By Jenn Watts, National Youth Mobilization Director, Alliance for Climate Protection
Cross-posted from the Repower Blog
As world leaders, scientists and young people from all across the globe wrap up their work in Copenhagen during the past two weeks of important negotiations, we are once again reminded of the vested interest that our generation has in confronting the climate crisis.
On December 10, 2009, hundreds of youth from all around the world celebrated “Young and Future Generations Day” in Copenhagen at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. More than 1,000 young people from over 100 countries attended the Conference with one goal in mind – protect our future and the lives of future generations threatened by climate change.
- White House Youth Clean Energy Forum.
Photos taken by Alec and Victoria Loorz.
Back in America, the first-ever White House Youth Clean Energy Forum was held on December 2nd with key administration officials and young leaders from across the country. It was a day that drove home the point that while climate change is happening today, the effects of the crisis will be felt most keenly by those who don’t often enough have a seat at the table. No matter to them, though. Be it the White House or Copenhagen, the Millennial Generation will show up demanding answers anyway.
What has become clear from these two meetings and will certainly remain in the coming months as the U.S. Senate begins debate of comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation is that our youth will continue to make their voices heard for however long it takes to bring about an international agreement. They will fight for however long it takes to demand the passage of clean energy policies. And, they will fight for however long it takes to make sure the U.S. and the rest of the world implement clean technologies that will create thousands of new jobs across the country.
Young people from all over the United States have already begun to voice their support for action on clean energy and climate on The Repower Wall. Check out these videos from Dan in Cincinnati, OH and Laura in Orlando, Fl.
Even our Chairman Al Gore is speaking out for future generations. In his speech earlier this week in Copenhagen, he remarked to a crowd of hundreds:
“If at some future date, the next generation faces the prospect of living in a world with steadily deteriorating prospects and no chance to reclaim the glories of this beautiful earth that we have enjoyed — if they look back at Copenhagen and ask, “Why didn’t you act? Why did you let this process fall into paralysis, and neither succeed or fail but become a symbol of futility? What were the arguments were again? You didn’t realize that we were at stake?“
With the most at stake, we can confront the climate and energy crisis and as young people we must continue to make our voices heard. Help keep the momentum going long after Copenhagen by adding your voice to The Repower Wall today!
