Schooling adults

Two weeks ago Gordon Forgey’s editorial was right on the mark. “Climate change is more and more a topic of conversation with those in a position to do something about it.” He called climate change “an idea and cause that will grow and force awareness upwards,” hopefully turning it into a national issue that “will be addressed at the highest levels.”

His comments were prescient, but didn’t go far enough. What about addressing climate change as an international issue, requiring international action at the highest levels?

This week we saw that being done. At the United Nations Monday, an extraordinary Swedish schoolgirl addressed about 60 world leaders at the UN Climate Action Summit. In fewer than five minutes Greta Thunberg, 16, described specific technical details about the dangers of climate change and challenged those listening to do something about it.

“You are failing us,” she said. “But the young people are starting to understand your betrayal.”

She said that the eyes of future generations “are upon you. And if you choose to fail us, I say we will never forgive you. We will not let you get away with this…The world is waking up. And change is coming, whether you like it or not!”

Sadly, many climate change deniers attacked her, ignoring the irrefutable substance of what she said. They preferred to snipe at her age and her Asperger disease, calling her a pawn of “elitists.”

I would encourage anyone who wishes to judge for themselves to check out the talk on YouTube. Her speech is emotional, but it’s articulate, brief, and on the mark. How many of us could be as eloquent in Swedish? Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGVShq47C4o

Pete Haug,

Colfax