“We, as the youngest generation, as the leaders of tomorrow, can’t afford to wait any longer to act. Unfortunately we can’t trust today’s leaders to make decisions that will benefit us, and our children, and our grandchildren.”
~ Hallie Turner, 12 years old, iMatter Youth Council member, Raleigh, NC
Green Diva Meg had a great conversation with Larry Kraft, executive director of iMatter, an organization that empowers young people to take action for the environment and other relevant issues impacting their future.
Listen to this GD Green Dude segment. Then read on for a thought-provoking article written by iMatter contributor Anna Aguto. ~ Ed.
LISTEN:
We have one Earth… one that is beautiful and can provide for our human needs.
We have one Earth that we should take care of because it is our responsibility.
As the Earth’s major polluters, it is necessary to maintain a space that is livable for future generations whether that be plants or animals.
Why does this relate to morality?
We are taught to take care of the poor, sick, hungry, elderly and children from the very beginning of our lives. Part of that group should be future generations because how could we take care of any of those groups if there isn’t a place to live?
As a Catholic, I firmly believe that in my faith is where I find the most assurance of why climate change should be acted on now. We are called to be stewards of the Earth. Not in a way where we can dominate but where we can take care of the creation that has been gifted to us. These values should be instilled in us as children. I think it should be common knowledge, something shared among children as a part of their values.
With my brother and dad, I am working on getting education about climate change into Catholic schools. I attended Catholic school for the entirety of my elementary years. The rare times we did talk about climate change, the conversation was vague, not putting a definite label on what it was or relating it at all to our morals. Teachers were afraid they might cross a line or make climate skeptics mad, but climate change shouldn’t be a political party discussion.
We need to make the connection that our causing climate change is morally wrong and it isn’t a “tree hugger’s” job to stop it—it’s all our jobs as inhabitants of the Earth.
We have one Earth.
Written Anna Aguto. Republished with permission. Images via iMatter Youth.
More about iMatter Youth Movement…
Bonus:
Listen to the latest episode of The Green Divas Radio Show…
Listen daily to the latest Green Divas Radio Show—and other green and healthy living podcasts—on GDGDRadio.com (or get the GDGD Radio app)!
iMatter is a microphone for youth. They are dedicated to listening to and amplifying the voice of the youngest generation. As the generation that will be most impacted, youth have a moral authority to demand action.
iMatter has been working with youth leaders for eight years, since being founded by then 13-year-old Alec Loorz. Directly reaching hundreds of thousands of people, organizing iMatter Marches in over 200 cities, and recruiting youth plaintiffs for public trust lawsuits and petitions in almost every state, iMatter is uniquely positioned to maximize youth impact.
They are preparing a campaign for 2015/16 called iMatterNow. Connect with them on Facebook and twitter @iMatterYouth.
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