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The trauma of climate change is already having a profound effect on the next generation of global leaders. Those interviewed for this series have seen the loss of life in hurricanes, lived through flooding that cut them off from power and emergency services and have seen their family lands destroyed. As devastating as these experiences have been, the future promises to be even more volatile and dangerous.

Considered too young by policy makers and many in the media, these voices are rarely heard. Regardless, they have a lot to say. Currently, a group of 21 young Americans are suing the United States government in what’s called the “Biggest case on the Planet” (Juliana v. United States). They argue that the actions taken by the government to put more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere will adversely affect their right to life, liberty and property.

This series will serve as support for the litigants in this landmark case, in spirit, by capturing and amplifying the voices of young people from all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds around the world.

Part I: New York City

Gracえ, 15, is innovating ways to dispose of food waste so that her individual C02 footprint is lessened. She’s also working within her community to pass on what' she’s learnt. She hopes that there will be still be coral reefs for her to explore when 2030 arrives.
Aaron, 12, hopes that the future will not be as bleak as he fears it might be in 2030. If we’re to turn things around, he says that ecological advances need to be profitable, otherwise nobody will invest in the things that will continue to make the planet hospitable. With things going the way they are now, he fears that entire populations will be confined to indoor spaces and the only way people will be able to receive sustenance is by drone delivery.
Crystal’s passion, 16, is reading books. She dreams that she will be able to visit the places she’s read so much about, but she fears that by the time she’s able to travel to these places they may no longer exist—including her ancestor’s land in Guyana.
Gregor, 12, remembers seeing people die during Hurricane Sandy and it’s left him wondering what the future will hold for him. In order to bring about positive change, he reminds his friends that the earth is theirs to inherit and that they have their part to play in making sure that the future is a habitable one. He thinks about the best transportation to use and the small acts that people can make, that, taken together, can have a large impact on the planet.
Freesia, 17, can’t vote—yet. She’s one year away from being able to have that right, however she she’s encouraging people who can vote to vote on her behalf. She says that even if there are small changes in the laws to help preserve the environment, taken together, they can make big changes.