Today, humanity is facing a problem of life or death. This problem has been written about, filmed, and taught in science classrooms throughout the country. That problem is climate change. Because of our ever growing population and our vast over-consumption of natural resources, many scientists have warned that our planet may be in peril. I am sure most of you have heard about this planetary issue. I’m sure most of you have thought, “I hope we can save our planet.” I would like to say right now, thank you for those thoughts and thank you for all the help you have given the Earth thus far.

However, those who really need to get moving on preventing global climate change are today’s youth. The younger you are, the more likely you will be affected by the effects of climate change brought on by your parents, your grandparents, and their parents before them. It is critical that young people around the world rally around the issue of climate change, and try to unite their generation in order to save our planet.

Luckily, this rallying has already started and seems to be picking up momentum. The environment is becoming the main issue for young people around the globe. Students from elementary school through graduate school seem to be approaching climate change and the green revolution with a sense of purpose. One example of students taking action to live more sustainably is Students for Solar Schools, a student-run organization whose goal is to install solar panels on their schools.

Although there are many other pressing public issues around, none of them seems to have the emotional and inspirational impact of climate change. Today, terms like “green team” or “environmental club” are becoming ever more common in our nation’s schools. However, climate change has taken some political hits. Oil lobbyists and right-wingers point to scandals like Climategate, claiming that scientists may have tweaked statistics to make a stronger case for climate change, or to increase funding for their own research.

I ask you to look away from all this politicking and finger pointing. Instead, ask yourself a simple question: What is the right thing to do for the sake of your children, your neighbors, your co-workers, your friends and your parents? I ask because I live in a suburb, where often I see parents with half-ton pickup trucks and Hummers. These people could do just as well with a hybrid or even just a smaller car. We no longer can afford to over consume, and the younger generation must start setting an example for older people as well as their contemporaries. It is up to us to reverse that trend of over-consumption, and begin to live green.

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