All the Licence pro students answered in +/- one minute the question: "What can we, young Europeans, DO to help save the planet?"
👦Mathieu KARMOWSKI
In order to truly realize what state
the planet is in, it is important for you to become better informed:
read up on the causes and consequences of climate change!
Talk to your family, your friends, your
teachers, or even to the person you have just met about what they
know and think about what is going on; some people also have
incredible ideas on how to save the planet.
In your town, there are probably
several associations which you could reach out to to get involved. On
the internet, there is also a thriving source of content about
sustainable development, which could inspire you.
Wanting to “save the planet” is a
state of mind. We need to admit that everything we do has
consequences. We are young, and we need to find our place in this
world; I think we are its protectors. That means we have to take
action, right?
The path will be long and full of
obstacles, but changing things is within our power. For example, we
can vote for a different government, a different Mayor, and a
different Member of the European Parliament.
This is how we can change things!
👩Mathilde MARTINS
I make my own cosmetics
and hygiene products, I only use washable materials (cotton
handkerchiefs for example), and I only consume local products. But,
like many other people, I have become aware that my eco-friendly
actions are not going to be enough to save the planet in the face of
agressive capitalism and mass consumption...
But, why don't people
convert to a more environment-friendly lifestyle? Is it because of a
lack of information? Is it just too difficult for them to change
their ways?
To try to bring about a
change in people's attitudes and behaviour, I have created a page on
Instagram called "écologie ma passion". You can find on
this Instagram page: my formulas for cosmetics and for hygiene
products, ideas for vegan cake recipes, suggestions for using
recycled fabric, advice on how, as a student, it is possible to buy
local produce in bulk (that is, without packaging).
I know it's not easy to
change one's habits, and it's a daily battle to convince others to
change too. However, if I convince two people, then three, then maybe
more, I'm hoping those people will in turn convert others... As the
African proverb says: "Alone we go faster, but together we go
further"!
👩Loïs BAROTIN
We are the new
generation, and we say: overconsumption must stop!
We must join climate
action groups and take part in street protests. By joining forces, we
will make democracy work, especially as the previous generations seem
incapable of dealing with the climate crisis.
We must make businesses
more people-friendly and environment-friendly by boycotting, if
necessary, their products or services. If we do nothing, industries
will continue to over-exploit the natural resources.
We must, each and
everyone of us, adopt eco-responsible habits. No action is too small!
We must keep
well-informed and share our ideas and energy. We, young people, must
ensure the environment is at the top of the list of people's
concerns.
We must keep up the
fight: our survival depends on it!
👩Axelle ROUCHON
Hello, my name is Axelle,
and I'm a student in Clermont-Ferrand.
I believe that, more than
anything, it’s up to us, individually, to make small but meaningful
changes in our own lives; it is the best way to help change the world
for the better and maybe save the planet from the climate crisis!
Here is a list of the
things I believe we, each and every one of us, can do:
First, we should buy
responsibly by choosing local products not foreign products that have
a huge transport carbon footprint.
Second, in order to limit
waste and pollution, we must avoid buying too much of something, and
we should also refuse to buy products that use too much packaging,
especially plastic packaging.
Third, we should recycle,
or resell or just give away the products we have used; let's put a
stop to massive wasting of reusable objects!
Fourth, we must
absolutely limit pollution by walking or cycling as often as
possible, and choosing public transport for longer journeys.
Fifth, we can influence
public opinion by becoming members of an association which fights for
our environment (Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, FridaysForFuture,
etc.); don't forget that politicians, whose job is to vote
environmental protection laws, have to listen to public opinion...
Finally, we need to
explain to our elders what “sustainable development” is by
showing them simple things they can do which have a positive impact
on the planet, things like driving more slowly, buying in zero-waste
shops, or eating less meat.
Thanks for listening to
me and, don't forget: go Green and the Earth will be clean!
👩Clémence
BOISSONNADE
We want a future, for ourselves, our
children, for all living beings. We are ALL concerned by the climate
crisis, so it's our duty to act NOW!
So, what can we do?
1) Change our daily habits, for
example: eat less meat, buy local fresh organic produce, ride our
bikes more, forget holidays abroad, give our objects a second life,
stop buying compulsively stuff we do not really need especially very
polluting high-tech gadgets, resist advertising, buy second-hand
clothes!
2) Show our friends, parents,
grandparents, everyone we know, that our new habits are good habits
and that they should adopt these good habits too!
3) Join a group of like-minded
eco-warriors because saving the planet does not have to be boring!
