Youth Talk

I often wonder just how much of a difference a single person’s attempts to greener living can actually make. Does it really matter that I separate my plastics from my paper?

How many times must I choose to take my coffee in a reusable mug before it leads to a significant reduction of any negative impact I might have on the environment? In this day and age, if you post online and manage to garner a following, then you might inspire a person or two to follow in your footsteps. But how impactful can one’s actions towards a cleaner environment really be, especially when the perpetrators of the climate crisis are large firms and conglomerates? Can one ever single-handedly make a difference?

As I write this, the Global Climate Protest will have unfolded in full force, with protests taking place in around 4,000 locations. Students and workers, but mostly students, in more than 130 countries will pour out onto the streets to protest climate change, and urge world leaders to take action, and all this couldn’t be done without the efforts of one little lady.

Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg arrived in New York on Friday in quite the eco-friendly option - racing boat. She was set to address protesters and leaders ahead of the United Nations Climate Action Summit.  Since last year, when she campaigned by herself outside Swedish parliament, she’s been working hard at calling leaders to action to tackle the global climate crisis. She would later go on to address French parliament and the United Nations climate conference. But more important than all this, she has successfully demonstrated just how much of an impact one person can have. In fact, this is at the core of all her activism; it isn’t about creating a difference single-handedly, but rather using one’s actions and behavior to influence those of others, thus creating a snowball effect. We are social creatures, and whether we admit it or not, make countless decisions based on the attitudes and actions of those around us. And so, even if you’re not ‘broadcasting’ on social media, little actions matter. People see them, and when they do, they can be persuaded into acting likewise, because in the end, it’s all monkey see monkey do.

So for those who despair about ever making a difference, I hope this one example among many of someone quite literally “changing the world” pushes you after the causes you believe in. And if you are still skeptical, then the following words by Margaret Mead, American cultural anthropologist, should prove inspiring:

“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For indeed, that’s all who ever have.”

With this, I say it’s time to step down and hand over this position to another who I know will bring great and informative musings to you. I hope I made for an interesting read and that this column in particular fills you with hope about the future, and more importantly, in your abilities as a person. As for me, as I headline through my degree and future career and goals, I will be doing just that. Cheers!

Editor’s note: Thank you for your interesting columns. You will be missed and we wish you the best in your future endeavours. You have a bright and talented future ahead of you.

Those interested in being the next Youth Talk columnist may email samples of their work to mai.alkhatib@gulfweekly.com