Editors' note: On Nov. 12, 2014, Earth Charter Indiana and Youth Power Indiana returned to the Environmental Rules Board to once again advocate to be granted a hearing regarding a Climate Action Plan for Indiana.
My name is Maddie Brooks and I am an eighth grader at Project Libertas.
This past summer I was taught to use my voice. To stand up. To make myself be heard. But in order to be heard, you need an audience willing to listen. That’s your role today.
Climate Change has been demanding to be noticed lately. And a lot of people have chosen to ignore or deny that fact.
Not us. We have noticed.
We’ve noticed the temperature rising.
We’ve noticed the ice melting.
We’ve noticed the extreme weather conditions.
Some people may have excuses or say we’re imagining all of these situations, but being doubted on facts – it wears me out. Let alone all of these guys.
On behalf of the youth, I ask you to take the necessary and responsible steps, as our state’s leaders, to grant us a hearing regarding a Climate Action Plan, to ensure my future is guaranteed.
Citizens of Indiana are counting on you. Each and every one of you have the chance to make a difference. So, ask yourselves, “Why not take it?”
My and future generations are depending on the decision you make. Our futures – they’re in your hands. It’s up to you if they are good ones or not.