You’ve probably heard about some of the young people standing up for the planet recently. Autumn Peltier from Canada is fighting for clear water at 15 years old. Greta Thunberg from Sweden is 16. She’s bringing attention to many environmental issues. Artemisa Xakriabá from Brazil is 19 and wants to protect the Amazon rain forest. But they’re just a few of the teens making headlines for their work. Recently, millions of young environmental activists participated in a worldwide climate strike. Their goal is for lawmakers to create policies to help solve important environmental issues.
But what, exactly, are these environmental issues? What’s the impact? Or maybe you’re aware of all of that and want to participate. But how? Check out these titles to find out how and why to get involved.
Climate Change
Eyes Wide Open by Paul Fleischman is a great introduction to the history of environmental problems and how to decide if news stories about them are true. You’ll also get an idea of how to move forward with hope.
We Are the Weather Makers by Sally M. Walker describes how climate change affects our Earth and our lives. Exploring one person’s impact to the world as a whole, each chapter provides small ways we can make a positive change.
Our One Book, One Chicago title, The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert, is a great read about how climate change has been brought about by humans and the crisis we're facing because of it.
Activism
Be A Changemaker by Laurie Ann Thompson will help you to take your thoughts and ideas and turn them into action. Learn everything from how to form a group to how to run a meeting to how to deal with media.
The Teen Guide to Global Action by Barbara A. Lewis provides stories of other teen activists changing the world. You’ll also find tools and activities that will help you become the next leader of change.
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