An Open Letter - from 19yr old Sian

An open letter
As a young adult living in a beautiful free country I feel as though I sometimes lose sight of the incredible powers I yield. I have a voice and am free to use this to my advantage, to our advantage as a human race. But sometimes I look out into our world and think, how could this small insignificant individual speak out and not only be heard, but have the means to make a change. I have so much to learn, I always will, and there will always be others who yield more power, speak louder and know much, much more.

Nature has a voice too, unlike mine, it has no chance to be heard without representation. Although sometimes this representation is not as prevalent as it needs to be.
Climate change is still one of those topics with mixed responses. I personally can’t see why as there is so much evidence and data backing up this issue. Yes, the world goes through climate fluctuations, and yes you do still get cold days even though the climate is warming. The earth has it’s natural cycles which were balanced, until we came along. We are rising the temperatures way above the natural fluctuations. There are consequences for this, do we really want to experience those? What’s the harm in changing for the better? I for sure know there is harm in not trying anyway.  

Knowledge is power, but power alone is nothing without the action to follow.
In our education system today the facts of climate change seem to be overlooked or maybe I was living in one of those idealistic realms - somewhat also seen as living under a rock. I must have been a late bloomer to the ideas of climate change because I had no clue, no trace of knowledge or any understanding of what our planet had been facing for a considerable amount of time. Daily I still meet people who, like me, had no clue about our effects on climate or it’s prevalence and that’s something that I believe needs to be spoken about. Awareness of these international issues could be a huge step forward in power for not only the youth, but every individual on this planet.

The Environment is cooperative. The Earth’s systems flow together and every single component has a purpose in the system. As individuals our voices are small, but every voice has a part to play in making a difference. Change is hard. We humans like routine and breaking routines can be challenging and even stressful. But every person contributing, even in the slightest way will lead to greater positive change.

If no one starts to act there is no driving force and we will stick to the current bad habits at the core of these issues.

So what can one do?
Take some time to educate yourself on the facts. Let this scientific evidence and data help you understand what we may face and then help others on their way to understanding and collaborating in the change our planet truly needs. Speak up, make small lifestyle changes (or big), sign petitions against the big fossil fuel companies, march, talk to others about it, make it paramount today so that everyone can do their bit.

We have the power to create a better future, but this action needs to start today.