What Young People Can Takeaway from the Youth Climate Summit
Lindsey Walsh participated in the UN Youth Climate Summit as a virtual Blogger Fellow for UNA-USA. She writes about 3 major takeaways from the Summit for her fellow youth activists.
Saturday, September 21, 2019 marked a momentous occasion for youth activists around the world. For the first time, the United Nations hosted a Youth Climate Summit. From Greta Thurnberg to Melati Wijsen, activists urged the world’s leaders to not only acknowledge climate change as a reality, but also do something to fix it.
The UN Youth Climate Summit taught so much more than the critical state of the planet. It taught the world that young people matter, and their voices should be heard. The fight for sustainability is a hard fight, but young people are doing an incredible job at leading the way. It was amazing to see how hard young leaders are working towards building a more sustainable society that reflects justice and equality.
Here are 3 major takeaways from the Summit for my fellow youth activists:
- Speak Up for What is Right. No Matter Your Age.
Greta Thurnberg is only 16, but her climate activism has resonated with people around the world. You don’t have to be an adult in power to have a voice. In fact, you don’t even have to be an adult. You have a voice. Use it for good.
- We Are Stronger Together.
Hundreds of young people from across the globe came to the United Nations to work towards change. Thousands more watched online. Climate change cannot be tackled by one person. There must be a group effort. The wonderful work done in Mumbai supports the work done in London. The inspiring work in Washington D.C. is imperative to the work in Berlin. To really affect change, everyone must work towards a more sustainable world.
- Do Not Be Discouraged.
The fight for sustainable development is not easy. It is not won in one day, one week, or even one year. The reality is, it’s going to be hard to affect change in climate policy. Many people don’t want to see the truth. They want to continue their comfortable lives. But even when times are hard, please keep fighting. It took six long years for Melati Wiisen’s government to ban plastics. She never gave up, even when it looked like nothing would get done. She gave it her all and continues to fight. Even when you feel discouraged, continue to fight. Your voice is powerful and important.