Remember: good habits save the planet!
👩Léïla CARTON
My fellow Europeans, we
are facing a global catastrophe! But what can we, the new generation,
do about the climate crisis? I believe there is still time to change
things, to make people aware of the facts of the situation...
We can reduce emission of
greenhouse gases by changing our behaviour as consumers by, for
example:
> eating local healthy
produce;
> limiting our
purchase of electronic gadgets;
> limiting our use of
electricity;
> using public
transport;
> reducing the use of
paper.
My fellow Europeans:
express your feelings and ideas through the social networks, take
part in peaceful demonstrations, and lead by example!
👩Elsa BOISSY
👩Elsa BOISSY
In order to survive, we
need to preserve the resources of the planet and learn to share them
fairly; we, young Europeans, need to lead by example! How? Here are
some simple ideas: throw cigarette butts in the litter bin (better
still: stop smoking!), recycle all recyclable materials, eat seasonal
products, avoid using the car as much as possible, and make your own
garden.
Have you heard of a new
initiative called “CLEANWALKER”? It consists in going on a group
ramble across a town in order to clean the streets by picking up
litter ; more and more young Europeans are taking part in this
activity, which is not just eco-friendly but fun! Check out the
CLEANWALKER facebook page to sign up for the next ramble, or, better
still, organize one for you and your family, your friends and friends
of friends!
The tragedy of the
coronavirus epidemic has been beneficial for the environment, and,
paradoxically, for humans too according to some experts: they
estimate that the number of human lives saved, thanks to the
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, will be higher than the number
of people who actually died from the disease. Maybe this will make us
and the politicians act for a more eco-friendly, safer and healthier,
lifestyle?
👨Matthieu HNATIUK
👨Matthieu HNATIUK
Hello, my name is
Matthew, and I'm studying for a degree in order to get a job that
will have a positive impact on our planet.
Do unhappy people care
about the planet? No, they do not!
I’m going to tell you
about the four principles that we, young and not so young Europeans,
can follow to become happier. I believe that if people become
happier, they will respect themselves, and each other, and the planet
more.
First: be connected!
Be connected to your
loved ones. Don’t isolate yourself because, together, our impact
will be stronger. Be connected to Nature too: continue to marvel at
landscapes, trees, animals, the stars. Our potential for well-being
and fulfilment, of being at one with our surroundings, has been with
us for millions of years; let's not lose it.
Second: be active!
Keep making plans, and be
the change you want to see in the world. There are no limits to your
creativity. Stay faithful to your dreams and true to your
convictions, as long as they involve respect for others and for
Nature.
Third: keep learning!
Be curious: learning
makes us wiser and better. Learn from others and, above all, learn
about yourself. Also, don't stop learning about what surrounds you;
understand how much the planet gives us because it is our greatest
gift.
Fourth: give!
Share your good mood, it
will multiply. Transmit your values, share your knowledge to enrich
others. Convert your desires into good actions. Give back to Nature
what it has given to you, by thanking it for allowing you to live so
well.
Be connected! Be active!
Keep learning! Give! By following these four principles, you will
naturally know what to do for the planet. Basically, be happy, and
that way you will help save the planet!
👩Anaïs DELCROIX
👩Anaïs DELCROIX
It is we, the young
people, who have the power to change things!
We should lead by example
to save the planet; it is up to us to take action for Mother Nature.
What actions should we
take?
We can:
> take part in street
protests;
> challenge social
codes;
> innovate as regards
the use of locally available resources and human energy;
> use the know-how of
our ancestors;
> be committed to
causes at local level;
> create associations
to share and defend our ideas but also to find solidarity and
humanity.
Paula KAUFFELD writes: Benjamin Van Oers talks about refurbishing gadgets that we use daily. I think that his ideas for smartphones are great and that it can help save the planet. Like he says, creating smartphones involves a complex process that can harm the planet. For me, having the newest smartphone isn't cool or anything. When I need a new phone, I don't go to buy a new one directly, I ask around my family if someone has an old phone for me that still works. Right now, I have an old phone belonging to my brother; it isn't the greatest, but it works, and that's all that matters. We can do this with cars too, don’t you think? When we want to buy a new car, we should first consider buying a used car. There are plenty of people who sell their old cars. We can buy them on sites like “LeBonCoin” in France. It's a way for us to save money and reduce our impact on the planet because constructing new cars causes pollution. What is more, we can recycle old gadgets and things and make them into new ones. For example, we can use crates to make furniture! This way, we also help to save the planet. And we can virtually recycle everything! The only thing we need is a creative mind to do so... It may take hours or even days to do so, but it will be worth it in the end. The best thing about this, is that we can make our own things in the way that we like, and after we can be proud of what we have made. This is something I personally do a lot; I create my own costumes for cosplays, and I always recycle the little pieces of fabrics that I keep after making something, they can always be used for something else. In the same way, when I make accessories, I always check around my home if I can make them with things I already own. By doing this, I reduce the amount of things I buy for creating my costumes.
