Editor:
Earlier this month I assisted with a website coding workshop for kids from grades 4 to 6. The presenter challenged the participants to come up with an idea they cared about. Then we taught them how to build a simple web page about it.
It was striking to me that most of these young people chose to address environmental concerns: reducing use of plastic, encouraging use of public transit, preventing climate change, protecting the oceans, providing clean water, showing how cows are implicated in global warming, protecting sharks from finning, and growing our own food to minimize transportation pollution.
Clearly these kids are growing up with different concerns than I did. My daily worries at their age were whether my bell-bottom pants were out of style (they were) and whether a boy would ever ask me out (eventually one did).
I can’t imagine growing up knowing that the world you’ve just begun to explore is being damaged in so many ways, so rapidly.
Unfortunately for them, they won’t control the political and economic reins of power for another 30+ years. All they can do right now is advocate for their right to a safe, habitable planet. It’s us – the adults – who need to take the action ... while action can still be effective. We need to step out of our comfort zone to pressure our governments for legislation that prioritizes ecological concerns over the economy.
There are numerous environmental organizations here in B.C., and on the Sunshine Coast, that would welcome our participation. It’s tempting to think “I’ll do that when this big project at work is over” or “when my youngest goes into kindergarten.” But climate change isn’t waiting. The time to take a stand is now.
Alison Taylor, Halfmoon Bay
