What teenagers from around the world want everyone to understand about climate change
When asked: “What’s the one most important message they want the world to hear”, this is how Climate Kids from around the world replied …
We know – you’ve had enough. Climate change is happening, and you want the people in power to do something about it. You’re not alone. Thousands of students around the world echo your fears for the future. And today they will march in a global strike to show it.
Britain
Sophie Sleeman, 17
Beyond borders, politics, and money, we are one species and one not separate from nature. By working together as ambassadors for the planet, we can not only help to sustain it, but create new social structures, which will resolve the tensions left by the generations before us.
Japan
Aina Koide, 21
Do not be satisfied by achieving a global strike. Let’s use it to develop action all over the world and change the world.
Hong Kong
Zara Campion, 17
We are striking as we want future generations to live the same privileged and beautiful lives that we got to experience rather than having to suffer through and combat the consequences and impacts of climate change.
Elisa Hirn, 17
We are striking to ensure that future generations can live in peaceful and sustainable environments, and to make the preservation of our biodiversity a priority.
Emily Tarr, 17
I’m striking because it scares me to think that my future and the futures of others to come are not secure. People have been debating and discussing the climate crisis for way too long and we are running out of time. Action needs to be taken now before we are history.
United States
Mary Ellis Stevens, 13
We must act now before the damage becomes irreversible, and we, the youth of this nation and this planet, will not stop until action is taken to stop climate change.
Jamie Margolin, 17
I want the world to understand how this really is Zero Hour to act on climate change. I don’t want the world to see all of us striking and think “that’s impressive, the kids are getting politically active these days.” I want them to panic like we are. I want them to listen to the words coming out of our mouths that are demanding climate action now.
Colombia
Alejandro Lotero, 18
The message I want to give to the world: we are awake, and our voices will continue to rise every Friday until our leaders follow the Paris Agreement. We will go out to defend biodiversity, our trees, our water, and our climate. Be realistic – this movement started by Greta Thunberg will continue to expand all over the world. Real power belongs to the people, so let us unite, save our planet, and save the generations here, and those that come in the future.
Juan David Giraldo Mendoza, 18
People, adults, have two options: join us or give up. There is nothing that can stop this movement. We have started and we will finish. Change is coming, whether they like it or not. I want to thank the responsible adults that have supported us since we began. Keep doing this.
I say: If I could speak at the United Nations about climate change, I'd tell world leaders ...
South Africa
Ruby Sampson, 17
The world needs to wake up and smell the burning of our planet. We need to pull our heads out of the sand and act. I want everyone to walk away from the march not feeling guilty, but inspired and motivated to change the way they live, and change the way their families live. The main message, however, is not for the world, but for the governments and giant corporations that are stealing the future from our generation, so theirs can make bigger profits.
Finland
Atte Ahokas, 15
We children and teens have had enough of your empty climate talk. We don’t need more of your empty opinions. We need action now.
Canada
Rebecca Hamilton, 16
We strike from school because we cannot continue with business as usual in the face of this crisis. By temporarily putting our normal lives on hold, we are setting an example of urgency that we demand all levels of government to immediately follow. This is an emergency. Act like it.
Sophia Mathur, 11
I want politicians to listen to the experts and cooperate.