Youth lead the fight to save the earth

Latest

The international Youth Climate Strike, held across the country and world on March 15, demands that countries get off fossil fuels to avert climate catastrophe.
PHOTO/BRETT JELINEK, OLAFIMAGES.COM

 
With a sense of urgency youth are in the lead: marching, speaking out, occupying congressional offices in DC and state legislatures, and planning climate strikes around the world demanding governments adopt a plan to get off of fossil fuels in order to avert climate catastrophe. By their refusal to accept destruction of the planet in the corporate drive for profits, they are fighting for all of us.
In a youth-led court battle, Kelsey Juliana, 21, and 20 others as young as 11, are suing the U.S. government (Juliana v. United States) to stop the use of fossil fuels. “The government has known for over 50 years that burning fossil fuels would cause climate change. They don’t dispute that we are in a danger zone on climate change. And they don’t dispute that [it] is a national security threat; a threat to our economy and a threat to people’s lives and safety,” declared Kelsey.
The lawsuit claims the executive and legislative branches of government have proven incapable of dealing with climate change. It argues that the government has failed in its obligation to protect the nation’s air, water, forests and coast lines. It petitions the federal courts to intervene and force the government to come up with a plan that would wean the country off fossil fuels by the middle of this century.
After five attempts by the administration and fossil fuel corporations to get the lawsuit dismissed, the Supreme Court is allowing it be heard.
This crucial court battle comes as young Americans across the U.S. are mobilizing in support of the Green New Deal resolution. A recent survey found that 81% of registered voters when asked “how much do you support or oppose” the proposal [to generate 100 percent of the nation’s electricity from clean sources within the next 10 years, upgrade the United States’ power grid, invest in energy-efficiency and renewable technology, and provide training for jobs in the new, green economy], say they either “somewhat support” or “strongly support” the plan.
Meanwhile, oil and gas development expanded dramatically during Trump’s second year, which experts warn will have terrible consequences for the climate and the planet.
With trillions of dollars invested in fossil fuel infrastructure worldwide, the privately owned energy corporations will not give up their interests without a fight. Fossil fuel billionaires fund politicians, introduce legislation favorable to industry through organizations such as the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and Council of State Governments (CSG), and even hold key positions in government. Wars are fought and millions have died over the control of energy resources.
It will take organized political will to unseat these powerful corporate interests. Unity of the American people in the fight for public ownership and control of industries necessary for human life, such as energy, would be an unstoppable force for real democracy and for government that truly is “of, by, and for” we, the people. Our future and the future of mother earth is up to us!
 

‘They only care about money,’ says 11 year old climate activist


 

PT Logo collage
+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Oct. 18 ‘No Kings’ Rallies Could Be ‘Largest Protest in US History’

Millions of Americans and people across the world are preparing to take to the streets Oct. 18 for a second No Kings rally.

ICE Fears Put Pregnant Immigrants and Their Babies at Risk

Fear of deportation is deterring people without permanent legal status from critical care. Doctors are worried for the health of pregnant immigrants, and the health of their pregnancies. This story was originally reported by 19thnews.org.

Government Shutdown and the Blame Game

Using a bold-faced lie President Trump and Vice President Vance blamed immigrants, particularly the undocumented, for the government shutdown now in effect throughout the country. The Republican plan would increase Obamacare payments and make Medicaid cuts.

Emmy-Winning Journalist Deported After Reporting on Anti-Trump Protest

Emmy award-winning journalist Mario Guevara was deported to El Salvador – a country he fled over 20 years ago — in retaliation for filming law enforcement activities, says the Committee to Protect Journalists.

A Salute to Chicagoans Fighting ICE

A salute to Chicagoans fighting ICE and to the food delivery worker on a bicycle who outrode ICE agents after they tried to kidnap him on the streets of downtown Chicago.

More from the People's Tribune