Good governance and education is needed to tackle our increasing sustainability challenges.
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So said a number of Illawarra students who attended the OzGREEN YOUth LEADing the World program in Wollongong on Thursday.
Like Greta Thunberg, these students are passionate about protecting our environment.
As program participants, the students from Bomaderry High School in the south to Helensburgh Public School in the north, came together to discuss ways to tackle sustainability challenges.
OzGREEN CEO Anton Juodvalkis said YOUth LEADing the World was a transformative youth-focused environmental leadership program which aims to equip tomorrow's leaders with the skills to tackle the difficult sustainability challenges we face.
"We run participants through a four step process which we call focus, vision, change and action," he said.
"Really it is about what do they see the ideal future looking like and what does the world they want to live in tomorrow look like. They come up with ideas about what has to change for that to come about and we help them action those ideas."
He said OzGREEN was able to run the award-winning program in Wollongong thanks to a $20,000 grant from IMB Bank Community Foundation.
Mr Juodvalkis said fittingly the program was held in the Sustainable Building Research Centre locate in the University of Wollongong's Innovation Campus.
Australian's most sustainable building is also the country's only "living certified" building, and one of just 24 worldwide which measures up to standards set by the US-based International Living Future Institute.
Program participant Alannah Mannix was also happy where the program was being held.
"I'm here because I'm really passionate about our environment," the Bomaderry High School year 11 student said.
"I'm a firm believer in education. Climate change denial usually stems from ignorance, so it is important to try to connect with the community and offer education if you can."
The 17-year-old practices what she preaches and is a youth ambassador for Take 3 for the Sea, talking about plastic and how it is a direct contributor to climate change.
She was named Shoalhaven Council's Young Citizen of the Year for 2020, with judges stating Alannah demonstrated passion and perseverance in her volunteer roles for Take 3 for the Sea and Shoalhaven Heads Surf Club.
Alannah is also the founder of two organisations.
The not-for-profit Visionary Mermaids works to protect our oceans and waterways and Cleaner Cafes, works to reduce single plastic use in cafe culture.
Alannah said people should look at ways to reduce the amount of plastic they use.
"Whether it be swapping from a plastic straw to a metal straw, to remembering your reusable bags and making reusable products such as bottles and coffee cups," she said.
Fellow participant Molly Chapman from Dapto High School added she was inspired by Greta Thunberg to make a positive difference.
"I really think we can all play our part in tackling climate change but I think it starts from better education and governments being more proactive," the 15-year-old said.
Gemma Recio, 9 from Stanwell Park Public School and Mia Cracroft, 10 from Helensburgh Public School said being and acting sustainable was important.
"I've always had a passion for the environment and I want to learn more about climate change so we can stop it," Mia said.
"My family recycles every plastic we use.
"I love to read but I always borrow books from the library and any books I have I give to my friends to read.
"Any small action helps."
Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
