Embrace Your Potential: How young voices can lead the fight against climate change
August 14, 2024 | Jordan Kimball | University Student Journalist
Every single day, we get older, and with each year, we lose energy—energy that we will never be able to get back. When we are young, we are at our most impactful state, and while we may not be in the workforce as children, teens or even young adults, we still have the potential to change the world. In fact, we have the most incredible opportunity to make the future better.
Previous Impact of Young Voices for Climate Change
In November of 2018, Greta Thunberg altered the perspectives of so many people and did what all young adults should do. She used her young voice to speak out about climate change and pushed to make a difference. Thunberg began with a TEDx speech and ultimately grew to speak at protests, in front of large crowds and meet with political figures about the world’s climate issue. Thunberg has arguably been one of the most influential advocate for climate change action, and she was only 16 years old when her movement began. While it can be challenging to step up and speak to large groups about the horrifying climate situation, people can take another approach by intertwining their interests with what really matters. That’s what I’m doing as I write about rising temperatures and dangerous gases overtaking the earth’s clean air.
Political Pathways
For those of you reading this who hope to get into politics in the future, taking action with climate change can be a great way to get your foot in the door. Though it’s hard to reach out and see the impact you may have on political figures, it’s essential to know that if people band together, change will occur. Pollution and the surging temperatures are so much larger than the government, but the policies that are made in Washington, D.C. can have significant effects on the future.
Government Initiatives
According to the United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Biden administration has updated Climate Adaptation Plans for federal agencies to enhance resilience to climate impacts. The EPA’s 2024-2027 plan focuses on building a climate-improvement-invested workforce and plans to incorporate climate resilience into its operations. The World Resources Institute also states that the U.S. recently rejoined the Paris Agreement and is actively engaged in international climate efforts, preventing unsafe gas-emitting facility approvals in order to limit fossil fuel production. With the help of the younger generations, more efforts and policies can be put in place to improve the future.
Educational Responsibility
Similar to the effect we have on the government, the educational impact and responsibility that young adults have on the world today are more significant than most think. As an 18-year-old, I often wish I was still 10, living my best life, playing sports and constantly eating junk food. While those days were most definitely memorable, as we grow older, we are able to impact younger children the same way we were affected by those above us. By educating the younger generation to make a change, we are also doing our part in saving the climate.
Technological Innovation
The impact that we have on the future is something we should walk toward, not away from. One more example of a way we can end the climate crisis is through innovative technology. Apple releases a new iPhone every year, and new generations of video game consoles come out roughly every five years. With the introduction of these technological innovations, we can make a change, and so can these big-name companies. Apple has a highly significant impact on the world, and working with them can change the future. Imagine their advertisements, messages, and statements when they are pushing for a more sustainable future. However, Apple isn’t the only company that can help with change. Any business, even a small local one, can have a significant impact with the help of its supporters. It’s time to get these multi-million dollar companies away from their job for one second and focus on what’s truly important.
It's Our Turn
That’s all! Take some time and make a change. Trust me, you have more of an impact than ever imagined.
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Jordan Kimball is a first-year student at Syracuse University studying Magazine, News and Digital Journalism. He enjoys playing and watching sports, going to the beach, listening to music, writing, and spending time with family and friends.
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