It’s Getting Hot In Here

The following is the text of my introductory comments at yesterday’s US Climate Action Network press conference:

Youth from the United States are here in Bali because we are worried about our future. Climate change is a threat to the safety, health, and livelihood of the world’s citizens. Unlike our government, youth in the US recognize the moral obligation we all share to take strong action to ensure our future.

Back home, we are organizing on campuses and in communities. Our ranks are growing every year. I’m here representing SustainUS, a nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers under the age of 26. We represent just a small portion of the movement in the states. We are getting involved at every level – from raising awareness and education to influencing local, state, and federal policy. Last month, 6,000 young people gathered for Powershift, the largest citizen conference on climate change ever. We are building our capacity and building (or repairing) bridges with the international community. Together, we are building a global movement.

As young people, we have a large stake here in Bali. We need strong, effective action and a clear path for international collaboration. We believe the US delegation here in Bali is out of touch with the concerns of the American public. We ask them to take seriously their responsibility to our country and their children.

Youth will inherit the outcomes of Bali. The world is watching, the youth are rising, and we invite you to join us.