‘Climate Change for Good’

Today I went along to the launch of the ‘Climate Change for Good’ Conference which will be held on July the 1st and 2nd this year. The Gold Coast and Hinterland Environment Council (GECKO) is organising the conference and asked me to be one of their ambassadors. Information here: http://www.climatechangeforgood.com.au It was great to meet people who care for the planet and our future and to hear such positive messages about one of the most critical issues facing all our survival. On the way to the event we passed the Jupiters Casino which is just getting ‘refurbished’ and Mum and I talked about imagining them making the whole front section full of solar panels and for the whole building to be converted to renewable energy. This is the kind of future I want to see on the Gold Coast. I want to be part of the first generation that can drive solar powered cars and where we can easily get from place to place with public transport and safe, accessible bike paths. I want to be able to show my children the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef – alive and well… It’s hard to speak out about things as a teenager. Other kids tend to tease anyone who expresses their opinion on things that really matter. But what’s going to happen if no-one does anything? I’ve been pretty inspired by the example of a group of young people in the United States who are attempting to sue their government for inaction on climate change. This campaign, and many others by the ‘Earth Guardians’ network has been led by a 15 year old, Xiuhtezcatl Marinez – so inspiring! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXBR5ZrKdws Its a massive issue and hard to find hope as everyday day seems to break records for extreme temperature – but doing something is better than doing nothing at all.