I find it astonishing how the human race is capable of causing such large-scale changes to our planet’s climate and systems. As someone who will be directly affected by climate change in the future, I have become incredibly aware of the consequences of living in a consumerist world. 

What shocks me most is how slow the government and large companies are, as they believe there are more pressing issues and are reluctant to put their responsibilities before profit and economic growth. 

However, it is imperative we make changes now to become more sustainable otherwise our future and our children’s futures will suffer. I, like many others, was guilty of taking the environment for granted  and was naive about the damage the human race was causing. 

Through research and the media I have become aware of many simple choices we can make, such as eating less meat and using less plastic, which significantly reduce our carbon and water footprint. 

I love that through educating each other and making small but crucial changes to how we live our lives, we can have such a positive impact. 

It is empowering to feel that decisions we make are helping deal with the challenge of climate change and helping to protect the planet from further exploitation.  

Now that I am more aware of the issues and what we can do to help, I am determined to talk to people and share this knowledge in the hope that together we can make a real difference. 

I  think it’s imperative that young people are given a voice to push for progressive change and have an input on decision making which will directly affect our futures. 

As a community we should all continue to work together to protect this wonderful planet for future generations.

Jodi Coffman is in year 12 at Henrietta Barnett School and is involved with the Green Team at New North London Synagogue.