The following statements by students and young adults reflect their thoughts, their deepest hopes and fears on climate change and aspects of sustainability in the past, present, and/or future. We encourage you to share your thoughts with us: just email the editors or post a comment on the Alliance’s website! [A few quotes were very lightly edited to fit the print edition.]
Today’s society is filled with wars, violence, prejudice, etc. There needs to be a change in order to keep striving as the human race. If we have to start somewhere why not here? If we have to start sometime why not now? —Luke H., Moravian University
Disregarding what’s occurring in our world is doing a disservice not only to crucial biomes but also to the health of humans. People will inevitably reap the implications of these negative responses through the lowered economic stability and environmental standards. Individuals must hold companies accountable for their unethical working standards and normalize the production of sustainable alternations and disenchanting consumerism. In order to have a prosperous future, it is imperative to put changes in place now and maintain them long-term, or else there won’t be any more of our Earth for future generations to inherit. —Alyson Van Dusen, Charter Arts HS
We need to stop ignoring climate change and take action. The world is dying every day and more people need to be informed about the ways they can help prevent further damage: becoming vegan/vegetarian, buying clothing from second hand stores, using electric vehicles, etc. —Claudia Ryan, Moravian University
“There is so much out there about climate change and environmental destruction, and a lot of it is depressing. What encourages me, through studying environmental science, is the fact that ecosystems can be incredibly resilient, if we let them be. Working in union with natural systems is more effective than dominating them, because it encourages the connections instead of damage. But some things are pretty irrecoverable, and it’s been interesting to see that as a species we’re okay with letting them go.
Climate change has revealed a lot about humanity to me: to see us forsake long-term self-preservation, accept selfishness in the name of money, and to be so passive in its wake—these ideas shape me. I’m hoping for a cultural, and political shift in my lifetime that considers the earth for what it is: inherently valuable and interconnected with humans. I see environmental degradation as a hidden, yet incredibly violent thing. I find that many people attribute environmentalism to idealism — but I think it’s about being practical with our resources and spiritual state. If you feel like we’re screwed, I would urge you to seek some personal connection to nature. It’s about helping people and nature in our lifetime and in the future. Past global extinction events were brought on by issues that are reflected in today’s climate change. It would be a shame to see us go extinct and take nature alongside us, because it is avoidable. If I were to be passive about this issue it would be hard to respect myself, so as I get close to graduation I am trying to figure out how I can play a role in pushing this cultural shift.” —Kendall O’Farrell, Lehigh University, Alliance intern
It is so easy to treat each other with kindness and compassion. Why not just let the old wounded ways die out and immediately begin treating animals, ecosystems, and our fellow humans with more gentleness? We all suffer in life. Let’s not inflict any more pain upon each other but rather, help each other heal and coexist in peace. —Rebecca Canright, Asbury NJ
People today are too scared to be wrong, admit mistakes, and be honest with each other. These traits do not lead to anything sustainable. I hope that new generations will be able to be open to each other and throw away preconceived notions and opinions. —anonymous, Moravian University
Climate change is no longer the boogeyman in the closet that we can hide away from. It’s time that we all prioritize its importance for the betterment of future generations. —Nate Stratton, Muhlenberg College, Alliance intern
Climate change is a dire issue that affects everyone on this planet; however, modern legislatures worldwide do not combat this rapidly growing issue appropriately. We have all of the resources and technology necessary to change the global climate for the better, so my generation and others must urgently push our lawmakers to take a firm stance against climate change and advocate for our future.” —Harrison Kim, Parkland HS
Nihilism is the enemy of progress, and it is a pit easy to fall into. Responsibility is a burden forced onto us, but it is one that we have no choice but to carry. —David Fadem, Charter Arts HS
“As a STEM student, I’m constantly reminded in my classes of how dire the climate crisis is and how it has the potential to become so much worse. The time to organize and demand change has to be now.” —Adin Goldfeder, Muhlenberg College
