Bending the arc of climate change

“At any given moment, you have the power to say:  this is not how the story is going to end.”

-Unknown

As our time in Peru comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect upon my experience with COP20: the fascinating people I have met, the eye-opening events I have attended, and the incredible Peru experiences that I have had.  I am incredibly, incredibly grateful.  Truly, how many high school students go to a school that is accredited to not only attend, but fully participate in such an impactful and significant event as the Conference of the Parties?

Not many.  Not many at all.  As a result, we have a unique perspective that is highly valued within the UNFCCC.  Particularly at a time when young leaders are needed and youth voices are being sought out, we are able to feel like we are fully a part of the legislative process.  As a result of our direct participation, we were able to immerse ourselves in the full realm of climate change. 

This is a complex issue, and it is up to our generation to solve it.  Without youth mobilization, without individuals and organizations dedicated to the climate change crusade, it would seem easy to keep on living the way we have for generations.  However, we do have people—Al Gore, Leonardo DiCaprio, those from the Sierra Club and the Nature Conservancy to name a few—willing to do whatever it takes to fight this battle.

From there, it is all about awareness; in order for action to be taken, we must spread the word.  Climate change is serious.  Climate change is real.  Climate change is broad beyond our wildest dreams.  From human rights to the impact of the meat industry, it takes many voices to learn about all parts of this issue, and many voices to make a change.

While the Lima Call to Climate Action was not a particularly strong breakthrough, it will still make a difference.  The fact that 192 countries came together, united in the fight against climate change, is enough to demonstrate that it is possible to make global change and preserve and enjoy the environment for the generations to come.