Title: "Words Have Power!"
Course: GG 22/23 Leuphana-Copy > Section: 2.6 Environmental // Justice

CAN WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE? How does environmental injustice affect health?

Have a look at the inspiring experience of ten-year-old Jaysa, a young climate activist from Bridgeport, Connecticut. Young Jaysa is asthmatic and the coal fire plants in her neighborhood are worsening her health condition. Did Jaysa cross her arms? Absolutely not! Instead of throwing the towel and knuckle under the might of coal plants, Jaysa did rally the community living in her area against "environmental racism" and ultimately got the coal plant shut down.

© Source: Planet Classroom Network
Indeed, words have the power to influence and shape reality. In case you were questioning whether you can make a difference. Rest assured that you can! Your words, thoughts and action matter.

Now that you have identified both the “green” challenges as well as assets of your school’s neighborhood, focus on one aspect where improvement is needed. Where can you as a group of students make a difference and push for change?  Remember that taking action also means taking responsibility for your actions. Make sure to involve school leadership. Work together. Develop a constructive and positive approach to inspire fellow students. Become change-agents and role models for younger students.

1. Develop a step-by-step action plan. Here are a few examples:
- Organize a clean-up campaign that involves the whole school (set a date, develop a flyer, organize equipment, etc.);
- Organize “Save-Our-Trees Day” or a tree planting event (contact sponsors like the local garden market, consult with a landscape gardener; do research on what trees are most resilient);
- Send a letter to the mayor explaining your findings and suggesting steps on how to make your school’s neighborhood more climate change resilient.
- Add your own ideas . . . .

2. Document your action plan
- Produce a short film clip (not more than three minutes) documenting your actions planned or taken;
- Share the clip on social media
- Write a brief blog post for your school’s website and link to the clip.

[fa-files-o] Additional materials and resources:

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7 ways Gen-Z (and you) can get involved in climate action now