S ince February, university students across the country have flooded their legislative offices to claim their vision of a clean energy economy. I am one of those students and part of Show Me Democracy, a grassroots organization advocating for action on climate legislation that will reduce carbon emissions immediately, build a clean energy economy, and demonstrate global leadership.
Recently, I joined four students in a meeting with Sheila Baab, Deputy State Director to Senator Patty Murray (WA-D). Any feelings of nervousness or intimidation quickly dissipated once we sat down at the table. I saw the meeting for what it was: an opportunity to contribute to the political process and advocate on behalf of the views of my community. Through direct community involvement, local chapters seek to engage more people in attending legislative meetings with their representatives. Through escalating participant turnout with each successive meeting, we hope to bring in 100 individuals, from business leaders to members of the religious community by June.
So what is motivating youth to take action? Show Me Democracy was formed in response to the lack of domestic political will to address the critical issue of climate change and the failure at the international level to create an enforceable global emissions reduction treaty. As the generation that is confronting the issue head-on, youth are adamant to have politicians respond to their concerns.
The current political reality does not speak to the needs of the present. Youth are working to make a sustainable society a viable reality and it shows. We have made incredible strides in creating and instituting original, cost-saving sustainability projects to transition to a clean energy society and economy. The sheer amount of creativity and innovation is incredibly inspiring. This is in response to the recognition that human welfare is dependent on a flourishing natural environment and that we must adjust our behavior to reflect this balance. Restructuring our lifestyle and economy will open up new job markets in every sector and create a more hospitable environment where humans are “positive contributors to planetary welfare,” as stated by British scientist James Lovelock.
Our generation will bear the brunt and the worst impacts of the climate crisis. We refuse to let our decade be defined by political impotence. As citizens, we are ensuring that our government remains accountable to the people. We want the United States to demonstrate to the world that Americans can live better with less. We can live healthier, wealthier lives by polluting and consuming less. It is a matter of political will and youth are providing that impetus for action to pass strong domestic climate legislation.
Emilia Ptak holds the position of Media Coordinator for the Washington chapter of Show Me Democracy.
