Welcome curious minds! It has been awhile since my last blog but I am hoping to write again more frequently. Climate strikes and marches have gained global traction since the 28th of September, 2019. Even though we had been observing marches in metropolitan cities worldwide, those marches seem to only attract limited national media. However, all that changed when the young generation decided to join the marches on school days. This movement was led by a brave young girl, now known globally called Greta Thunberg!
This movement rapidly grabbed media attention as an alarming number of youth left school in demand for climate action and the immediate stop to ecological destruction. They preached, “Why study for a future we might not even have”. This is a powerful statement not only because it is coming from our youth but also because it is true.
The climate strikes this year took place in countries where such strikes have not ever been held. For example, Sri Lanka joined the global movement for the first time this year and our number might not be large and alarming yet but it is a great start! Sri Lanka was ranked as the second highest at risk country from climate change impacts by German Watch list of 2019. The reality is that many farmers in Sri Lanka are facing the full force of climate change but they are suffering in silence as they are not given the importance they deserve. In the past five years alone farmers have faced severe droughts which led to zero harvest for four seasons, affecting so many lives in the agricultural regions. The worse impacts that Sri Lanka will face due to climate change is from an increase in frequency and intensity of natural disasters, which will not only affect the country socially or environmentally it will affect us economically as well.
I joined a number of the climate strikes in Sri Lanka, and I was surprised that many Sri Lankans were confused about the idea of protesting to save the environment. However, this confusion led to many inquiring about why I was protesting which was a great start to an important conversation. Therefore, it is important to search for answers, not be afraid to ask the right questions. Educating yourself does not end after higher studies, it is a lifelong commitment you owe to yourself. Ignorance is not an option for our generation, as we are the only ones who can make a difference before the damage is irreversible.
Unfortunately, for certain species and a number of islands in the pacific ocean, it is too late, and we bid goodbye with a heavy heart and a promise that we will do everything we can to save the rest of our beautiful mother earth.
Happy striking to everyone!
IF WE HAVE TO REBEL TO SAVE OUR PLANET, THEN THAT IS WHAT WE WILL DO!
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