Listen to the Children - Severn Cullis-Suzuki's famous speech on the environment (1992)

Summary

Severn Suzuki, representing the Environmental Children's Organization, passionately addresses the United Nations, urging adults to take responsibility for the environment. She highlights the plight of future generations, the extinction of species, and the need for global unity to combat environmental issues. Suzuki challenges the audience to reflect on their actions, questioning the disparity between what they teach children and their own behaviors, and calls for a world that prioritizes environmental sustainability and equity.

Takeaways

• 🌳 Severn Suzuki represents the Environmental Children's Organization, emphasizing the urgency of environmental issues from a child's perspective.
• 💪 The group of children, aged 12 and 13, have independently raised funds to travel to speak to adults about the need for change.
• 🌏 Suzuki highlights the global impact of environmental degradation, including ozone depletion and air pollution.
• 🐟 She shares personal experiences of environmental decline, such as finding cancerous fish and witnessing the extinction of species.
• 👶 Suzuki speaks for future generations, expressing fear for what her children might not see due to current environmental trends.
• 🤔 The speech acknowledges the lack of solutions from both the speaker and the adults, emphasizing the need for collective action.
• 🔍 The speaker challenges the audience, stating that they don't know how to fix environmental problems but should stop causing further damage.
• 🌱 Suzuki calls for unity and cooperation among all people, regardless of borders, to address environmental issues.
• 🏛 She criticizes the disparity between the wealth of developed nations and the poverty of others, questioning the reluctance to share resources.
• 💰 The speech points out the irony of children being taught values such as sharing and respect, while adults act contrary to these lessons.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Suzuki reminds the audience that they are acting on behalf of their own children and asks them to reflect on their priorities and actions.

Q & A

Who is Severn Suzuki and what organization does she represent?

Severn Suzuki is a young environmental activist who, at the age of 12, represented the Environmental Children's Organization (ECO) at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992.

What is the main message Severn Suzuki is trying to convey to the adults in the audience?

Severn Suzuki is urging adults to change their ways and take responsibility for the environmental damage they have caused, emphasizing the importance of future generations and the need for immediate action.

What is the significance of the phrase 'fighting for my future' used by Severn Suzuki?

The phrase 'fighting for my future' signifies the urgency and personal stake that young people have in the environmental issues being discussed, as their future is directly impacted by the current state of the environment.

Why does Severn Suzuki mention the ozone layer and the extinction of species?

Severn Suzuki mentions the ozone layer and species extinction to highlight the severity of environmental problems and the irreversible consequences of inaction, such as the loss of biodiversity and the potential health risks to humans.

What does Severn Suzuki imply when she talks about the 'holes in our ozone layer' and 'animals and plants going extinct'?

She implies the critical state of the environment due to human activities, such as pollution and habitat destruction, which have led to the depletion of the ozone layer and the extinction of various species.

Why does Severn Suzuki express fear about going out in the Sun and breathing the air?

Severn expresses fear due to the environmental degradation, including the depletion of the ozone layer which increases harmful UV radiation, and air pollution which can contain harmful chemicals and particulates.

What is the connection Severn Suzuki draws between the behavior taught in school and the actions of adults?

Severn points out the discrepancy between the values taught to children, such as respect, sharing, and not harming others, and the actions of adults who often fail to apply these principles in addressing global environmental and social issues.

What does Severn Suzuki suggest when she talks about 'buy and throw away' culture?

Severn criticizes the consumerist culture of developed countries where resources are often wasted through overconsumption and disposability, contributing to environmental problems like pollution and resource depletion.

What is the implication of Severn Suzuki's statement about children living on the streets in Brazil?

The implication is a call for empathy and a reminder of the stark inequalities in the world, where some children have nothing while others have abundance, and a challenge to the audience to consider their role in perpetuating these disparities.

How does Severn Suzuki challenge the adults to reflect their love for children through their actions?

Severn challenges adults to ensure that their actions align with their professed love for children by taking concrete steps to address environmental and social issues, rather than just making empty promises.

What is the final appeal Severn Suzuki makes to the adults in the audience?

Severn's final appeal is for the adults to take immediate and meaningful action on environmental issues, to stop contributing to environmental degradation, and to create a world that is safe and sustainable for future generations.