The future of sustainability relies on the generation of today. Hearing the song ‘American Dream’ by Raye Zaragoza made me think about how she said “change is a choice.” I think sustainability, such as reusable things, recycling old materials to make bigger things, and just small conscious decisions to make the world a better place/balanced place. Gardening — farmers markets — thrifting clothes — reducing pollution. Eco-friendly ideas are also tied into sustainable ideas because they’re enforced for the betterment of our planet and livelihood. —anonymous, Moravian University
We are no longer “dealing with climate change” but are in a climate crisis. In all of my education, I have never been taught about how we will save our earth and ourselves. My peers and I have been wanting climate education so why aren’t you listening? —Devon Jewell, Moravian Academy
I’ve seen the effects of climate change alter where I live. It’s depressing to see the deterioration of the places that I love. Political leaders must shift focus to climate change if we hope to substantially alter the path that we are on. —Christine Zak, Muhlenberg College
In a world currently fueled by hate and differing political views, we are struggling to come together as one team to address the problems we are currently facing regarding the future of our planet. To fix this, everyone has to become more open minded and respectful to change the world for the greater good. —Kalee Andes, Moravian University
I feel like we as a nation think that we can push climate change off for another few years, but we’ve gone past that point. It’s getting to the point of no return, so our political leaders need to formulate strong plans that will lead to tangible change.” —Olivia Tebsherany, Muhlenberg College
I personally cannot speak about the future because I have no clue what can happen. But for right now everything seems okay (at least in my personal life). Hopefully the world stays on the right track. —Anthony Ronca, Moravian University
I view climate change as a personal challenge, rather than a distant, stagnant problem that others can solve. We have so much power. Let’s work together to create practical and innovative blueprints to solve these multifaceted issues and then mindfully turn them into reality! We need this to happen on a large scale, but a good place to start this journey is within our own communities. Attending Allentown EAC (Environmental Advisory Council) meetings has shown me how local action can contribute to solving these challenges one community at a time, ultimately growing the actions to larger-scale initiatives. Together anything is possible! —Lacey Pasco, Muhlenberg College
The future is now. We as a class of 2021 are the future of the world. So we must prepare for that. —Will Castel, Moravian University
Today sustaining a life that is in college, working, supporting and trying to have any recreation is near impossible. Something is always being sacrificed for the success of something else. I can only see the future making these ideas harder. —Joseph Marchishin, Moravian University
Sustainability for me begins with understanding we can’t change the world without changing ourselves first. Which is arguably more important. In a world full of hate you don’t begin change with a protest in the street. You begin by telling your family how much you love them. We as a society live very unsustainable lives. This can’t all be attributed to one detrimental factor but the fact that we are not grateful for or respectful to our futures. —Nina Worsley, Moravian University
It’s incredibly frustrating to see for myself the effects of climate change and to know that I am not even the one most affected by it. I’m disappointed in our leaders for not having real solutions on their agenda — we need working policies now. —Eden Chanko, Muhlenberg College
After almost 2 years of an uptick in supply chain shortages, major power outages, food scarcity, and more across the country, it is clear that now is the time to drastically reduce our reliance on corporate systems for our basic human needs and strengthen our self-sustainability — starting with our immediate family units or close circles and expanding outwards into our communities intentionally and strategically. We have to all go “in” first. Understand your personal strengths and weakness, how you contribute to your personal ecosystem, and in what areas you need support — it all starts there. Only then, can we live purposefully and really affect change in larger and larger ripples in our immediate communities and beyond. —Zoe Lowry, Bethlehem
Racism… pollution… exploitation… hatred… the “American Dream”… colonization… the “white savior complex”… violence… Today scares me but with change and unity tomorrow could be better. —Samantha Ortiz, Moravian University.
Many of the world’s leaders are failing to adequately address climate change since doing so involves putting their self-interests second to the good of the general populace. Until society makes it clear that it will not tolerate such brazen greed and cowardice, the atrocities leveled against nature and humankind will continue at the alarming rate we have observed for decades. —Hannah Flaven, Moravian University, Alliance intern
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