Youth Takes On Climate Change Activism

22/07/2020

NANISE NEIMILA

Apart from being passionate about soccer, 19-year-old Adi Anasimeci Volitikoro has taken on a new challenge in being an activist for climate change.

The eldest of nine siblings, Anasimeci believes the only solution to fight climate change is planting more trees and ensuring that we look after this natural resource for the future generation.

“I believe that we have a responsibility of looking after our environment and one way is to replace our forest cover. For my youth group we have decided to plant trees for the future generation but also for our brothers and sisters.”

“Our youth group is a multi-racial group so this tree planting initiative we have engaged in will also empower us youths. We need more of this community outreach that we can utilise as a group.”

Anasimeci also highlighted that these community-based programs boost their morale because a lot of the youth are still in high school.

“It gives us another opportunity to learn more and appreciate the environment.”

“In addition to this we can also encourage other youth groups around the country by showcasing that we are taking the lead role in sharing the message of how climate change is affecting our environment.

We also want to challenge them that as youths we can become ambassadors and help the Government in sharing the message of climate change and ways to mitigate it.”

Minister for Forestry Osea Naiqamu told the youths of Vatulovona that climate change is real.

“It is happening right now and it is the most urgent threat facing our entire species and we need to work together to combat it.”

“As you are aware, climate change has the power to change the way we live and we have a very short time to turn things around.”

Minister Naiqamu challenged the youths to take this opportunity to save the future of the planet.

“Future generations will judge us if we fail in our efforts to make a change. We have a responsibility to hand over a healthy planet to those that will inherit it after us.”

“I am sure I can count on the 162 of you to play your part in ensuring we have a healthy planet for those yet to come. The future of our nation is in your hands.”