What steps are you taking — big or small — to help fight climate change? — Assembly

Girls share the steps they’re taking to address the climate crisis at home and in their communities.

We’re in a climate and ecological crisis. 2019 was the second warmest year on record and the 2010s were the hottest recorded decade in history. This increase in average global temperature is already causing severe storms, heat waves and the melting of glaciers and ice sheets. If leaders don’t take immediate and drastic action, our world is headed for a climate disaster.

Young climate activists like Greta Thunberg, Evelyn Acham, Leah Thomas, Brianna Fruean, Tokata Iron Eyes and Lauren Ritchie are leading efforts to create a more sustainable future. But whether your platform is big or small, every one of us has a role to play in this movement. We spoke to Assembly readers in Bangladesh, Canada, India, Italy, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and the U.S. to hear some of the ways they’re addressing the climate crisis at home and in their communities.

“I have been a dedicated environmentalist for the past seven years. It is a part of my identity. I regularly participate in recycling initiatives, tree plantation events and clean-up campaigns and I hold environmental awareness campaigns at my school related to desertification, deforestation, food wastage, paper recycling, glass recycling, plastic recycling and energy consumption. I don’t feel that my weekend can be complete without going around my neighbourhood at least once to collect recyclable items, which I then take to the recycling station. Along with my younger brother, I have recycled 18,000 kilograms of paper, 600 kilograms of plastic, 200 ink cartridges and 610 kilograms of used batteries. The philosophy I fervently believe in is: ‘Whatever can be recycled, must be recycled.’”

— Mishal, 13, United Arab Emirates

“Polythene has become a villain in the drama of climate change. My family members and I have reduced the usage of polythene in various ways such as using jute and fabric bags when going to the market. We also plant trees and grow them using natural fertilizers.”

— Charuni, 16, Sri Lanka

“I advocate for affordable and clean energy. I know that if countries like mine made use of either solar or wind energy, then carbon, methane gas, chlorofluorocarbons and lots more would not be emitted and we wouldn’t deplete our ozone layer or cause negative impacts on planet earth. As a result of this, I joined organisations like Impactr whose sole aim is encouraging countries to adopt clean energy.”

— Uforo, 18, Nigeria

“I started fighting for climate change when I realized everyone was talking about the greenhouse effect without doing anything to stop it. I started my action plan learning more about climate change. Then I wrote letters to activists and politicians urging them to take action on social and environmental issues like poverty, plastic pollution and gender equality. I participated in school strikes in my city and kept in touch with young activists around the world, because in union there is strength!”

— Chiara, 15, Italy

“In my house, I don't have a place to plant trees, but I always support any kind of tree-planting initiative by donating money. I love travelling, so whenever I go on a trip, I always encourage my fellow travelers to keep the place clean and not contribute to waste. Last but not least, I give people plants as birthday gifts!”

— Shamma, 21, Bangladesh

“In my own African household, I am making small changes by eliminating plastic use. On a global scale, my classmate and I are starting We The Africans Foundation, an African changemakers network that will collectively combat education, healthcare, and environmental related issues on the continent. Through our foundation, we hope to initiate conversations about climate change while implementing solutions.”

— Mary, 19, from Ghana, living in the U.S.

“Within my organization, Futureshot Factory, we have a hub for environmental projects around carbon sequestration, removing plastic from oceans and much more. We are currently working with different organizations to promote environmental science and involvement in schools through curriculums, ambassador programs and more. It’s important for youth to know how to combat the effects of climate change through action and advocacy. With our interns, we host workshops to educate them on important issues like climate change and small things they can do in their community such as beach cleanups, recycling efforts and more to combat the effects of it.”

— Riya, 17, Canada

“You don’t always need to take big actions to make a change, instead, many small actions can also be useful. I try to save energy and natural resources anywhere possible, like using natural sunlight instead of using electricity, not wasting food, turning off the leaking faucets and walking wherever possible to avoid usage of natural fuels. I try to take care of nature by not harming plants or not letting anyone harm plants and taking efforts to not pollute water. I believe that these small steps by me can help fight climate change.”

— Gargi, 12, India