Greta Thunberg is demanding the attention of people across the world. This 16-year-old Swedish climate activist has been making herself known in the fight to combat climate change and is gaining mountains of support from fellow members of her generation. 

In September, an estimated 4 million people gathered for climate strikes – of which Thunberg was a key leader –  across the country and across the world. She then spoke before the U.N. Climate Action Summit in New York just a month ago. 

However, is this activism really new? With the escalation of climate change, Gen Z is facing one of the most impending threats to the world in their life times, but throughout history, the younger generations have shown a constant desire to get out and change the world. 

Youth insurgence seems to accompany teenage rebellion and is incredibly effective at getting things done. Something about the juvenile conviction of younger generations shines through and can be seen time and time again throughout our nation’s history. From the Civil Rights Movement to protests against the Vietnam War, the nation’s youth has taken to the streets to stand up for what they believe in. The climate strikes have shown that this traditional momentum is boiling once again today. 

The most incredible part of this whole phenomenon is how successful these younger generations have been in evoking societal changes. The changing tides at the end of the Vietnam War can be partially attributed to the massive resistance to America’s involvement seen mainly among the younger generation at the time. Their defiance helped turn the rest of the country against involvement in Vietnam and was crucial to ending the war. 

For another example, take a look at Tiananmen Square where students laid down their lives in demand for social justice. No matter the era, a constant theme can be observed: The younger generations have a hard time sitting idly by while injustices ensue. Now it is Gen Z’s turn to follow in their footsteps and go head to head with climate change, one of the most severe dangers this world has ever seen.

Although one could argue that global warming has an even greater magnitude than other crises throughout history, the premise remains the same: Gen Z must utilize the power of their fearlessness and conviction to prevent another disaster before it’s too late.  

If you, too, want to join the fight against climate change, check out Hall’s very own Environmentalist Club!  You can contact me or Ella Harrington for more information. Also, the advisor of the club, Ms. Leanne Nolan, is happy to help.