Editor’s note: After watching the documentary An Inconvenient Truth as a 12-year-old, Alec Loorz took it upon himself to galvanize youth to take a leading role in curbing our dependency on fossil fuels. He started a a nonprofit environmental organization for youth, Kids vs. Global Warming, and penned a compelling declaration of independence from fossil fuels. Alec crisscrossed the country to speak about the looming dangers of global warming, and in the process collected tens of thousands of signatures to his declaration, which he delivered to Congress. His efforts struck such a chord that he now leads a global environmental campaign, iMatter, dedicated to “empowering youth to demand action that ends the climate crisis.”
P.S. On July 4, 2023, the Green Party issued its own Declaration of Independence Against Fossil Fuels
The Unanimous Declaration of Youth of the United States of America of Independence from Fossil Fuels (July 4, 2013)
When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to rid themselves of an energy system that has been found to threaten their lives and liberties, it is only decent that they should declare the causes of separation from the dependence on Fossil Fuels.
We, the youth of these United States, know that some truths are self-evident: that all people are created Equal and that they have certain inalienable Rights: especially the right to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Because of our addiction to fossil fuels, the Earth has been pushed out of balance and suffers from Global Warming. The effects of that warming include extreme weather shifts, more frequent natural disasters, melting ice caps and glaciers, global sea level rise, diminishing food and water supplies, and habitat loss. These problems put the Children of this and every Nation, thousands of entire Species of animals and plants, and Future Generations in danger of losing their rights to Life, Liberty and Happiness.
So, when the burning of fossil fuels has been shown to cause Global Climate Change, it is time for those most affected to stand up and to demand change. We call for change from our cities, our states, and from our Nation. And we commit to change ourselves.
Therefore, We, the youth of the United States of America, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of this Country, solemnly publish and declare, that we, as a Community, ought to be Free and Independent from forms of energy that cause Global Climate Change. We Implore our Leaders to build of a Secure Future, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent People may of right do to build a more Sustainable and Just Society. And for the support of this Declaration, we mutually pledge our Commitment, our Passion and our sacred Struggle for Equality and Justice
Source:
http://media.wix.com/ugd/d0137b_8f245c26c3596a7b1decbadda773e129.pdf
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