I want you to act as if the house is on fire, because it is. ~Greta Thunberg 2019 World Economic Forum
Climate Warriors Unite A Call to Action by Sandra Yeyati
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world to make their voices n November 2018, one of We are the the worst fires in Caliones we’ve been heard,” she says of the Swedish teenager whose school fornia history overtook waiting for. strike initiative—Fridays the town of Paradise and surrounding communities, ~Solemi Hernandez for Future—has become a worldwide phenomenon. killing 88 people and destroyOn December 14, 2018, Villaseñor ing more than 18,000 buildings. Alexandria Villaseñor, who was visiting family 100 miles began her own Friday vigils outside the away in her hometown of Davis, experienced U.N.—sometimes alone, other times with friends she’s inspired to take action; she also the suffocating effects of the smoke: Every helped organize the 2019 Global Climate breath was difficult for the asthmatic teen Strike in New York City, attended by more who is now 14 and lives in New York City. than 300,000 people, and founded Earth The fire changed Villaseñor’s life. “I was very upset, and I wanted to understand Uprising, a nonprofit global youth movement. She’s one of 16 youngsters, along with why these fires were happening,” she says. Thunberg, that filed a legal complaint with “I started to research climate change and the U.N. demanding that France, Germany, wildfires, and began to see the scientific Brazil, Argentina and Turkey curb their connection between the two.” carbon emissions. Awakened by personal concerns and “There are so many ways that young ignited by emerging role models, activpeople can get involved,” says Villaseñor. ists of all ages are learning how to become “They can give presentations about climate effective climate warriors. Watching Greta change in their classes and communities. Thunberg speak soon after the California Go out with a sign and protest, or lobby disaster to world leaders at COP 24, the politicians. Have clear demands of what United Nations Climate Change Conferyou want your city or town to do. I’ve seen ence in Poland, empowered Villaseñor local action influence action nationally to take to the streets and protest. “Greta and internationally.” gave permission to students all around the
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