My Voice And My Future: On Climate Action

By Amelia Condon-Cernovs

From a young age, we are taught that democracy is the flame of our country and the heart that pumps blood through our society. However, if this statement is true, why is it that young people struggle to have their voices heard and respected? Adults often underestimate us. They think they know what we're thinking and they think they know what we want. In actuality, this couldn't be farther from the truth. As a 16-year-old, it is so frustrating to constantly hear of young people’s “apathy”. My generation is scared about the future we’ll grow up in. Adults in power don’t understand who we are and what we care about. If only they would listen, they would see that my generation has a powerful vision for the future, a vision that we can make a reality. It is up to youth to address the looming threat of the climate crisis.

My generation will inherit a barren earth; an dying earth we had no say or responsibility in creating but apparently now, a responsibility to save. To go through life without caring is a grand luxury I wish I had, but an extravagance our ‘leaders’ have taken from me. Not only do young people face daily climate anxiety, but global warming is throwing our lives into chaos. Earlier this year, a hail storm forced my school’s library to close and resulted in thousands of dollars of damages to local homes. During these summers which break 40℃ (104℉) ever more frequently, I worry about my peers who live in rented housing and don’t have access to air conditioning. After hundreds of bush fires destroyed nearly 250,000 square kilometers across the country, I worry about when the next fire season will come and whether I will have to flee my home to escape.

I worry for my future and if there even is one.

Youth-led actions like School Strike for Climate Australia have impacted the way decision makers interact with us. Politicians have realized that they don’t know anything about young people. Ask someone my age about climate change and they won't talk to you about the cost of electricity or the price of lowering emissions. We will ask you about the cost of inaction — and the price of avoiding the topic.

It is frustrating being a student activist. I wish decision makers would take decisive action now. It makes me feel hopeless and desperate, and I feel like I must protest to make my voice heard. Every day that passes with inaction is another day I grow more angry with our ‘leaders.’ But every day, I remind myself that change is possible. The responsibility to reverse climate change lies with my generation and our political action. Young people are educated, engaged, and ready to make a difference. But politicians are afraid of us. They're afraid that once young people get the opportunity to vote, they will actually have to consider us in the choices they make for our communities. Young people can be the voice for the future, but only if we are invited to the table and given the opportunity to do so. Democracy is the greatest tool we have. To adults, leaders, policy-makers: offer young people a seat at the table. Listen to what we think and what we care about; give our opinions equal weight in your decisions. To my fellow youth: use your voice. Speak, write, vote; make your opinions heard and help others do the same.

My passion is in the future because I will spend the rest of my life there.

Amelia is a 16-year-old climate activist and student organizer for School Strike 4 Climate Australia. @ameliajade7