ReplyDeletePaula KAUFFELD writes: What Matthieu HNATIUK says is the basis of well-being for everyone, and it is something to begin with if you want to respect yourself and others. I agree with him because being well with yourself and others will give you the will to do something great. The four values that he gives: be connected, be active, keep learning, and give, are four things that you can do in one. You can go out with your friends or family, go out for a walk for example and if someone knows something about a tree or about some plants, he can explain to the others what it is and what it does. It can be very interesting and educational. Also, when walking around, be sure to have a trash bag with you, this way you can pick up litter from the road or the forest. There are associations that do this, they are called Cleanwalkers. This way is for me the best way to do everything Matthieu says in one go: to do something great for Nature, have fun at the same time and, the most important of all, have a great moment with loved ones.
ReplyDeleteMalaurie WAHL writes: Mathilde’s topic is very interesting and encourages us to help make the planet get better. Indeed, creating her own cosmetics and hygiene products is a courageous personal choice (most people would not even think about doing that!) and it is good for the environment. Using produce that you can recycle is good because it avoids having to buy things again and again, and consuming more packaging. However, I think that Mathilde must show us how we can do things like she does. Indeed, changing lifestyle could be difficult because buying local produce is more expensive and buying reusable products is worth the cost only after a lot of use. And I am sure that she has many techniques that people can use (like create washable materials, for example: cotton handkerchiefs) with little money. We should use glass jars to consume less plastic, and we can do that easily. But I don’t know how to make my own daily-use products, and I am sure that someone who watches her videos would like to know how to create things like her. She has a page on Instagram where she shares her product ideas. But maybe just publishing photos of her products is not enough; Mathilde should tell us how she makes them! Her tutorials would encourage people to change their lifestyles and be more respectful of the planet. To conclude, I like how she finishes her speech with this African proverb : "Alone we go faster, but together we go further"! When she says that, we want to make things like her. She could also have used the proverb : “In a changing environment, there's no greater risk than standing still!” (Jacques Chirac) to show that there's still time to change our habits.
ReplyDeleteEmile VOISSIER writes: Mathieu KARMOWSKI says that it is very important that we be well informed and I’m wondering if we couldn’t push that idea further... For example, we could create a new subject at school or set aside an hour during the week in order to hear an adult explain what climate change is to the children. It would help young people to understand what they are living and going to live through and how they can act on the present climate crisis situation. Mathieu also talks about associations and websites on the Internet, but I don’t think that, nowadays, children and teenagers are really involved in climate change associations and surfing on the Web to find out information about climate change. So I think that it is a great idea to start talking about it from the youngest age in order to incite them to act for the planet. I also want to underline that he is saying that WE are the future of our planet and it is interesting to note that a lot of country leaders don’t have kids! It means our planet’s future is in the hands of people who don’t really care about the future (who don’t even have a “link” to it), cf. https://blogs.mediapart.fr/bernard-gensane/blog/010918/l-europe-aux-mains-de-gens-qui-n-ont-pas-d-enfant).
ReplyDeleteThen he talks about governments, that we could vote for somebody else, and I agree with him, but now we are too young to be able to vote but I agree that in the future we must be careful which government to choose because it has our planet’s future in its hands...
Manon GUILLOT writes: Clemence talks about what we can do at our level to save the planet, the little things and changes in our habits that can change the world. I agree with her because everybody has poor habits, like taking our car just to go to the corner of the street, eating fruit from the other side of the world, buying a lot of things even if we don’t need them, and eating a lot of meat as long as it is not expensive. All the examples she gives are really good, but some people are going to say that it is impossible for them to change, to give up their comfort. But if we do nothing ourselves and on a voluntary basis, change will be imposed on us... As Clemence says, we, young people, can help our grandparents, even our parents to improve their habits and convince them that they can help us save what we have left, and give us a future just by doing small actions. The people born around WW2 have used a lot of the energy resources, but what is done, is done... Maybe they do not care about the younger generations? From my experience, my grandparents and even my great grandmother do want to help: for example, they don’t use their cars a lot and they buy fruit and vegetables from local farmers. I assure you that a lot of people, young as well as old, want to make changes. Clemence explains that we can be part of a group to fight against all these habits, to remind us that good habits can save the planet, and if we work together, our actions can make a difference. That way, we can no longer say: “I’m all alone, so I can’t do anything”.
