Hanger (hungry anger) was brewing amongst the NZYD team today as we all took part in the #fastfortheclimate campaign. Fast For Climate is a growing movement of youth, environmentalists and people of faith who are showing their strength of commitment by going without food. They do this once a month to call for world leaders to do more to solve the climate crisis. Today was that day and we all got behind it for the first time.

Following the vigil held in Parque la Floresta last night, I felt both humbled and empowered to take control of my actions and make this particular one count. At lunch we gathered in the main eating area and set up tables to sit down and not eat at. The demonstration attracted great attention from COP attendees as well as media and was crucial in raising awareness about the plight.

Adding to my own hanger though is the fact that I’m hungry and complaining about it, when it’s millions of people’s reality as a result of climate change. Many around the world are forced to fast because climate change has caused drought, flooding, natural disasters and crop failure in their region. Often these people are those who contribute the least to CO2 emissions.

It’s time for us in New Zealand and other privileged countries to step up and take responsibility for the carbon footprint we are making. We need to stand in solidarity with victims of climate change consequences and show we not only understand our plight, but will pressure our governments to make change and have greater ambition to solve the climate crisis.

For more information or to get involved:

http://fastfortheclimate.org/en/

https://www.facebook.com/fastfortheclimate