‘How climate activism improved my mental health’

“It began five years ago in the 5th grade, when I was diagnosed with clinical depression—a diagnosis that no one, especially a young child is keen to hear. Things hadn’t always been this way, but the diagnosis made sense. I was experiencing a hopeless sense of loneliness, lack of motivation, and a deepening sadness that not only affected me, but also the people around me. I was even experiencing suicidal ideation. Now, I’m a freshman in high school and completely unrecognizable from that sad, lonely girl. I’m hopeful about life again, and I have activism to thank. In fact, I think it saved me.”

‘This 15-year-old Climate Activist Thinks Environmentalism is Everyone’s Job’

“In a society increasingly filled with materialism and complacency, 15-year-old climate activist Sara Goody is a breath of fresh air. Goody became a climate activist in the 6th grade after meeting youth activist Alexandria Villasenor at the United Nations in New York City. Since then, she’s been striking every Friday throughout the San Francisco Bay Area (until coronavirus related social distancing edicts were enacted) to bring climate awareness and action to her community.”

“As for Sarah’s journey, she insists, “I hope to be a catalyst for change as well as a strong female role model for young girls to look up to.” Irrespective of her career choice, I’m sure that her impact on the world we be undeniable. At 15 she’s proven to be a force to be reckoned with.”

‘Coronavirus concern: Climate needs similar sense of urgency’

“World leaders and the public at large need to call for urgent action to face the climate crisis, like they’re doing with the coronavirus. We need to bring this same sense of urgency and personal responsibility to the climate movement. We all have the capability to put political pressure on our world leaders and take actions to end this climate catastrophe. But we all have to act like it is an emergency if we want change and realize that while it may not kill us tomorrow, the climate crisis will kill us unless we take action to address it now.”