Young people rise up for climate change

TWEED Shire Council will host an environmental film screening for young people on November 6, spotlighting climate solutions and stories of youth-led action.

Rising Up demonstrates that every action can make a difference in the world, no matter how small. Twenty-four-year-old Sutherland Shire Environmental Citizen of the Year 2023, and United Nations COP27 and COP28 delegate Kal Glanznig created the film upon returning to Australia.

Climate change and plastic pollution will be a legacy for the young and many future generations to battle. Photo: SUPPLIED

As he travels to the front lines in Tuvalu, Samoa, Bali and across Australia, Glanznig’s mission is to uncover the solutions to climate change and plastic pollution and tell stories of hope, optimism and action.

The film features interviews with young environmental leaders including Australian Olympic diver and founder of Sam’s Straws Sam Fricker, plastic activist Sophia Skarparis, founder of BANISH and NSW Young Australian of the Year 2023 Lottie Dalziel, Tuvaluan youth climate activist and director of Rising Nations Grace Malie, Samoan UN youth climate representative Okalani Mariner, and the inventor of the CHARM Coral Robot, Stephen Rodan.

The climate change and plastic pollution problems seem insurmountable, but young people are taking the lead. Photo: SUPPLIED

Business, community and political leaders also feature, such as federal Member for Warringah Zali Steggall, founder of Upparel Michael Elias, founder of Seabin Pete Celingski, and Forbes under 30 and co-founder of Sungai Watch Sam Bencheghib.

Studies show more than 75 per cent of young Australians aged 16–25 are concerned about climate change and that the concerns are having a negative impact on mental health (Orygen, 2023).

Young people around the world are rising up to the climate action challenge. Photo: SUPPLIED

The council wants to hear the voices of young people on the kinds of local action they would like to be part of in the shire.

A Q&A session with director/producer Kal Glanznig will be held after the screening. Attendees will have the opportunity to share ideas, ask questions and suggest ideas for action.