#YouthSpeak: Climate action

“I wanted to show what kind of future we are heading towards if we don’t work to save nature. In my home, we do small things to contribute – we try to reduce our plastic use, we create compost with food waste, and recently I’ve been watching videos online that teach you how to reuse packaging in art… I’m very excited to try it out!”

- NAMRATA BALAMI, Grade 9

“Taking action against climate change is everyone’s responsibility. Whether it’s governments, companies, adults or young people, we all have to work together to save the earth. Otherwise it will break apart, like in my drawing.”

- PARAS BAJGAIN, Grade 9

“My drawing shows in sequence how climate change can impact our daily lives. We are already seeing the effects around us, like when schools were recently closed because of air pollution, how people are becoming more and more vulnerable to diseases like skin cancer and eye problems – all these are just a few examples of why climate change is so dangerous.”

- SALINA TAMANG, Grade 9

“Urbanization is destroying our forests; emissions from vehicles and factories are polluting the air. There are many problems, but we also have solutions – many of these we can practice individually, but some of the big ones need to happen at the national level. Young people can play a big part in raising awareness and being positive role models for others in their community.”

- ARVIND SAH, Grade 9

“My drawing has two sides – a healthy planet on the right and an unhealthy planet on the left. I feel that right now, we are somewhere in the middle. If we make good decisions now, like saving green spaces, cutting down pollution, reducing waste, we still have a chance to move back into the healthier side.” 

- PUJA CHAUDHARY, Grade 9