Could we be the generation to lead on improving our world?

“WE are the first generation that can end poverty. We are also the last generation that can slow global warming before it is too late.” – UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, 2015 Young people all around the world are being encouraged to take a stand and fight to stop global warming and the detrimental effects that climate change can have on the environment and the livelihoods of many families and individuals around the world.

But is it a waste of time? There was a time, not that long ago, when I believed that young people did not have a voice in the world - that we were only around to become the next bankers, the next teachers or the next housewives.

There was a time where young people were too seen and not heard. This is no longer the case.

As in the case with women’s rights and equality; if you shout loud enough, you will be heard. You will be seen and you will be listened to. I doubt there would be a person between the ages of 10 and 25 who could not tell you who Greta Thunberg is. She has become the talisman for youth climate action and has been used as the voice of Generation Z. Some older people might say she’s just a puppet; a child used by politicians for personal gain. I do not think that this is true. Ghandi once said, “Be the change that you wish to be in the world.” In 2018, millions of young people took to the streets on Fridays to fight for their voice to be heard. Thousands stood together both in person and virtually to shout the same message: “This is our planet. Our life. Our future. Help us save it for children and our children’s children.”

Whilst Covid-19 restrictions and lockdown has become a part of everyday life for nearly a year now, there is still so much we can do – both old and young!

We can switch from using plastic carrier bags to reusable cotton bags. We can ditch single-use plastic water bottles in exchange for sturdier, reusable ones. Where walking is not possible, we can switch to public transport. Even little things like “meat-free” Monday’s will have a huge impact on our planet going forward. In changing these small habits, it will let the larger companies know that there is a shift in attitude and it will in theory force them to help to change the way they operate for the better.

Together we can fight for our future and make it a wondrous place, not only for ourselves, but for future generations as well.

If after reading this you feel motivated and wonder how you can or what you can do, or you have an idea to raise awareness for green climate issues and are aged 10-14, then there is a new scheme I have recently seen a leaflet for that’s coming to North East Lincolnshire that would be perfect for you! Green Influencers is a national programme which aims to make environmental social action a regular and habitual part of young people’s lives.

Through this scheme young people will learn and build skills which will help them contribute to the local community through environmental action.

As part of this programme, you will be given access to your very own green mentor who will guide you through your journey. Together with your mentor, young people will be able to turn their words into action with a wide range of measures to protect and enhance the local environment and tackle climate change.

Anyone interested in joining the Green Influencers Scheme should contact Jenny Hodson by emailing jenny@vanel.org.uk or calling 07742 274669. For information about the scheme visit The Ernest Cook Trust website or email greeninfluencers@ ernestcooktrust.org.uk.