Cab Calloway School of the Arts

Youth Climate Action

          We are the youth, we are the future, and we need to advocate for change. Climate change is real and is here. As its impact escalates over time, today’s young people will face the worst effects. The current status of environmental justice needs to change for the better, and it needs to change now. As a youth in 2023, you may think there’s little you can do. You may feel misplaced and even nervous to start advocating for environmental justice on your own because others are not endorsing change, so why would you begin? The adults can do it for you? I am here to say that all needs to switch. The youths of our generation need to open their eyes and say we are the youth, we are the future, and we need to advocate for change. The sooner you start making a difference, big or small, the faster you are single-handedly trying to save our planet.

          Climate change in modern-day Delaware is destructive; it significantly affects the state’s natural resources, economy, and communities. Additionally, vulnerable groups, such as low-income and people of color, are often disproportionately affected by the impacts, further exacerbating existing environmental injustices. Delaware is facing a crisis, and we need all the help we can get. To urge the idea and further clarify the crucial impacts of the current environment’s downfall, I will include 10 major environmental problems currently happening in the state we all know and love, Delaware.

1. Rising sea levels that are threatening coastal communities and infrastructure.
2. More frequent and severe extreme weather events include flooding, tornadoes, and heavy rainfall.
3. Loss of natural habitats, including coastal wetlands, from sea level rise and erosion.
4. Increased flooding during high tides and shores due to rising sea levels.
5. Impact on tourism and fisheries due to environmental degradation.
6. Disruption of regional ecosystems and biodiversity loss.
7. Water quality issues, including nutrient pollution and harmful algal blooms.
8. Negative impacts on agriculture, including changes in growing seasons and crop fields.
9. Air pollution from vehicle emissions and industrial sources.
10. Pollution from industrial activities, agriculture, and transportation. After hearing our state’s concerning but realistic effects, you may now comprehend that we must accomplish a successful environmental transformation.

          We are capable of helping, but the question is how? Here are some things you can do to help. 

          We need to raise our voices to raise awareness:  Young people can educate themselves and others about the impacts of climate change in Delaware, including its effects on coastal communities, agriculture, and vulnerable populations. Using social media, public speaking, and other platforms to raise awareness and advocate for climate action.

          Engage in advocacy and policy-making:  Young people can get involved in local, state, and national efforts to promote policies that mitigate climate change and facilitate sustainability, which can include participating in public hearings, contacting elected officials, and joining advocacy organizations to advocate for procedures such as renewable energy, emissions reductions, and climate resilience measures.  

          Adopt sustainable behaviors:  Young people can adopt sustainable behaviors in their daily lives, such as reducing their carbon footprint by conserving energy, reducing waste, using public transportation or carpooling, and supporting sustainable businesses and initiatives. These actions can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  

          Participate in community-based efforts:  Young people can engage in community-based efforts to address climate change in Delaware, such as volunteering for local environmental organizations, participating in community clean-ups, and supporting initiatives that promote climate resilience, conservation, and environmental education.  

          Foster environmental equity:  Young people can work towards ecological equity by advocating for policies prioritizing vulnerable communities, promoting diversity and inclusivity in environmental efforts, and supporting social and environmental justice initiatives. This can include addressing environmental racism, advocating for equitable access to resources and opportunities, and promoting inclusive decision-making processes.  

          Overall environmental justice is essential in Delaware, as in any other locations, because it seeks to address and rectify the disproportionate burdens of environmental pollution, degradation, and climate change impacts that specific communities may face, particularly marginalized and vulnerable populations. We are the youth, we are the future, and we need to advocate for change. Like Greta Thunberg said, “You are never too small to make a difference.”