A Young Person’s Guide to Climate Activism
Youth Ambassador Ruby Dennis shares her journey of activism with Stanley Arts, ClimateKind, and Norwood Junk Action.
What is your role in protecting the planet?
It’s a big question, one we were asked during our most recent Youth Environmental Ambassador (YEA) meeting, here at Stanley Arts. It made me consider the every-day choices that I make, to help do my bit. Taking the bus. Second-hand shopping. Vegetarianism. But it also got me thinking, how do you know if you’re doing enough?
I joined the YEA group with an interest in the natural world and saving the planet, entry-level stuff. However, I have never been chained to a tree or found myself throwing oil at a Van Gogh. At first I was sceptical, that I was really the kind of person that belonged in these conversations – I am certainly no expert. But as time went along, I found out I wasn’t alone in feeling this way. So, with that in mind, here is a little bit about my leap into climate activism and how the YEA group has made facing environmental issues slightly less scary.
We started off with a Climate Fresk. This is a term I was not familiar with. I can now tell you a Climate Fresk is a 3 hour interactive workshop, helping participants establish the chain of cause and effects of climate change, based on IPCC scientific data. I promise it was a lot more fun than it sounds. Our session was facilitated by Sam Baker, who spends a lot of his time advocating for the environment within business. We arranged visual cue cards depicting various things, from ‘Fossil Fuels’ right down to ‘Marine Biodiversity’. The activity helped shape our shared understanding of what climate change actually is, and establish what the issues really look like.
Realising this was both empowering and debilitating. It’s all well and good knowing that 80% of deforestation is driven by agricultural expansion, but what can we do about it? Luckily we talked about this as well. We ended the session by making both a 6 month and a 5 year long commitment, just two or three things, that we would do to help support the environment. What stuck with me is how we were encouraged to be as personal as possible; to propose things that fit, as opposed to completely turning our lifestyles upside down.
From listening to guest speakers, to having a say on the wider ClimateKind project, these monthly YEA discussions have been eye-opening. Hearing and sharing perspectives with other young people, in a non-judgmental space, built my confidence enough to seek out further ways to get involved. The thing I have found most exciting is that every conversation seems to readily lead to another; a recommendation, an organisation, a project or event. Like the sprouting branches of a tree, opportunities grow and split off in all number of directions.
One of these branches lead me to a Climate Café, run by theatre-maker Katy Dye. During the session, one participant revealed herself to be representing the Green Party in the local election. Now an elected South Norwood councillor, I reached out to Tracey Hague to congratulate her on the win and seek her advice to people new to climate activism:
What would you say to someone that wants to get involved in climate activism, but doesn’t know where to start?
‘I’d say “Just Do It” (but that’s copyrighted by a famous sportswear brand!). There are lots of organisations out there but environmentalism is intersectional too. As Polanski often says, there is no environmental justice without racial or social justice. I would also say be realistic about your time and energy; it’s easy to be eager and throw yourself into something but quickly become overcommitted, and thus at risk of burnout. I’d pace yourself but be kind to yourself. Self-care is so important; if you’re not well physically or mentally, you’re not going to be as effective. Also be realistic that you can’t do everything and it’s not your responsibility to do everything either, […] join others as there is strength in numbers and others refill your energy tank and your enthusiasm.’
What do you think is the number one thing individuals can do to help the climate crisis?
‘As a proud and passionate vegan, I would say going vegan (whole lifestyle, not just diet) or at least following a plant-based diet is the biggest thing you can do to tackle the climate crisis. I can talk about the benefits of a balanced vegan diet and a vegan lifestyle for ages, but it has the lowest environmental impact and is recommended by so many organisations now (UN, WHO, NHS, British Dietetic Association)’
‘[…] there’s also voting and lobbying – using your voice, your democratic rights to get politicians elected who understand the issues and recognise the responsibility they have to act in everyone’s interests, not just humans but flora and fauna too. There’s a bill going before parliament tabled by Baroness Natalie Bennett to give personhood to Nature so it has more rights and will become more protected.’
Tracey offered her own branch: ‘Are you coming to the community assembly on 4th July?’. She explained that she will be talking about the Clean Air4Croydon campaign at the meeting, attended by organisations including Croydon Greenpeace, Sustainable Thronton Heath, and Croydon Climate Action. Tracey also suggested watching documentaries and films, recommending What the Health? (available on Netfilx) and Food For Thought (free on YouTube) for further information on the plant-based diet.
The idea that there is strength in numbers feels like a reoccurring theme. I witnessed a physical manifestation of this at a recent litter-picking event with Norwood Junk Action, helping with the group’s latest endeavour to clear-up a green space in Croydon. It was incredible to see how much work could get done with many pairs of hands. Speaking to the other attendees, I got the sense many of them initially got involved as a way to get to know neighbours and do something good. One long-term volunteer told me that the primary purpose was connection, the litter-picking itself was secondary.
When it comes to our role in protecting the planet, it seems the opportunities are endless. Consuming books and films could lead to a lifestyle change. Joining a community group and connecting locally could lead to greener neighbourhoods. Using your voice, maybe even writing a blog post, could invite others to get involved. Whatever you choose to do, protecting the planet is not something that can be done alone and, importantly, there is room for everyone in the conversation.
Learning about the impacts of climate change on our mental health with the YEA group, has provided me with some welcomed reassurance. No one can be expected to know every fact or statistic, go to every protest or replant every tree. A lot can happen from just showing up where you can. I have found the more you water the tree, the more it will grow, and I am excited by the countless fresh branches left to explore. With so many ways to help protect the planet, maybe it isn’t the answer to the question that really counts, but, the fact we are asking ourselves the question at all.
– Ruby Dennis
