If adults want to motivate young people to do something about climate change, they must change their strategy.

I was in fourth grade when I saw the picture little polar bear for the first time.

You know the one who hangs on to the little iceberg floating just above the surface of the water. It was the beginning of an education that was increasingly disrupted by frightening and disturbing images.

After every picture, every article, and every hopeless piece of news, we kids and teens, who are already worried enough, are treated to a little reminder right in their laps:

By the way, it is you and your generation who will solve this climate crisis. This will ensure that our descendants will enjoy snow and sun, polar bears and bees.

Is this the motivation?

We were nine years old and trying to adjust. We are 12 years old and trying to keep our spirits up during the pandemic. We are 13 years old and trying to balance puberty and everyday life. We were 15 years old and our whole lives were ahead of us.

Yet, we still sit in social studies class and read about the fact that we will not achieve sustainability goals, that poverty goals are completely unrealistic, and that the future looks bleak.

Exposing ourselves to brutal news, statistics and hopelessness will only result in a powerless generation with feelings of depression and anxiety, distancing themselves from the challenges that are approaching.

A role model who cares about climate change

It could be that future generations, including my generation, will be the ones who feel the impacts of climate change the most. It is we who must take the greatest action and adapt to the climate of the future. But it’s more easy to say than to do.

To overcome this, we need motivation – and hope.

Can’t politicians, business leaders, and the media tell us more about the wise people out there working to prevent climate change every day? Why don’t we hear more about them? Don’t we deserve to hear more climate-conscious role models who are actively trying to make a difference?

From roar to beep

Greta Thunberg must be a role model for the younger generation. But through the press and social media, among other things, some adults construct an image of themselves as dramatic, nerdy, and a bit over the top.

I think this caused more skepticism than respect among many of his colleagues. Being a climate-conscious young person has suddenly become something that is “on the back burner” among many people. And the climate buzz before the Storting in 2019 has been reduced to a small beep.

In difficult situations, it is difficult to react correctly. But when it comes to the climate crisis, it is crucial that we make good, effective choices. So, instead of scaring us with statistics and doomsdays, please: Motivate us with a shared vision of a shared future.

13-21 years old? Would you also like to write to Si ;D? Send your posts to sid@aftenposten.no. If you wish to remain anonymous, you must state this clearly in the email. Here you can read more about submitting posts to us.

Will you be participating in the comments section?

Read the ten commandments in the comments column first. Stay to the point!