Conservation Heroes: Power of Youth Voices
A widely used definition of sustainability (by the UN World Commission on Environment and Development) states that, “sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The climate crisis is causing uncertainty to skyrocket in regards to our collective future. While we and our predecessors have created this dangerous new normal for the next generations to mitigate, more often than not, the most moving words and catalysts for change come from the youth fighting to protect Earth and its inhabitants. After all, 1.8 billion humans on this planet are between the ages of 10 and 24. In honor of Earth Month, we caught up with some of the powerful youth in our network, and posed the same question: if you could make one change in the world, what would it be and why?
Lucas Dietzler (@sharksaremisunderstood), age 16, Wisconsin: “One thing I would like to change in the world is for everyone to know the impact of one decision. This can include everyday lives but also nature as if we would get rid of one animal in the ocean, the whole ocean would be affected. People knowing the consequence of one action would think differently and maybe appreciate animals that they would not think are good for this world.”
Tia Edwards (@_fortheocean), age 19, Vancouver: “If I could make one change in the world it would be to remove currency (money) or find an alternative. Money is often the ‘decision-maker’ for lots of people when it comes to certain issues. For example, some countries don’t want to/are unable to make a change to meet their goals regarding their climate change policies and efforts to stop climate change, since this is too expensive or it is regarded as ‘a waste of money’ from a financial perspective. Things like Shark fins and Rhinoceros horn would be harvested far less if the value of these products wasn’t so high. Money also often changes the way people think and act and it can steer people down a path where they are ultimately consumed by greed. Due to the value we, as humans, have put on money, we have caused a lot of issues especially when it comes to the environment (as I have previously mentioned). Hopefully sometime in the near future we can stop using money as a way to define something’s value and decide to make a change and save our beautiful earth and all its intricate ecosystems.”
Miles Fetherston-Resch (@kids_saving_oceans), age 8, Florida: “If I could change one thing in the world, I would make humans more humane. To each other, to other living creatures, and to our planet. I think if we treated everyone and everything, including our oceans and beaches and sharks!, better - our world would be a kinder, healthier place.”
Cade (@cadesavessharks), age 14, Florida: “I think the change I would like to see in the world is humans just getting along with animals. As humans we have already destroyed so much of the earth and so much habitat for animals. We have caused so many species to go extinct because of our neglect! If we don’t start a change now, we will never be able to recover. I want to see a world where animals and humans get along. I want to see a world where we do not hunt animals for fun or abuse animals ! We all have a connection to the earth and animals. If we continue to break away from that connection- we will never change and cause the earth even worse things!”
Hannah Richey (@hannahxrichey), age 22, Texas: “If I had to choose one change that I believe would make an impact on the world, it would be to change the hearts of the people towards the environment and animals. By this statement I am referring to pollution, poaching, and any other harmful acts towards the planet or animals. I would hope to open their eyes to see the importance of protecting endangered species and their homes. A simple change of heart is what I feel would be the one change I would make, in hopes we could come together and treat our plants, animals, and their habitats with kindness. My mom always told me my love for animals came from my heart and why I’m so passionate about protecting them, so I believe the hearts of others is where we should start.”
Hayden Garbez (@haydengarbez), age 18, Florida: “I’d add more compassion in the world. I believe that if we as a society had more compassion for others overall, we’d be a lot better off. We would be kinder to wildlife, our neighbors, and the Earth entirely. Empathy is really the key.”
Sawyer Ritz, age 10, Florida: "If I could make one change in the world it would be, that Jaws was never written. This would change the public's opinion of sharks, and instead the public would be better educated in the value that sharks provide to our ecosystem. This would allow sharks to be protected instead of hunted and never would become endangered and our ocean wouldn't be in so much trouble."
Genny Evans (@g3nny_), age 22, Philadelphia: “If I could make one change in the world, it would be to make people more open minded. The close-mindedness of people causes so much damage to all parts of life. If people were willing to consider different ideas and beliefs, the world could overall live more peacefully.”
Gabriel O’Brien of @beach.lex, age 17, Massachusetts: “I believe that global warming is the most pressing issue that is currently facing our planet. If I could make one change in the world, it would be to pass legislation that forces large corporations to eliminate their carbon emissions, stepping away from the usage of fossil fuels and switching to more sustainable energy resources, such as solar or hydroelectric power. It is essential that we begin to promote clean energy usage and sustainable living, as our planet is approaching an irreversible tipping point. The world is heating up at a faster rate than ever recorded, and we must advocate for change and act now to have any chance at reversing the damage that has been done.”
Jacob Waxman of @beach.lex, age 18, Massachusetts: "We need to preserve natural marine ecosystems, so I would have companies utilize recyclable and compostable materials for their packaging (in lieu of plastic materials) to minimize (and aim to eliminate) the plastic content in our oceans. This would aim to diminish the ratio of the shortened lifespan of marine life due to human error to the natural lifespan of marine animals."
Chaitrali Samant of @beach.lex, age 18, Massachusetts: “I would eliminate our over reliance on harmful chemicals in everyday materials and manufacturing. For example, this would include cleaning supplies, clothing factories, electronics, and many more. These chemicals eventually wash into our oceans, and cause high levels of heavy metals in marine animals. In order to project the health of our oceans and the creatures that we live alongside and depend on, it’s important that we eliminate the use of such toxins.”
Caroline Nguyen (@ctrline) of Outspoken Narrative, age 17, Virginia: “If I could change one thing in the world, it would have to be the individualist mindset of mankind. We often work to benefit ourselves without acknowledging the damage our actions have on nature, wildlife, and other human beings. I would like for mankind to become more empathetic and devoted to the collective development and betterment of all living things.”
Jessie Lara (@jessie_lara_) of Outspoken Narrative, age 21, California:“I would want to decrease the amount of litter that is dumped into our oceans. In every beach, there is always some type of litter such as plastic bottles, soda cans, empty chip bags, and more. Some may not find it harmful because it does not impact them but it impacts the marine organisms that live in the ocean. If we can inform more people about the impact of littering toward our beaches, it can lead to less debris in our oceans.”
Yashasvisai Veeramasu (@yashveeramasu) of Outspoken Narrative, age 17, Virginia: “One change in the world I would like to see in the world is being able to educate people who may not be willing to have the tough conversations.”
Caylen Greenberg (@caylengb) of Outspoken Narrative, Caylen, age 20, California: “For every individual to become educated on the state of our planet.”
Kara Lawson (@klaw_art) of Outspoken Narrative, age 18, Maryland: “If I could change one thing about the world, I think I’d somehow change people to be better listeners. I think that through an attentive listening community, it would in turn spark endless change because of receptiveness to perspectives, viewpoints, and issues people never even considered to open their ears to.”