A TEENAGER from Frome has written an “International Youth Manifesto for Climate Justice”, detailing young people’s first-hand experience of the effects of climate change and their frustration in getting those in power to actively face the situation.
The book, Tomorrow is Too Late, collects testimonies from youth activists from Peru to Pakistan, detailing their struggles with devastating effects from climate change including typhoons, drought, floods, crop failure and ecological degradation.
The author, Grace Maddrell, started the project at the age of 14 and hopes the book will send a start message to governments alike – that we are running out of time.
Grace spoke to Frome Times about how the book started, “I didn’t really have one specific inspiration, if I’m being honest. I decided to put together the book after reading something similar, which was open to activists for all causes. I thought it would be good if there was a book like that which focused on climate activists specifically. I guess you could say I was inspired by the actions of the youth across the world, prompting me to publish a book sharing their words, but honestly, I never really know how to answer this question.
“I hope to share the stories and words of young people from across the world, hopefully giving their activism more of a platform and helping them spread the word. I hope their stories will inspire others to act for climate justice.”
Grace was asked about what the government should do to reverse the effects of climate change, “’Reverse’ is a bit of a questionable word honestly. Many of these effects are irreversible. We need to halt the process and work on reparations, but ‘reversing’ the crisis isn’t necessarily possible, at least certainly not entirely.
“Anyway, my number one message to the governments is that we need climate justice. This means doing everything we can to mitigate climate impacts, yes, and it means transitioning to a greener society, yes, but it also means incorporating social justice in all these aspects. This means reparations for those on the front lines and for those who have been oppressed for centuries, it means land back for indigenous communities, it means no longer living in a capitalist society, it making sure those working in unsustainable sectors get the training they need to get jobs in a more sustainable world.
“It means recognising that all these issues are connected, and that we don’t just need equality, or sustainability, we need justice, and we need to change the system. And if that means knocking it down and building a better one… then they should get used to it. “
Grace’s book, Tomorrow Is Too Late: An International Youth Manifesto For Climate Change is out now for £12.99 – at book shops, or visit https://theindigopress.com/product/tomorrow-is-too-late-paperback/
