Yesterday, Trump took yet another step backward and stood on the wrong side of history. His withdrawal from the Paris Agreement is something that is beyond irresponsible- it's shameful, ignorant, and dreadful. This step by the administration was predicted for months, but now that it has been made official, put into action, it means much more and provokes more thought about the future.
The Paris agreement set an incredible standard for nations worldwide to work toward in order to reduce emissions and improve the health of our planet by working together. It's an agreement that so many countries have agreed to that we stand with only two others that haven't signed on- Syria, due to the internal crisis it is experiencing, and Nicaragua, who chose not to sign on because they felt it wasn't strict enough in enforcing a green reality for all nations. So yes, we look kind of like idiots right now.
The United States is supposed to be a global leader. We're supposed to step up, take action that will preserve generations of humanity moving forward, promote integrity on a global scale, and lead others in promoting relationships that resemble those of neighbors in a very complicated world. And when we're being spoken of with disappointment by our friends and allies abroad for this move by Trump, we're doing the exact opposite.
Climate change is not something to be taken lightly ever again. We're way past the point of recycling and hoping for the best. And although it will take another 4 years for the administration to truly pull the nation out of the agreement, we're still presenting a new attitude on the global stage that isn't good for our planet by any means. The consequences of this will fall onto the shoulders of today's young people who will become the next adults to tackle the climate crisis- and what that means is that it's time for young people to end the complacency that we see when so many people address climate change.
Millennials need to do more. We're living through a crisis that we can't all see from the perspectives that would truly move us to care- from the islands sinking under the ocean to the icebergs melting more and more each day. We're wrapped up in our own lives, and if you're reading this you're likely somewhere safe with ample electricity and maybe the absence of any fear that your home might sink. Others aren't so lucky. Our parents have probably wanted us to grow up without being worried about the future and the detrimental impacts global warming will have. But fear is not the answer anymore and we must act.
It's time for young people to step up- we need to enhance our perspective and worldviews, speak up, emerge from our own personal bubbles- where the climate crisis didn't seem so urgent- and bring our ideas, energy, and abilities up to the plate to conquer the crisis our own president (it took everything in me to use the word our) refuses to respond to.
Donald Trump doesn't seem to understand his power, where he stands, and as we are all painfully aware, he doesn't quite grasp the amount of influence he has. He's probably great at firing people, being a reality TV star, and taking advantage of the firms and employees that have worked with or below him. I'll give him that. But he's incredibly ill-fit to be in the office he holds. I believe that so many Americans know that, but are too afraid to admit that they're experiencing something so horrifically historic right now- his administration and the damage they are doing.
When I was in elementary school, my mom and dad helped to explain what global warming was to me when I was unsure and curious about it. My parents described those who denied climate change as people who were "hiding their heads in the sand". That's an image that made a big impact on my perception of fear, reality, and the importance of leadership from a very young age. But now I see this image taking shape in our country. Not just in the deniers that still attempt to rationalize temperatures rising and icecaps melting, but in those who are hiding their heads in the sand while this administration causes destruction. People are choosing to be blind to the damage being done, the words he uses or tweets, and the utter ignorance that is running our country right now.
I'll admit, sometimes I feel like it'd be a lot easier to be one of those people. Ignorance seems like a comfortable place where I can ignore the fears I have for my future and the future any children I have will experience. But ignorance only helps to make our fears more and more rational, because if we don't pay attention to the truth in our fears, they'll be realized. Shying away from the monster that is global warming will never fix the crisis.
The Paris agreement was a strict one, and will be good for the world because of it. It was a historic agreement and an incredible step in the right direction. It brings nations together in putting conflict and politics aside in order to take care of our home. And for our nation's political climate, it's something that can be approached without any partisan stance whatsoever. It's 2017- politicians on both sides acknowledge, or should acknowledge, the existence of climate change. It's just logic at this point.
While the world looks on in dismay as our leaders truly fail us, it's time for young people to take the reins. Support corporations that stand up for the planet and prove it with their investments and ventures. Shop locally, compost, recycle, and if you're in the market to buy a car, try to go electric. Do what you can. But more than that, speak up. Stand up. Never let fear hold you back from doing what is right- protecting the only planet we have for our children and grandchildren.
It's on us to make a difference and to call out the ignorance and irresponsibility in office. This is not the time to surrender or let the consequences of Mr. Trump's actions take their toll on our lives. I'm calling on young people, and all people truly, to fight, resist, and show the world that the orange man in office doesn't represent us nor does he represent that hope we have for our planet and the strength we have to make it healthy again.
If you're looking for ways to help out, the best strategy is to start with your own life and work to be a better leader for the climate- do you part to recycle, conserve, and do the simple things. Then, organize with friends and neighbors. Find groups in your community or larger region that are resisting and taking action. Every bit counts! If you're looking for some large-scale projects to get involved with, here are two campaigns that are already in the works:
Greenpeace Summer of Resistance
Don't settle with fear- resist!
