Hi. Kim & Stuart here. We’re steadfast supporters of Be the Change Earth Alliance and Verity is the embodiment of why
we believe bringing eco-social education to our youth is so important. We want Verity to enjoy the same rejuvenating experiences in nature as we’ve enjoyed our whole lives...not wildfires, floods and millions of starving people all over the world.
We’re constantly looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint: riding a bike to work, conserving energy and water, reducing waste, cutting way back on air travel and needless consumption. But we’re frustrated knowing this is just a drop in the bucket. We need critical mass - the population, business and industry need direction from government. Seeing politicians being non-responsive is maddening. We agree with Greta – politicians need to tell the truth to rally collective action. Seeing climate-aware youth in the street gives us renewed inspiration. This generation will soon be able to vote.
Stuart: The Global North is educated, comfortable and has time to read. But many in the upper social class are living like the world is going on as usual. I’m an eye doctor and am shocked to hear that some of my medical colleagues are climate deniers and think it’s all a scare tactic from the left. I agree with Greta:“How dare you?!” Just transition and sacrifice is necessary – we need to be willing to accept a lower standard of living. We need to give the next generation a fair shake.
We need critical mass. BTCEA is educating youth and empowering them to influence their parents… that’s so important now.
Kim: I really like BTC’s holistic approach: weaving together eco-social and ethical understanding in their education of youth; revealing the interconnectedness of people and nature…and how every action speaks to a sense of self and spirit – I don’t see other organizations doing this. Be the Change synthesizes a huge amount of information, making it relevant to everyday lives from our personal choices to advocating for political change. As I read more about climate change I recognize its connection to capitalism and I’ve become mindful of disparate elements in my mind.
What will Verity and her generation have to confront? A reality where hundreds of millions of people face death is damaging to our human psyche. Youth are already suffering from existential angst. That is a crisis in itself. I’m so glad that BTCEA is giving children and young people an opportunity to talk about their feelings, to understand and share their fears and to choose a different way of being in the world.
