Over the past couple of weeks young people, school pupils mostly, have taken to the streets to tell our governments and businesses to stop procrastinating on climate change. Young people know more these days about the environment than do their older "leaders" it seems.In support of young people and their voice I am this week posting a short video based on a guest blog that was first published over a year ago.
Billie Denman is the daughter of a friend of mine and lives in Sawtell (NSW, Australia). The speech was written, and read, as part of a school public speaking project. Billie’s teacher graded this speech 30/30 and told Billie’s mother “I have never given a perfect mark before.” This grade serves to underscore the passion that Billie brings to environmental concerns.
Billie's concern about plastic waste is further underscored by the news that China has reduced the amount of plastic it imports for "recycling" purposes. Recently too, citizens in Malaysia, are exhorting those of us in the "developed" nations to stop sending all our "recyclable" plastic to Malaysia. They are telling us to reduce our use of plastic. A sentiment thoroughly endorsed by Billie. Watch as this 12 year old expertly summarises the situation and outlines steps that could be taken.