ReplyDeleteMaxime BOISMENU writes: Elsa talks about how we can act in simple ways, like using the car less, quitting smoking, recycling, etc. Then she talks about an initiative for the environment called CLEANWALKER which consists of walking in a group to clean up the city, to pick up the litter at the side of the road and generally make the environment cleaner. In the last paragraph, Elsa talks about the “benefits” of the Coronavirus. By saying that the air is cleaner and that the ecosystems are generally healthier and that nature is less polluted, certainly the Covid-19 has made it possible to have more pleasant air in town, but Elsa does not speak about the accumulation of roadside rubbish during the epidemic. The question is why is there more litter than usual? The answer is that people have sorted their houses during lockdown, leaving washing machines and lots of other garbage by the roadside (in Marseilles, people have chucked rubbish out in the creeks!). Certainly, the coronavirus has certainly had some good in terms of the environment, but there have also been other problems in terms of waste management. The confinement has at least shown us that the effects of less frequent use of cars has a real impact on air quality and on ecosystems. So, I hope that people will realize that even on a small scale we have an impact and if the majority of the population is careful to sort its waste, and not to go on trips for nothing, our environment will be healthier and so will we.
ReplyDeleteMali CHARGROS writes: I loved your video, Mathilde! I admire how invested you are in climate action. You try to convince us by showing what you do to be a more “sustainable” person and you even publish it on the internet which is a great way to incite people to work for our planet. Plus, you question us about why people don’t do more eco-friendly actions, that way you inspire us to make the difference especially with that African proverb: “Alone we go faster, but together we go further”.
ReplyDeleteMali CHARGROS writes: You video is very convincing, Mathieu K! You tell people they should be better informed about what’s happening to our planet, about the consequences of climate change (the figures speak for themselves unfortunately...). But still, you incite us to change the situation and to share what we know about it with our family, our friends and others: we can take action! You also say that we are young and that we can vote soon for better leaders; this is a wonderful prospect and it could change everything!
ReplyDeleteMaximilien BIDET writes: I also saw, like you, Elsa, the side-effects/benefits of coronavirus on the environment. There was the reduction of greenhouse gases but also the reappearance of wild species in territories where we had not seen them for over 100 years. I was happy to see that but also sad because I was telling myself that the only way that could have happened is because of a pandemic. You say that maybe the politicians will start to act for the planet because of that; unfortunately, I don’t think that is going to happen!
ReplyDeleteMaximilien BIDET writes: I really liked your talk, Matthieu Hnatiuk! I agree with you when you state that if people become happier they will respect each other more, and so the planet too. A person who respects others will do his best not to pollute the planet, and boycott big companies that do. He will also do this because he will think of future generations and he will respect them.
ReplyDeleteBlandine PONCHON writes: I think that you’re right, Mathieu KARMOWSKI, when you say that: “wanting to “save the planet” is a state of mind”. But, have in mind the fact that having to save the planet can be a bit stressful! It’s not our generation who must save the planet, it’s everyone. Why can someone 80 years old not do a little something in favour of our planet? Today the mentality has changed, everyone knows that it is important to reduce pollution because pollution has a huge impact on the climate. We have known for a long time that the climate is undergoing serious change, but we have just closed our eyes to the problem and carried on regardless. Our generation isn’t afraid by change, we know how to face problems, and how to express our feelings. We have the courage to begin a change in our daily lives, and that's our strength! We don’t bury our heads in the sand but, on the contrary, we are doing something real to change the situation and to solve the problem of climate change. Our generation can be the voice that says: “STOP!” and we can encourage everybody to act in order to save the planet. But I think that it isn’t our role to do everything, for the simple reason that we are young and inexperienced; we do not understand all the causes and possible consequences of climate change. I believe everyone must reflect on his own habits, on how to change them in order to reduce our individual impact on the environment.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte DUPUY writes: Mathieu K’s talk captures my thoughts exactly! We should be so much more informed about global warming and its consequences. Even in school, we should have a specific programme on it, like once a week or at least once a month; we should debate on what we’ve done during the month to preserve our Earth, or do the tally of who threw away the most garbage, used the most paper, etc. As Mathieu says, we must communicate about the topic with our family, friends and even with people we do not know very well; it would be the best way to make things progress further. Climate change concerns not only our own generation but the next ones too, so, as I said, I think that an hour per week should be set aside to inform the youth, so that they can learn to adapt to a more eco-responsible lifestyle. As regards associations, I don’t think there is one where I live… However, like-minded teenagers could indeed create one! We are tomorrow's adults so we should have the power to make things change because we will not have any future if we do nothing about it!
