Climate Crisis Speech Notes

Introduction

• Speaker is a concerned citizen, not an expert.
• Part of 400,000 people who marched in New York for climate action.
• Emphasizes the urgency of solving the climate crisis.

Climate Change as Reality

• Many view climate change as a fictional problem.
• Recent climate events are undeniable evidence of accelerated climate change:
  • Intensifying droughts.
  • Acidifying oceans with methane plumes.
  • Extreme weather events.
  • Melting ice sheets in West Antarctica and Greenland.
• Claims these facts are recognized by:
  • Scientific community.
  • Industry.
  • Governments.
  • U.S. military (Admiral Samuel Locklear).

Call to Action

• Emphasizes the historical significance of the current gathering.
• Two outcomes:
  • Make history or be vilified by it.
• This issue transcends individual actions (like changing light bulbs).
• Urgent need for large-scale action from industries and governments.

Proposed Solutions

• Put a price tag on carbon emissions.
• Eliminate government subsidies for oil, coal, and gas companies.
• Hold industrial polluters accountable instead of providing tax dollars.
• Highlight that the economy will collapse if ecosystems do.

Economic Perspective

• Renewable energy is both achievable and beneficial for the economy.
• This is not a partisan debate; it’s a human rights issue.
• Clean air and a livable climate are inalienable human rights.

Urgency of the Message

• This is a crucial moment for the world leaders.
• The speaker urges leaders to respond to humanity’s greatest challenge with courage and honesty.
• Calls for recognition of the momentum generated by public demand for action.

Conclusion

• The time to face the climate crisis is now.
• Plea for immediate and decisive action from world leaders.