KarmaTube Video

KarmaTube is a video portal by ServiceSpace, showcasing the best inspiring videos on the web – with practical ways to be the change. Explore →

The Girl Who Silenced the World at the UN

230,275 views
Born and raised in Vancouver, Severn Suzuki has been working on environmental and social justice issues since kindergarten. At age 9, she and some friends started the Environmental Children's Organization (ECO), a small group of children committed to learning and teaching other kids about environmental issues. They traveled to 1992's UN Earth Summit, where 12 year-old Severn gave this powerful speech that deeply affected (and silenced) some of the most prominent world leaders. The speech had such an impact that she has become a frequent invitee to many UN conferences.
Be The Change
1
Read the full text of Severn's speech, and pass it on to another 12 year old you know.
2
Learn more about young people making an environmental difference in the world: Brower Youth Award winners.
3
If you were to write a speech about making the world a better place, what would you say?
Share:

Reflections (110)

Kate
Humbled by her passion and bravery., shamed that a generation has come abs gone since then and we are still breaking our beautiful planet but hopeful that care and paying attention is available to us all... the young see without the clouds and complications of grown ups. I hope I grow up to be like her and if too late for me at 58 for my children and my childrens children to be like her. Blessings on us all.
Sandip Sheta
Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs, but not every man's greed.
-Mahatma Gandhi
Patricia Hardy
What is Severn Suzuki doing now???
rlopez
Many years have gone by since these courageous young adults traveled to the UN to deliver this compelling message. Initially I did feel the anger and outrage at the audience the speech was delivered to. But then I paused and realized two things: 1) many innovations, technologies, and "new" practices (often a revival of the ancient) have been developed towards being better stewards to our Earth in the years that have passed, and 2) successful implementation of #1 has not depended upon UN officials coming to an agreement, but rather individual citizens changing how they live and especially who they buy from. I think now it's time to take further steps for each person to consider each item they are buying, the impacts to the Earth from the item's creation to disposal, and if there are more sustainable alternatives. We vote for officials every so many years, but we vote with our money and attention every day.
shharda
She spoke the TRUTH of todays situation. Humanity is no longer important but Material is. Compassion is no longer existing in a human mind but FEAR is. TRUST is buried under the layers of MISTRUST and SELFISHNESS....Definitely MOTHER EARTH is bearing THE burden OF IT ALL.
Linda Sechrist
The courage it took for someone so young, yet so wise and insightful to speak out. The audience should have given her a standing ovation, heeded her words and taken action. They did not one of the three.
Sofia Gil
I was amazed by her bravery that she had to stand up in front of all those adults and say what she said.
Darlene Duiker
This beautiful child speaks the truth! As an adult but once a child, I too worried about the environment and still do. Truth, truth, truth!
Dixie
Her courage is inspiring, to get up there in front of a roomful of powerful grownups. I am amazed and inspired.
Sandip Sheta
Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs, but not every man's greed.—M.Gandhi
Deborah
At age 12 to express such compassion for other children her age in the world living through such extreme and
challenging lives.... you speak well of the pressing world issues with understanding and truth..... and you
relays your fears with honesty...... Severn we are Blessed by your Wisdom and your presence on our Planet which is calling for an Awakening for all to hear Namaste
T
cant be summerized... the answer is every second of it. e total!
KarmaTube

About KarmaTube

Curated by volunteers at ServiceSpace, KarmaTube features inspiring videos with actionable ways to spread kindness. Subscribe for weekly inspiration.