ReplyDeleteLou-Anne ROCHE writes: I found that, overall, the ideas were good. The proposed changes are easy to carry out and accessible to everyone, which is important for public motivation, because if the proposals are too difficult to do, people will not take part. The ideas are practically all the same, which is a bit disappointing because I think there are a lot of things that we do not think about but that are achievable. Anaïs Delacroix's ideas are very good, but taking part in street demonstrations or setting up associations to share and defend ideas and to find solidarity and a sense of shared humanity, will not, I don't think help save the environment in the end...
ReplyDeleteAmaury HENRY writes: I think the talk by Mathieu KARMOWSKI is good because it is short and striking. He gives a lot of advice though no original ideas as such. The fourth paragraph is particularly interesting because it make us think about our responsibility as regards global warming and makes us react. Plus, I like the figures Mathieu quotes, it gives credibility.
ReplyDeleteDorian ENGELVIN writes: If we boycott the products of highly polluting firms like Nutella, what will happen to the employees? They will end up on the dole! We can't solve the climate crisis by creating unemployment; we need solidarity and to promote people-friendly business!
ReplyDeleteMarie BESSON writes: Clémence BOISSONADE's short talk is well-organized, it's like a “to do” list so it is really easy to understand. According to her, you only have three things to do to help save the planet. By using “we” (as in: “So, what can we do?”), the reader feels s/he wants to follow the advice given and to get involved in climate action. The first rule to follow is to: “Change our daily habits”. That's pretty vague but Clémence gives many examples to guide us in applying this rule and everyone can try to do at least one thing among the list of suggestions for action. The second rule is to talk to the people around us about our new good habits (just as Clémence is doing with us through her talk published on the web); we have to influence people to encourage them to change for the better, and the people we have influenced have in turn to influence other people, it's like a chain raction. Thus, together, we will be stronger! Like the proverb says: “Many drops an ocean make!”; it sums up the idea that there is strength through unity. Indeed, if only a few people change their bad habits into good ones, and others don't do anything, it will be nigh impossible to save the planet... In order for climate action to be efficient, each and everyone of us needs to get involved. Clémence reminds us that: “We are ALL concerned by the climate crisis!”; it is indeed our duty to leave a healthy planet for future generations (I like the fact that Clémence puts words in uppercase, it gives more impact to her written speech!). The third rule is to take part in an environmental group and to have fun while doing good deeds. Her last piece of advice is to remember that: “Good habits save the planet!”. I have to say that I really enjoyed this talk!
ReplyDeleteAnaïs GAUTHIER writes: In reference to Benjamin VAN OERS' talk, I think that smartphones are just gadgets, they are absolutely not essential! Using them less or only when really needed (like for work only) would be better for the environment. Also, if you want to change your phone you can simply repackage the old one for recycling.
ReplyDeleteJade BUISSONNIERE writes: Anaïs DELCROIX explains in her video-talk what we, young Europeans, can do to help save the planet. She says that WE have the power to change things, and I agree with her. It’s the new generation which has to survive; the future of the planet depends on us, today. The Earth is in our hands; we must resolve present problems because the decisions we take today will have environmental and demographic consequences. Because it’s going to be OUR world, we have to seize power and change things NOW! Anaïs shows us how we can change things, with simple actions like taking part in street protests, innovating as regards the use of locally available resources (managed ecologically), and investing in human creativity and energy, together.
ReplyDeleteTiphaine TERRIER writes: My comment is on Matthieu Hnatiuk's speech. Firstly, I like his commitment to helping save the world, the fact that he wants to find a job to help others is really worthy. Secondly, he uses "we", "our", "us" to remind us that we are all concerned by climate change/action; I like the way he writes. Thirdly, the way he seperates his speech into four sections is a good idea because it makes things clear and more easy to remember, and his 4 principles are very interesting. I really like the theme of his speech: happiness. Maybe he is right: if we are happy, maybe we will indeed care more about the survival of everyone. I like Matthieu's way of thinking!
ReplyDelete