Notes on Severn Suzuki's Speech at the Earth Summit

Introduction

• Speaker: Severn Suzuki representing ECHO (Environmental Children's Organization)
• Group: 12-13 years old members, including Vanessa Seti, Morgan Geisler, Michelle Quigg.
• Purpose: To urge adults to change their ways regarding the environment.

Personal Experiences

• Fear of the sun due to ozone layer depletion.
• Concern about air quality and unknown chemicals.
• Memories of fishing with her father in Vancouver, finding cancerous fish.
• Alarm over extinction of animals and plants.

Vision for the Future

• Childhood dreams of seeing wildlife and natural beauty are fading.
• Questions whether future generations will have similar experiences.
• Reflection on the concerns adults had when they were children.

Call to Action

• Emphasis on collective responsibility to protect the environment.
• Acknowledgment that neither children nor adults have all the solutions.
• Urges adults to stop harming the environment if they cannot fix the issues.

Global Perspective

• Identification of global family: 5 billion people and 30 million species, transcending borders.
• Critique of wasteful consumerism in wealthier countries.
• Example of a street child wanting to share despite their poverty.

Criticism of Adult Actions

• Adults teach children to share, respect, and not harm yet fail to embody these principles.
• Challenges the audience on whether children are a priority in decision-making.
• Quotes her father on actions reflecting words, expressing disappointment in adult behaviors.

Reflections on 20 Years

• Severn reminisces about her speech from 20 years prior.
• Discussion on progress since the first Earth Summit in 1992.
• Concerns about ecological tipping points due to human impact.
• Acknowledgment that despite citizen engagement, significant environmental decline continues.

Call for Paradigm Shift

• Need for a shift in approach to environmental issues and societal transformation.
• Importance of intergenerational justice in sustainable development.
• Recognition of ongoing environmental crises as intergenerational crimes.

Legacy and Hope

• Reflection on the power of her speech and its impact worldwide.
• Importance of intergenerational love in motivating change.
• Optimism for the future despite challenges, driven by commitment to future generations.
• Encouragement for collective action at the Earth Summit 2012.

Conclusion

• Final note of gratitude and hope for change and listening to young voices.