Often, I'm sad to admit, the pessimistic side of me thinks no one.
And most of the time I'm grateful to be over the age of fifty so that I won't have to watch as our Earth implodes due to human self-destruction. As I said, pessimistic. On especially cynical and misanthropic days, I even think it may serve the human species right if (due to stupidity, selfishness and greed) the planet it abuses and takes for granted will sooner, rather than later, cease to exist.
But then that wouldn't be fair to all the other species. Or future human generations who didn't create the mess that most of us (and by most, I specifically point the finger at other former-hippy-turned-capitalist-consumer boomers) will leave behind for younger folk to solve.
So when I heard wise-beyond-his-years Henry Marr (or wise because the years haven't descended yet?) implore others to smarten up already, a small sliver of hope pierced my sometimes-hardened heart. Maybe, just maybe, enough youngsters will eventually set things right that us oldsters have so screwed up. Is this kid vegan?
Probably not, but if enough kids like him are passionate about something that will have an impact on the environment, or any of the other social justice issues that at heart are about oppression and power imbalance, then there's a chance that all the bits of action added up can contribute to lasting change. Cuz it sure is gonna take more than my generation to save the bruised planet we're leaving behind for others.
Here's Henry in his own words:
If you want to follow this trying-to-save-the-planet young hero on Facebook (and in case you think hero is overstating it, check out some of the decidedly non-heroic comments contributed by adults on the YouTube video above), here's his page:
https://www.facebook.com/emotionalenvironmentalist/
Keep up the good fight, Henry. We're counting on you! :)