I have recently been asked why there is a lack of youth involvement at local climate strikes and rallies.
There seems to be an expectation that youth will lead the fight and save the day.

My personal response would be that I completely agree and I know my own children are upset and disappointed that there seems to be a lack of awareness and motivation.

However, this enormous issue should not be thrown upon the shoulders of our children in the first place.
Past generations have made the choices that have led to this horrific reality.
And now we will consider supporting them but they have to lead the way?
We have become critical of them if they stand up and skip class to fight for their future and critical of them if they don’t.

We are failing to educate ourselves and our children about the realities of climate change and real solutions required to prepare and make positive change. Environmental courses have been cut from our high school.  

This Climate Emergency will no doubt be one of the most difficult issues our youth will face.  
So why aren’t we talking about it?
We need more presentations and open talks in the schools.
We need to ask our kids at dinner what they know and what they want to know about climate change.
We don’t need to have all the answers, we just need to start the conversation.
Take an interest. Our planet should be top priority.  
We do our best to save for their college educations, but what are we doing to make sure they have a healthy planet after they graduate?

We need to be having these same conversations with our friends and co-workers.  Sharing ideas of how to have a smaller carbon footprint at home and work.

Most children will get in a lot of trouble from their parents if they miss school to stand outside City Hall.
There is a lack of understanding and awareness which leads to a lack of support for our children.
We assume and expect someone else will fix the problem.

Our entire society is more concerned with causing a fuss or being seen as “too political” or having an “agenda”.
There is a huge backlash for anyone who stands up against the current.

We need to completely dive into this problem and work together without waiting for or expecting one specific generation to lead the way or yell the loudest.

Sincerely,

a frustrated exhausted mom of four daughters who are trying hard to balance having a childhood and saving the world,

Ami Shepperd, Owen Sound