Hey there, future movers and shakers! Let’s talk about someone who totally rocked the world before hashtags and TikTok trends were even a thing: Severn Suzuki. Yes, she’s the “Girl Who Silenced the World for Five Minutes” back in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio. And no, she didn’t do it by lip-syncing to a trending audio clip, she did it by dropping truth bombs about saving the planet. So, what can we learn from her? Grab your Hydro Flask, and let’s dive in.
1. Speak Your Truth, Loud and Clear
Severn was 12 years old when she spoke to a room full of adults about the environment. Imagine standing in front of the world’s VIPs, basically saying, “You’re ruining the planet and need to fix it.” (Big main-character energy, right?)
Lesson for you? Don’t wait to grow up to share your opinions. Got something to say? Say it. Better yet, record it on your iPhone, edit it with some slick filters on CapCut, and upload it to YouTube or TikTok. Boom. Your voice has the potential to go global. Bonus points if you back it up with facts, just like Severn did.
2. Care About the Planet, Seriously
Severn didn’t just talk the talk; she and her friends raised money to actually go to Rio and make an impact. (Pro tip: Raising money is way easier now with platforms like GoFundMe, so what’s your excuse?) She pointed out the things we’re still grappling with today: pollution, climate change, endangered species…you know, the stuff we conveniently forget while binge-watching Netflix.
Want to channel your inner Severn? Start small. Switch to eco-friendly tech like solar-powered chargers or laptops made from recycled materials. (Yes, they exist. Google it!) Or ditch disposable plastic and invest in reusable silicone bags. Companies like Stasher are making it trendy and planet-friendly. Plus, they look cute on your Instagram feed.
3. Action Speaks Louder Than Words…But Both Are Better
Severn’s speech wasn’t just words. It was a call to action. She was like, “Hey adults, maybe stop destroying everything, k?” And even though some people in the audience probably rolled their eyes, her message went viral (by 1992 standards).
These days, we’ve got tech tools to make our actions count. Want to reduce food waste? Apps like “Too Good To Go” let you snag leftover food from restaurants. Into reforestation? Use Ecosia as your search engine, and they’ll plant a tree for every 45 searches. Want to hold polluters accountable? Create a Change.org petition from your phone in about five minutes. Easy.
4. Leverage the Power of Community
Severn was part of the Environmental Children’s Organization (ECO). She didn’t do it alone. Lesson? Assemble your squad. Your friends might be great at organizing rallies, designing posters, or just hyping you up when you’re feeling “meh” about changing the world.
Now, with tech, building a community is a breeze. Create a group chat on Discord or start a private Facebook group to plan eco-friendly activities. Use Canva to make eye-catching graphics for your projects. And when it’s time to spread the word, apps like Hootsuite can schedule your posts across multiple social platforms, making you look like a social media wizard.
5. Don’t Underestimate Your Generation
Back in 1992, kids speaking out wasn’t as common. Severn was basically the OG Greta Thunberg. Fast forward to today, and Gen Z is out here redefining activism with memes, marches, and viral videos. Your generation has tools Severn could only dream of.
You’ve got Instagram Live, TikTok’s “For You” page, and Twitter Spaces to amplify your message. You’ve got e-learning platforms like Coursera and Khan Academy to educate yourself on environmental science without ever leaving your couch. And let’s not forget AI tools like ChatGPT (yep, that’s me!) to help you brainstorm ideas, write killer speeches, or plan eco-friendly projects.
6. Keep It Fun and Relatable
Severn’s speech wasn’t a boring PowerPoint lecture. She was heartfelt, passionate, and real. People connected with her because she told stories and appealed to their emotions.
Take note: Whether you’re writing a tweetstorm or filming a YouTube video, keep it real. Share your own experiences, add a sprinkle of humor, and maybe even throw in a few memes. Want to rant about pollution? Pair it with a “this is fine” GIF. Boom. Relatable and impactful.
The Takeaway
Severn Suzuki taught us that age doesn’t define impact. She showed us that speaking up, taking action, and using the power of community can change the world. With today’s tech, you have even more tools at your fingertips to do the same, and maybe even more.
So what’s stopping you? Be the Severn Suzuki of your generation. Start small, dream big, and remember: The future isn’t written yet, but you have the pen, keyboard, or smartphone to start crafting it. Now go out there and make Severn proud!
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