Showing unity for tomorrow
WHILE the nation remains divided on the merits or otherwise of the newly introduced carbon tax, two Emanuel School students passionate about a clean future have taken the fight against climate change to Canberra.
WHILE the nation remains divided on the merits or otherwise of the newly introduced carbon tax, two Emanuel School students passionate about a clean future have taken the fight against climate change to Canberra.
Sharon Koren and Tamar Hoffman, in years 11 and 12 respectively, have just returned from participating in the Youth Climate Embassy, an initiative of the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC).
In addition to bringing diverse people together to support a common cause, the aim of the embassy was to highlight, among the throng of publicity the carbon tax has created, the issue of climate change that is behind it.
Koren said she was approached by the ARRCC to participate in the event.
“I advocate a lot of things to do with regard to climate change, and in general like sustainable living, and I’m also involved in the Jewish life of my school,” she said.
“So they actually contacted me and they asked for an interview.”
Upon being chosen, she requested that Hoffman, who is prefect for environmental issues at Emanuel School, join her in Canberra, the pair being the only school students among a group of university students.
Koren said the forum was inspiring.
“There were some great speakers there. Just hearing some other youth as well, hearing their opinion on the matter … I got of a lot of ideas I actually want to introduce to my school. It definitely opened my eyes to a lot of things,” she said.
Having different religions together was “a great thing”, she added.
“We all value the environment, we all care about the environment. And it made us kind of forget our differences and forget all the prejudice, and forget all the negativity that surrounds religion,” she said.
“I truly loved it, it was a lot of fun and I think it was one of the first steps I actually took, going out of my way, going all the way to Canberra, doing something so big.”
Koren, who volunteers at her local vet and at Taronga Zoo, said she has always been passionate about animals and the environment.
“I guess it’s something I was just brought up with. My parents taught me to care for others, and it developed into [caring for] the environment,” she said.
And on the hot issue of the carbon tax – officially known as the Clean Energy Future legislation, she made sure to point out – Koren said it’s a great beginning.
“I think it’s a start but I don’t think it will solve the issue,” she said.
“It will cost even more if we do nothing about it now, so it’s good that we’re starting but there’s definitely more to do.”
GARETH NARUNSKY
Sharon Koren (left) and Tamar Hoffman.
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