He had just turned 15. I first saw a video of Xiuhtezcatl Tonatiuh Martinez speaking about climate change and performing an original song. With a clear message, excellent speaking skills, and an arresting stage presence, I felt grateful that there was a young spokesperson on the scene talking so well about climate issues.
Xiuhtezcatl (pronounced shu-tez-cot) now 16 years old, attended the famous Paris Climate Talks last fall. He appears in Josh Fox’s new film, and he is one of 21 plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the federal government because of the US government’s chronic climate inaction. In his home state of Colorado, he, his family, and friends have seen significant successes in taking on politically charged ecological issues.
These days Xiuhtezcatl is popping up everything, including national TV. Most recently he appeared on Real Time with Bill Maher.
As I have come to expect, during his appearance on Bill Maher, Xiuhtezcatl spoke well, passionately, and comfortably. (The link to the segment is below.) Bill Maher was his usual smarmy, obnoxious, killjoy self attempting to throw cold water on his young guest’s enthusiasm and message. And in every instance Xiuhtezcatl parried with wit, insight, and confidence.
He also made it clear that he does not stand alone. There are loads of young people like him who are concerned and who are speaking out. In his speeches and appearances, he constantly reminds us that our collective voices are powerful and necessary in order to address global warming and save humanity.
Xiuhtezcatl presents a different model for us, one that we do not often see, particularly modeled by young men in America. He does not position himself as the savior–The One–come to rescue the world with his wisdom and charm. Rather he constantly reminds us that he is only one part connected to a large and growing movement.
While recognizing the challenges of the working through the political process to see change happen, he refuses to be cynical as he insists that we use the existing channels to pursue the systemic changes in our energy policy and global consumption that we need to address global warming.
If you want a shot of hope and enthusiasm and insight, check out Xiuhtezcatl’s appearance on Real Time w/Bill Maher June 24, 2016.
Also, see Xiuhtezcatl talking about our place and power in the world to repair our connection with the earth.
Last spring met at Woolman Hill Quaker Retreat Center in New England and spent time in silent contemplation and worship regarding our current climate crisis. These Friends released an epistle based on this spring gathering discussions. It is a beautifully worded letter that communicates a faith-centered and justice-centered view of global warming.
God is calling us to respond as a community of faith. Climate change is not just one concern among many to be carried by only some among us. We all live on this planet and are contributing to its destruction. It is incumbent upon every Friend and every Friends Meeting to seek actively to discover how God is leading us to do our part to reverse this great crime. Recognizing that we, gathered here, are shaped and limited in our understanding by our economic and social position, nevertheless the divine Witness challenges us, in compassion and in love for our brothers and sisters, and for the beautiful earth, to pray, wait, and act with a focus and fearlessness appropriate to the urgency of the times. Truth requires it of us.
Friends are feeling led under religious concern to travel among us, to provide prophetic ministry around these concerns and to help meetings prayerfully reflect on climate change. We ask Friends to open their doors to such visitors and provide opportunities for them to share their witness amongst us and with our surrounding communities. To encourage these leadings to travel, meetings can provide minutes, elders, and financial support to such Friends.
Growing numbers of Friends are led to engage in civil disobedience and other forms of prophetic witness against the destruction of the earth, such as voluntary carbon tax. When Friends act they are not alone. They act for the whole community. We can provide minutes of support and help with legal fees, fines, jail support, and support for the families of those carrying out such actions.