~ What are you doing about Climate Change? ~
Friday, September 20th, is the Global Climate Strike. On this day, millions of students will leave their classroom and demand that the adults do something so that they will have a livable world when they are adults. A second strike will happen on Friday, September 27th. In between, the United Nations will beholding a Climate Summit.
Saturday, September 21st, is International Peace Day. A confluence of events to make us sit up and pay attention. World peace is a wonderful goal, but if climate change is not addressed, the chances for world peace are minuscule. Why?
- Climate change is forcing people to flee their homes as flood and storms and heat and fire increase.
- Climate change is making the rich richer and the poor poorer, because wealthy people can easily move to a more moderate location or can afford the better homes and technology that will enable them to survive.
- Climate change is exacerbating the lack of drinkable water which is currently predicted to reach critical levels by 2050.
- Lastly, climate change will affect the world’s food supply causing wild spread hunger.
Migration, poverty, lack of food and lack of water are all documented causes of war. However, there is hope that facing a common risk can also build cooperation. It is time to take action and get the fossil fuel companies and the food industry and the manufacturing industries and governments to change to a green economy.
What to do
Swedish-born, fifteen year old activist, Greta Thunberg, started the Fridays for the Future movement, when she sat in front of the parliament every day for three weeks demanding action. After that she called for student strikes every Friday. Learn more about Fridays for the Future and decide how you will participate.
Read more about climate change and what motivates Greta Thunberg
No One is Too Small by Greta Thunberg
In her own words, Greta spells out the stakes for the world. Upper Elementary and up
Or listen to her speeches: https://www.fridaysforfuture.org/greta-speeches
Greta and the Giants by Zoe Tucker
In this climate change allegory, a girl modeled on Greta Thunberg fights to save the forests and animals. Elementary
Greta’s Story by Valentina Cameri
A detailed account of how Greta began her campaign and what she is doing. Upper Elementary to Middle School
Our House is on Fire by Jeannette Winters
Illustrated with Winter’s familiar-style artwork, this book provides a simple introduction to Greta and her activism. Elementary
