Climate change is a global crisis which impacts everybody in one way or another, though we may not notice it. Society has this perspective that change related to climate change is driven by governments and large corporations, mainly because of major initiatives such as policies being implemented and new solutions being discovered.
This sets the stereotype that these powerful bodies are the only contributors to solving climate change. They overshadow the small steps we take every day that may seem insignificant despite the major impact they are having. Now the question arises, can student actions really impact climate change?
There are numerous aspects to this. Many people argue that institutions such as factories are large scale polluters and encouraging the youth to reduce, reuse, recycle diverts attention from the root cause. While it is true that industries do produce around 34 percent of the global greenhouse gas emission, students can still have some sort of an impact. For instance, if a school decides to reduce its carbon footprint, the impact may seem negligible, almost non-existent when compared to the corporate and industrial impact.
However, this argument doesn’t take into account the impact of a collective effort executed on a large scale. If done on a smaller scale the effect can’t be seen, but if done in bulk there is a change we can make. If schools across the nation take a similar initiative, results will be visible. If we opt for habits that are more sustainable, we can cause a significant shift in the fight against climate change.
Simply conserving energy by turning off classroom lights, or using eco-friendly stationary and reducing food waste can all lead to a change if done on a wide–reaching platform. A single student changing their habits for the better won’t have an impact, but if students nationwide do the same there will be a visible impact.
Another angle that isn’t talked about often is how students are the future. They will be the next leaders and decision makers, adopting such habits will change the way they think in the future. They will develop greater awareness of the events and impacts on the environment, a sense of responsibility and an ideology that gives great importance to the planet. If we start now, it will be forever embedded deep in our minds and always influence decisions in the future. We can already see this through student led initiatives such as Fridays for Future (FFF) urging tangible action on climate change.
Besides self-taken initiatives by students, the impact can be increased through the introduction of climate action initiatives in schools. It can include recycling or waste reduction drives or student seminars related to climate change. They can be used as a way for students to voice their opinion and take action on climate if they are passionate about it. Not only this but they can also collaborate with climate action organisations like World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) giving the students exposure and the chance to create an impact besides their school and daily activities.
In conclusion, small student actions may have negligible effects on climate change but if done on a larger scale collectively, it can actually create an impact. If student efforts are combined, we can actually have a meaningful role in addressing a prominent issue in contemporary society.
Ekaum Singh Gujral is a student of Genesis Global School. Views are personal.
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