Xiye Bastida: If you adults won't save the world, we will | TED

Summary

In a heartfelt letter to her Abuelita, Xiye Bastida reflects on her journey as a climate activist in New York City since 2015. She expresses her deep connection to nature, inspired by her family’s teachings, and recounts her transformation from a high school student to a prominent organizer in the climate justice movement. Through school strikes and advocacy, she mobilizes peers to fight for environmental change, emphasizing resilience, hope, and collective responsibility. Xiye's message underscores the urgent need for action and the belief that nurturing the Earth should be an integral part of our lives, fostering optimism for a better future.

Takeaways

• 🌹 The speaker expresses nostalgia for home and fond memories with their grandmother, particularly about gardening and storytelling.
• 🌎 Since moving to New York City in 2015, the speaker's perspective on life has shifted towards activism and environmentalism.
• 📚 The speaker attributes their environmental awareness to their father's teachings about living in harmony with nature.
• 🌍 Inspired by their grandmother's advice to 'leave everything better than you found it,' the speaker takes action for the planet.
• ✉️ The speaker initiated meaningful change in their environmental club by focusing on political action instead of just recycling.
• 🚶‍♀️ The speaker organized a significant climate strike with 600 classmates, inspired by Greta Thunberg's activism.
• 💪 The speaker became a main organizer for climate justice events in New York and participated in a global movement.
• 📢 The speaker attended the UN Climate Summit and engaged with prominent climate activists and leaders.
• ⏳ Despite feeling overwhelmed at times, the speaker emphasizes the importance of resilience and learning from their family's struggles.
• ✨ The speaker advocates for a cultural shift towards caring for the Earth, envisioning a future where sustainability is integral to daily life.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the letter from Xiye to her Abuelita?

The main purpose of the letter is to express gratitude to her Abuelita for instilling in her a love for the world and to share her journey as a climate activist in the US.

How has Xiye's life changed since moving to New York City?

Since moving to New York City in 2015, Xiye's life has transformed from enjoying museums and parks to actively participating in climate activism and connecting with others fighting for the planet's future.

What inspiration does Xiye draw from her father?

Xiye is inspired by her father's wisdom and teachings about the responsibility of humans to live in harmony with nature, which he learned from Abuelita.

What shift did Xiye notice in the environmental club at her school?

Xiye observed that the environmental club focused too much on individual actions like recycling instead of addressing broader systemic issues related to climate activism.

What significant action did Xiye and her classmates take for climate activism?

Xiye and her classmates organized a school strike for climate, inspired by Greta Thunberg, mobilizing 600 students to walk out of school to demand climate justice.

What does Xiye mean by saying 'saving the world as a teenager'?

By 'saving the world as a teenager,' Xiye refers to her role as a climate activist, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the climate crisis and the responsibility of her generation to advocate for change.

What challenges does Xiye face as a young climate activist?

Xiye faces challenges such as the pressure to have all the answers about climate issues, the difficulty in motivating others to take action, and the exhaustion that comes from constant activism.

What role does resilience play in Xiye's activism?

Resilience is a key theme in Xiye's activism, as she recalls her Abuelita's perseverance and applies that lesson to her own struggles in the fight for climate justice.

What vision does Xiye have for a future where everyone takes care of the Earth?

Xiye envisions a future where caring for the Earth is ingrained in culture, allowing everyone to engage in joyful activities while also being responsible stewards of the planet.

How does Xiye's letter reflect the values taught by her Abuelita?

Xiye's letter reflects the values of love, hope, resilience, and optimism taught by her Abuelita, showing how these principles guide her work in climate activism.