ASEAN Youth Video Speech Challenge - Tiara Surya Amalia

Summary

In this powerful speech, Tiaras Surya highlights the urgent crisis of plastic pollution and climate change, emphasizing that we are both the first generation to feel its impact and the last who can address it. She discusses two essential tools in this fight: behavioral change and innovation. Surya illustrates how behavioral changes, like promoting reusables and leveraging social influence, can make a difference. She also points to innovative solutions, such as Cambodia's solar microplastic filters and upcycled plastic construction materials. The message is clear: action starts now, and everyone must demand change, support policies, and celebrate victories in combating plastic pollution.

Takeaways

• 😀 People are dying, ecosystems are collapsing, and we are facing a mass extinction due to climate change.
• 🌍 Greta Thunberg's quote reminds us that we are the first generation to feel the effects of climate change and the last who can take action.
• ♻️ The fight against plastic pollution requires both **behavioral change** and **innovation**.
• 📚 **Behavioral change** is a key tool in tackling plastic pollution by shifting societal norms through education, incentives, and social influence.
• 🍽️ Restaurants adopting reusable alternatives, like making reusables the default instead of plastic straws, are a simple behavioral change example.
• 🕌 In Indonesia, the **Gradi movement** used religious leaders to inspire communities to donate waste, collecting over 80 tons and raising $300,000.
• 🔧 **Innovation** is also crucial, with companies like Asand leading efforts in creating solutions such as solar-powered microplastic filters and upcycled plastic construction materials.
• 🔨 We already have the tools to fight plastic pollution; what’s needed is action and demand from consumers and accountability from brands.
• 🗣️ Consumers should demand reusables and hold brands accountable for their environmental impact, while leaders must push for policies supporting innovation.
• 💪 The fight against plastic pollution needs all of us – our voice, action, and courage to embrace both behavioral shifts and cutting-edge solutions.
• ⏳ The movement to phase out plastic pollution must begin now – not someday, but **starting now**.

Q & A

What is the main message of the speech?

The main message of the speech is the urgency of combating plastic pollution through two key approaches: behavioral change and innovation. The speaker emphasizes the need for both shifts in societal habits and the development of new technological solutions to tackle plastic waste.

What quote by Greta Thunberg is referenced in the speech?

"We are the first generation to feel the effects of climate change and the last generation who can do something about it." This quote is used to highlight the urgency and responsibility that we, as the current generation, have in addressing climate change and plastic pollution.

How does the speaker describe plastic waste?

The speaker describes plastic waste as a habit problem, suggesting that plastic consumption and waste are deeply ingrained in societal behaviors that need to be changed.

What are the key tools for addressing plastic pollution mentioned in the speech?

The two key tools mentioned for combating plastic pollution are behavioral change and innovation.

How can behavioral change help reduce plastic pollution?

Behavioral change can reduce plastic pollution by shifting societal norms through education, incentives, and social influence. Examples include making reusables the default in restaurants and encouraging waste donations, as seen in Indonesia's Gradi Movement.

What is the Gradi Movement, and how did it contribute to reducing plastic pollution?

The Gradi Movement in Indonesia involved religious leaders inspiring their communities to donate waste. This initiative led to the collection of 80 and 40 tons of waste and raised $300,000 for local communities.

What innovations are being highlighted in the fight against plastic pollution?

Innovations such as Cambodia's solar-powered microplastic filters and LAS upcycled plastic construction materials are being highlighted as examples of technological solutions that can help tackle plastic pollution.

What is the speaker's call to action for consumers?

The speaker urges consumers to demand reusables and hold brands accountable for their plastic waste. This is a critical part of the solution to the plastic pollution crisis.

What role do leaders play in the fight against plastic pollution?

Leaders play a crucial role in pushing policies that support innovations and practices that reduce plastic pollution, helping create systemic change.

What is the significance of small wins in combating plastic pollution?

Small wins, such as plastic-free meals and cleaner rivers, are important because they demonstrate progress and motivate further collective action towards reducing plastic pollution.