Kids say the darndest things. And sometimes what they say proves them to be wise beyond their years. Kudos to 15-year old Alec Loorz, who penned an inspiring "Declaration of Indendepence"...from fossil fuels. The declaration is below -- and on his website is a video and petition that has been signed by thousands of Americans so far. Add your name.
When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to rid themselves of an energy system that may threaten their lives and liberties, it is only decent that they should declare the causes of separation from the dependence on Fossil Fuels. We, the youth of these United States, know that some truths are self-evident: that all people are created Equal and that they have certain inalienable Rights: especially the right to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Because of our dependence on Fossil Fuels, the earth's climate is being pushed out of balance and is suffering from Global Warming.
The projected effects of Global Warming include extreme weather shifts, more frequent natural disasters, melting ice caps and glaciers, global sea level rise, reduced habitat and species loss, and lack of fresh water supplies. These problems put the children of this and every nation, thousands of entire species of animals and plants, and future generations in danger of losing their rights to Life, Liberty and Happiness.
So, when the burning of fossil fuels risks Global Climate Change, it is time for those most affected to stand up and to demand change. We call for change from our cities, our states, and from our nation. And we commit to change ourselves.
Therefore, We, the youth of the United States of America, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of this Country, solemnly publish and declare, that we, as a Community, ought to be Free and Independent from dependence on forms of energy that cause Global Climate Change.
We Implore our Leaders to support the building of a Secure Future, powered by carbon free energy technologies, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent People may of right do to build a more Sustainable and Just Society. And for the support of this Declaration, we mutually pledge our Commitment, our Passion and our sacred Struggle for Equality and Justice.
And, in keeping with the patriotic theme, be sure to check out NRDC President Frances Beinecke's new book Clean Energy Common Sense, which is written in a style inspired by Thomas Paine's revolutionary classic "Common Sense."