‘Generation Z’ gives us hope 

Last Friday’s massive climate strike undertaken by school children across the world shows us that this ‘Generation Z’ of young people is not as lost as some people older than them seem to constantly presume.


Those who are to inherit this planet have made their voices more vociferous in recent times, calling for definitive action against this global threat to the planet. 


From Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg’s simple yet powerful appeal to world leaders, to students here in Nagaland calling upon the government and communities to help protect the planet, the voices are global.

  
Just read the three reports published in The Morung Express over the last weekend about how school children here are now deeply aware of the threats of pollution and global warming, and their effects which have both local and global consequences.  They are informed of the science, recognize the drastic measures which need to be taken, and most importantly, are willing to act.  


Of all the problems faced by the world today, the issue of climate change is the only one which if left unchecked, will ensure our extinction. But this has been said over and over again. And despite all efforts by the powers that be, they have not been drastic enough. Moreover, most individual adults, however ‘woke’ we consider ourselves, have been found wanting in truly embracing sacrifice for the sake of the Earth.  


Environmental campaigners, scientists and others deserve praise for their climate work over many decades. That we are nowhere near where we should be, in spite of their efforts and knowledge, is a cause for anger. 


Indisputable scientific data put in front of us has not worked; the extremes of weather being experienced across the world haven’t either; and any effort for global action through governments has been derailed by vested interests. 


Perhaps, something more simple yet powerful like the students’ climate strike will. 


What the strike does do is give a certain freshness to the climate issue, and most importantly it provides hope. Hope, that whatever the sins of their previous generations, children today are more than willing to take up activism and fight for their future.


So to them I say, go forth and be that ‘Generation Z.’ Be weird and quirky, go against the grain, question conventions, employ your knowledge of modern technology, implement your absurdist humour. Heck, be vegetarian if that’s your things.      

 

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