is commonly believed to be one of the most environmentally destructive and dangerous forms of energy, but in reality it is the most sustainable and effective option that we currently have. Third, we need to start using and investing into more sustainable and efficient technology and infrastructure, such as using buses or trains instead of individual cars. Finally, we need to be doing all of these things as soon as possible. We might not be seeing many effects of climate change now, but the longer we wait to address climate change, the more harm we do to the environment and to humanity.
— Hamza, Claremont High School
“It is possible for our generation to stop climate change, but only if we make a determined effort.”
I think our generation is motivated to stop climate change because we will be faced with it all our lives. I am unsure if we can stop it. Protesting on social media and in the streets does force our government to think about climate change. But until we elect a large group of committed activists to Congress and other legislative bodies, we cannot stop large businesses from continuing to pollute the environment. I believe previous generations are too forgiving and accommodating of the fossil fuel industry. We need to research practical alternatives to fossil fuels, pass laws to replace fossil fuels with these alternatives, and resist corporate lobbyists. Recycling and using paper straws reduce waste that damages the environment, but are they doing much if oil companies pump out smoke into the air every day, making more plastic straws and cellophane cups? It is possible for our generation to stop climate change, but only if we make a determined effort.
“We can use our voices.”
How am I supposed to help fight climate change if I can’t even vote? I ask myself this question almost every day. We cannot change others’ actions, only persuade them to think differently. Even though we cannot control the people who mass produce plastic materials or use gasses harmful to the environment, or even the people who can make laws against them, we can still use our voices. We can use our voices to get people to open their eyes and look around.
“Campaigning for updated climate policies is the way to go.”
Individual actions such as turning off the lights, carpooling and using less plastic doesn’t matter all that much in comparison to the factories that are pumping out millions of tons of carbon a year. Young people recently have been campaigning for updated climate policies, which is the way to go. Getting infrastructure and industry to a place less harmful for the planet makes all of our actions more impactful. The best way to achieve this change is through litigation, which young people have been campaigning for. I personally don’t believe that we’re “doomed” as humans always find a way to thrive, but certainly a lot of people’s lifestyles may be altered in the future if nothing changes.
“Younger generations can stop littering, buying fast fashion, and start recycling.”
Climate change is a very significant issue in the world today. We can help fix it in many different ways, starting with recycling. Recycling is one of the best ways to help our environment. It is helpful because the recycled item can be reused instead of thrown away and dumped into the ocean. Another matter is the mass production of products. Many companies produce large amounts of what they are stocking, and then the products that do not get sold get thrown out, which pollutes the sea and can kill off much fragile wildlife. Younger generations can stop littering, buying fast fashion, and start recycling to help save the planet.
