[LUM#5] Take Action Now
A student and activist, David Resillas is driven by a passion for social change. He wants to give a voice to a young generation that rejects both pessimism and resignation.
For David Resillas, there came a day when he realized the absolute urgency of the situation: global warming. “We have to act. The effects of global warming are already here, and they’re only going to get worse.” David is an optimist—it’s just his nature. It’s also a generational thing, he says:“Some young people have a culture of overconsumption. But they’re a minority. Many are getting involved, seeking to give meaning to their lives.”
Giving Young People a Voice
That’s certainly true of him. This tireless activist is driven by one core belief: yes, we can change the world. As a delegate for Youngo, an umbrella organization for youth groups around the world, he helped prepare for “COP 22,” the most recent climate conference.
The solution to the climate crisis? A paradigm shift:“Sustainable development is the key to overcoming the climate crisis. A concept to which my generation is very attuned.” A generation that will bear the brunt of climate change. And one that could influence the debate: young people between the ages of 15 and 24 make up about 18% of the current global population. The largest cohort of young people in history…
Young people who feel they don’t have a say.“People my age aren’t really listened to, even though they have fresh ideas to share. Today’s decision-makers are undoubtedly highly qualified, but their approach to decision-making may be pretty much the same as it was 50 years ago…”
Live Better
As president and co-founderof EDDA (Students for Sustainable Community Development), David puts his passion into action every day through this student organization at the University of Montpellier. The organization is brimming with projects (see box), offering spaces for discussion and sharing, as well as hands-on workshops.“Clothing, food, heating, using energy and transportation more efficiently, making your own cheese, creating compost… these are ways to thrive and live sustainably every day.”
On the Butterfly Trail
In March, the EDDA association helps you create balcony planters and garden boxes. The idea is to provide urban gardens for butterflies, serving as “resting areas” and breeding grounds. The association has already created a butterfly pond in Montpellier: an artificial water feature with suitable plants. Its current goal is to expand these projects to other cities along the migratory routes of butterflies.
A project that aims to protect these precious pollinators, which are now threatened by urban development and human activity. It also aims to contribute to the fight against climate change: these essential allies of biodiversity, just like bees, serve as indicators of the health of our environment.
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