Young climate leaders from across the globe had the opportunity to make their voice heard on some of the most pressing issues on the climate agenda at the UN Youth4Climate Summit in Milan last month. They were invited to deliver world leaders a clear message on the climate crisis, and they did just that.
In her highly anticipated address at the forum, Greta Thunberg stood up and demanded less “blah, blah, blah”, referring to the endless negotiations and rhetoric on climate change. The renowned climate activist and spokesperson echoed the frustrations of communities around the world.
We need less talk about addressing climate change and more action.
Critical turning point
Time is running out for world leaders who meet in Glasgow next month for COP26. These negotiations are a critical turning point in our history. They will determine if we can collectively come together to avert the worst of the climate crisis.
Already we have experienced global temperature rise of over 1°C. There are more frequent and intense bushfires and flooding events. Our seas are rising, and storm surges are causing more devastation to our coastlines. There is now, unequivocally, no doubt that this warming is caused by human activities.
The plan of attack now is to curb temperature rise so that we can avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change. If the average global temperature rises above 1.5°C, which is likely between 2030 and 2052 if emissions remain the same, we are facing a very different, more hostile future on this planet.
#TheYouthAreRising
The youth of Australia will be making their voice heard at the upcoming School Strike for Climate rally on 15 October. No matter how you feel about students walking out of the school, it’s hard not to empathise with their cause. They are ones who will inherit this planet.
What are their demands?
They want no new coal, oil and gas projects, and 100% renewable energy generations and exports by 2030. They also want a just transition and job creation for all fossil fuel workers and their communities to be funded.
The United Kingdom recently committed to fossil fuel-free electricity generation by 2035. Australia has a huge opportunity to follow suit by integrating more renewables and storage into the energy network and moving away from burning fossil fuels, including gas.
What can you do?
We are supporting everyday people like you to take action on climate change at home by producing, storing and using your own clean, green energy. Like the young people who will rally across Australia this week, we too are disappointed by the lack of action on climate change.
That is why we are empowering the community to create a better future, one rooftop at a time.
