5 Issues That Mattered The Most To You in 2017

Millennials agree that climate change is the world’s biggest problem. But even if you’re not of that generation, the impact that humans have had on the planet is becoming more and more noticable.

From what we consume to how we travel, every action we take affects the health of our planet. But for many young people, they know that watching the world slowly becoming environmentally ravaged means more than just #firstworldproblem. Around the world, our “future leaders” are tackling these issues head on. In 2017, here’s what impassioned young people and the issues that forced them to take action

On 2 November, 2017, the High Court of New Zealand issued a game-changing ruling. It found that climate change presents significant risks and government actions on climate change are subject to judicial scrutiny. Sarah Thomson’s win has made history, showing that no matter how young, you too can make a difference.

Up to 12 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans each year and will take hundreds of years to degrade. Every year thousands of turtles and other ocean creatures are killed by eating and getting entangled in plastics pollution. Say NO to plastic.

Let’s make history. Be the generation that ends fossil fuels!

This is why your voice matters. On November 20, 2017, the EU Court of Justice upheld an order for Poland to cease logging in the Bialowieza Forest and imposed a penalty payment of at least € 100,000 per each day of future infringement.

On July 2017, Thai Union Group committed to measures that will tackle illegal fishing and overfishing, as well as improve the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of workers throughout the company’s supply chains.

The environmental movement is like a tree that keeps on growing. Our roots are strong, branches like fists raised in the air. With constant care and nurturing, a green and peaceful planet is within our reach!

Stefanus Wong is a Content Editor for the Communications Hub at Greenpeace East Asia.