Licypriya launches Global Climate Strike in state
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 01 2022:
10-year-old environmental and climate activist Licypriya Kangujam led the historic Global Climate Strike in the state on Friday as a part of her global climate change campaign to exert pressure on the world leaders to take urgent climate action.
The event was hosted by KM Blooming School, Khangabok and its chairman Menjor Mangang and hundreds of environment lovers and fans joined her.
Thousands of children came holding placards with their parents showing their support to the cause of fight against climate change by Licypriya.
At the event, Licypriya said, "I have a dream where there are more bicycles on roads instead of more motor vehicles.
I have a dream where there are no coal power plants and thermal power plants and replace them with clean solar energy.
I have a dream where all the children living in this world have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink and clean planet to live.
Asking for clean air to breathe, clean water to drink and clean planet to live are our basic rights".
"Many people told me that 1 am too young to get involved in such activism but I proved to them that age doesn't matter to make a difference.
I am big or small, it doesn't matter.
I strongly believe that children can lead the change.
All this gives me hope to fight for our planet and our future", she added.
Licypriya also highlighted the various environmental issues around the world, telling the children, "Climate change is not only for me or for you or for someone else.
Climate change problem is.
for every single person living in this world.
Each and every child living in this country, living in this world, is already the victim of climate change.
That's why I am fighting to save our planet and our future.
1 strongly believe that children have the power to change the world".
She also asked PM Narendra Modi to pass a climate change law as soon as possible in the parliament to help control the carbon emissions and greenhouse gases, stop the forest fire and deforestation.
One of her core demands is to make climate education mandatory in the school curriculum to fight climate change from the grassroots.
She also called for planting a minimum of 10 trees eveiy year by each student.
In India, there are 350 million students.
If 350 million students plant at least 10 trees every year then India will plant 3.5 billion trees every year so that India will be green in 5-10 years.
Delhi University recently started this initiative of compulsory tree plantation by each student to pass their exam from this year onwards, she said.
The activist further stated that we are facing a pandemic on one side and floods, droughts, heat waves, cyclones, landslides, forest fire, etc., on another side.
"Now, this is the time to wake up.
This is the time to open up your eyes.
This is the time to send your children and grandchildren to fight for their survival and for their own future? The best gift parents can give to their children is not a beautiful house, expensive cars, or lots of money.
The best gift parents can give to their children is a beautiful green planet", she concluded.