We all know that climate change is a problem for the future of our Earth. Although China has recently taken great measures to encourage recycling, discourage food waste, and more, what can we do at this point to counter its emissions of greenhouse gases? It’s easy to think it isn’t your problem and much harder to stand up to, but “no” was never an answer for Howey Ou.
Howey Ou, who goes by her Chinese name Ou Hongyi, is fighting against climate change here in China. She comes from Guilin and has been a teen activist for over a year. She staged her first climate change action strike on May 26, 2019, and hasn’t stopped since.
Now Howey, who has encountered the difficulties of fighting against climate change on her own, has advice to give to teens out there who are facing similar doubts.
Beijingkids (BJK): How should teens act towards climate change?
Howey Ou (HO): You can check out your local [Fridays For Future] chapters. You can see what their upcoming events are and what you can do to help them. Also, I always recommend noticing the nature in your life. We need to take some moments to sit down and reflect and really get back the sense of the strong connection with nature. That can really inspire you to know your own value and you can connect and care about the people around you better. You can care about the world better.
BJK: How can parents support their child’s action towards climate change?
HO: [Be curious and] read any info about climate and ecological emergency, then share it with your family at mealtime or on the way to school. Invite the whole family to watch an inspiring environment documentary, like “Cowspiracy” and “Racing Extinction” on a holiday or birthday night. What’s more, check XRFamilies or Parents For Future global network of concerned parents to find comrades to protect children’s future together. Parents will gain a lot of satisfaction and practical experience when they finally [do]something small and simple…, like to have a regular share about the environment or climate to the community etc. So, pick a regular and simple action from now and SHARE.
BJK: Do you think teens can help their parents understand the actions needed for climate change? How about their friends?
HO: Sometimes, it’s hard to turn a person’s or government’s direction around, but their behaviors can be changed by non-violent civil disobedience. An angry and passionate teen who really understands the degree and range of the biggest crisis and crimes humanity has ever faced will fire up with imaginable energy. On the other side, if a child cannot really understand the scale of the Climate and Ecological Emergency, even if they are environmentalists, then it will be hard for them to share the knowledge with others. Because if they really understand, they know and will influence others with positive impacts.
Ou also had ideas to share with teens who want to impact their school?:
- Start the chapters of “Fridays For Future” at school! In tons of high schools in China, they started the chapters of Fridays For Future and joined their global peers to really do something together
- Eco societies of high schools and universities hold online global live [training]with tons of chapters worldwide, create climate street activism that attracts youth interest, and projects inspiring climate videos in symbolic buildings on global action change. The purpose is to introduce the climate and ecological emergency discussions to schools and society.
- They can build connections with networks like Teachers For Future or Extinction Rebellion Families for help. They provide a lot of credit and reliable educational content and letters examples for young advocates to communicate with school committees and share toolkits on every action day that can be shared easily to create a local and attractive action with grassroots participatory democracy of school or class-oriented citizens’ assembly.
Learn more about Fridays For Future and how you can help:
Website: www.fridaysforfuture.org
Instagram: @fridaysforfuture
KEEP READING: What on Earth Can Kids Do About Climate Change? Ask the Keystone Academy!
Photos: Scott Norris, Canva
