2019-05-09
By Bella Burgemeister
[Bella is a 13 year-old student from Bunbury who has emerged as a leader amongst young people campaigning for urgent action on climate change. This is the text of the speech she gave at the Student Strike for Climate on March 15.]
My name is Bella and I am 13 and I am worried about my future and the future of the planet!
Children are anxious about the changing climate. Children of all ages. Climate change is real and kids know this. Climate change threatens our future.
The science is clear. Scientists who work around climate change, including some who once disputed the data, have put that argument to rest. Climate Change is not fake news. And those who deny it are contradicting science.
What happens if we do nothing? If left unchecked, climate change will cause average global temperatures to increase beyond 3°C and will badly affect every ecosystem on Earth. Already, we are seeing how climate change can:
- cause species worldwide to become extinct at an alarming rate ‒ 200 species a day;
- cause coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef and Western Australian reefs;
- increase storms and natural disasters ‒ Tasmania is burning while Townsville is flooding;
- cause land to be consumed by rising water levels; and
- create threats such as food and water shortage which can lead to conflict and wars on many levels.
By the middle of this century, experts estimate that climate change is likely to displace between 150 and 300 million people. Climate Refugees!
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are on the frontline of climate change ‒ feeling the effects first and worst. Right now, communities are suffering through water shortages, extreme heat, environmental pollution, rising tides, and loss of connection to culture. Major mining companies are profiting from the destruction of Aboriginal Lands. All this while our government sells off the water, land and resources for money and power.
Doing nothing will cost us our planet but doing something will give us more jobs and a reduction in greenhouse gases and adverse climate changes for a positive sustainable future. But we need action now!
You can help fight climate change – Be aware ‒ Speak up for the Climate and the Planet. Speak up even if you feel scared, because the destruction of our planet is far scarier. Our three main demands are:
- Stop Adani
- No new coal or gas mines – No Adani and Frack off
- 100% renewables by 2030
John F. Kennedy once said that "Our problems are man-made; therefore, they may be solved by man." The time has come for us to step up and address the greatest threat to our future and the planet. But you must act now! Time is running out.
To our Politicians I say: kids are making our voices heard today all around Australia and this action will not stop. We call you to action. The time has come for you to step up and address the greatest threat to our future and the planet. But you must act now!
Make no mistake this is the climate change election.
We are voting to decide if we have a future worth living
We are voting for the survival of future generations
We are voting to save our planet!
We are giving up our childhood to fight for our future.
Will you join us!
Thank you.
Header photo: Bella speaking at the Student Strike for Climate on March 15. Miles Tweedie
[Opinions expressed are those of the author and not official policy of Greens WA]