The Importance of Science and Youth in the Modern World
Science is simply the knowledge of a particular topic. Yet, it is an essential component of our everyday lives; from the food we eat to the phones we use, even the clothes we wear – science is used to create or control those essential, commonplace items. Today, science has never been more vital. The world is in crisis. Life as we know it is diminishing daily. Animals and plants are becoming more and more vulnerable, whilst the air we breathe is riddled with more toxic chemicals and the water we consume accommodates more plastic. Climate change, the coronavirus pandemic, food security, the biodiversity crisis – they are all catastrophes made by the human race. The Earth is our only home, and we are destroying it and its inhabitants [1].
However, science is the mechanism that keeps our world from imploding. It is the solution to almost all global issues – including poverty, the climate crisis, sanitation and health, education, even inequality. At present, disease and starvation are prevalent in many countries globally. Science is used to help control and eradicate these extreme crises; through education, sanitation and vaccination. The oceans make up 71% of the Earth’s surface [2], and they are increasingly acidifying. Constant influxes of carbon dioxide make this water more acidic and tough to survive in, causing ocean life to die. But what is studying, controlling and protecting this aquatic environment? Science. Almost a billion people globally live in extreme poverty [3], struggling to simply survive; and science is helping to relieve and end poverty worldwide.
Science runs the world; and the youth are the key to ensure its continued advancement and aid in protecting Earth. Amongst my peers, I’ve seen that youth from all genders, backgrounds and races are increasingly entering the world of STEM – an occurrence not to be taken lightly. Young people everywhere can see the devastation facing our planet; and we are tired of its injustice. We understand the importance of science, and we want it known that we will be using its power to create a safe, healthy environment for all life. Advocacy and communication are drivers of this science. The powerful and inspiring advocates of health, education, equality, climate – they drive the message of science. They promote the welfare and aid created by science. They are the changemakers, the people who are saving our planet.
Science is a powerful tool that youth are readily wielding, creating safe spaces for all walks of life and for the Earth itself. The strength and unity of sciences and youth globally is a force strong enough to halt the corruption and injustice inflicted on our planet. We will succeed in our missions, and we will change the Earth for the better.
References
[1] T. Begum, "Humans are causing life on Earth to vanish", Natural History Museum, 12 December 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/news/2019/december/humans-are-causing-life-on-earth-to-vanish.html. [Accessed: 2 June 2020].
[2] M. Williams, "What percent of Earth is water?", Phys.org, 2 December 2014. [Online]. Available: https://phys.org/news/2014-12-percent-earth.html. [Accessed: 2 June 2020].
[3] A. Peer, "Global poverty: Facts, FAQs, and how to help", World Vision, 21 November 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.worldvision.org/sponsorship-news-stories/global-poverty-facts. [Accessed: 2 June 2020].
