How would you feel if your child was starving themselves to prove their future is worth protecting? Who is really to blame?

Students want to use their voices and make changes in their communities. But in different corners of the world, words are your weapon.

In the United States, we are used to seeing acts of protest within our communities and on a national level. We see this from all different age groups, but especially young people. For countries like India, this outspokenness is not the norm.

My family is from Goa, a small state on the west coast of India. It is a lively seaside community surrounded by an explosion of greenery and watercolored blue skies. Unfortunately, local communities are being torn apart due to deforestation and improper environmental safeguards. Families like mine are being exposed to chemicals in water and constant energy shortages.

So when these issues threaten the livelihood of the current generation, why can’t they speak up?

The village of Sancoale is only a 20-minute drive from my town of Majorda. In Sancoale, the commercial developer group Bhutani Infra has started construction on single-family housing units on the hills of a private forest. They obtained the construction license wrongfully and changed the zoning to permit the project. 

Culturally, native Goans will be outnumbered by wealthy families from New Delhi and surrounding states who can afford these homes. Ecologically, the construction of this project will increase the chances of erosion and mineral deposits in farmlands. As a result, many young people are on a chain hunger strike to stop the construction of this mega project.

So, why is this a problem?

Last year, I hosted and organized Patrick Henry’s climate walkout on September 15, Global Youth Climate Day. 

The event had a great turnout with thousands of students attending with hand-made posters and participating in chants. I had the opportunity to give speeches and be interviewed by the local news. In that moment, I felt grateful to see my peers support initiatives I thought youth should be more vocal on. However, I remembered the privilege I had to even participate in such an event.

Teenagers in Goa do not have the right to protest against their schools or government in any form. In many cases, they have been detained by local authorities or threatened. 

So when kids are resorting to extreme measures to fight for their future, what does that say about the current government? 

Youth activism becomes a problem when the participants are risking their lives to have their voices heard. While I have the freedom to use my words, others must resort to physical suffering. Whether it’s here in San Diego or the small village of Majorda, this generation will not sit back and watch their futures taken out of their hands.

What does this mean for you?

No one is asking you to go into the streets or starve yourself. 

Instead, recognize your privilege to use your rights for good. Engage with as many local efforts for conservation as possible or educate yourself on the implications of climate for our Earth. 

Youth are fighting, but will you?

Our future is in your hands.

Editor’s note: This is a monthly column written by a student at Patrick Henry High School. This column is written by Kacie Fernandes.

Top photo credit: Pixabay.com