Now is the time to pass on the baton

Empower young people

Half Peruvian and half Dutch, Talitha was born and raised in Rotterdam. She grew up in two cultures, with parents 20 years apart in age. "As a teenager, I was already interested in the different generations. I became passionate about the dynamics between those generations and have now been dealing with Millennials and Gen Z for many years."

Decisive moment in history

Smoking chimneys used to mean that the economy was doing well. Today's young people see it primarily as something that must be different. Sustainable must. The discovery of the fossil industry created a huge boom in prosperity.

"We are at a defining moment in history. Global warming is increasing by the decade. And it's going faster and faster." - Talitha Muusse

Another course

How this will play out for future generations depends entirely on our actions now. "We still have the opportunity now to choose a different course. Do we continue on a destructive path, being stopped by necessity by nature as our biodiversity, ecosystem, weather conditions, prosperity and health deteriorate to such an extent? Or do we consciously choose the alternative? Of course, I very much hope for the latter. It's fascinating how quickly, in a relatively short time, that message has changed from generation to generation."

For discussion, "What does this do to you?

To Talitha's question, "What does this do to you?" someone replied, "We are not familiar enough with the urgency. Why don't we hear this story enough from The Hague?" Talitha responds, "Climate awareness among young people is huge. Today's generation sees climate change as the greatest challenge of their time. They have the awareness and see that urgency. But it's also about our whole attitude as human beings and how we treat this planet. I don't see that with the current generation, the decision makers."

Another observer says, "Until now, we could solve a lot with money. It's about wealth and power. Our children don't have that and that's why they look to us. We do have the power to fix things, but we are not willing to give up a piece of wealth." Talitha agrees. But another observer doesn't quite. "I'm a Boomer. The younger generation are the people we need now. Maybe they won't get us convinced. Change comes with generations. Now a generation is rising that understands we're going in completely the wrong direction. I hope they will have the opportunity to turn the tide where we cannot or fail. The question is whether we are going to make it. But technologies are moving so fast that they can also deal with these kinds of gigantic problems."

Empower young people

Over the past 10 years, the Millennial expert has had the opportunity to look inside many companies. She spoke with young professionals, as well as company executives. "I often see that young people are given little room to be at the wheel and actually be able to do something. We don't have time to wait until they are in managerial roles. It is essential to give them a greater say now in the choices that are made. Those choices affect the scenario they will end up in."

Moral issue

In fact, Talitha thinks it is a moral issue whether the current generation should be responsible for how livable the planet is, where the people born now will live their lives. "It's one of the biggest ethical issues of our time. Right now we don't have institutional or political processes to take those concerns into account. But in the future, people also want clean air, sustainable resources and to live a happy life. We can influence their starting position now with our decisions. It is our moral responsibility to pass on something that is livable."

Why are young people so angry?

Young climate activists, such as Hannah Prins and Greta Thunberg are very active in the media. All want the same thing: to talk about the climate. But why are young people so angry? Talitha gets that question very often. "Look at it differently. They have just entered society and see all kinds of problems coming their way. Isn't it logical that they sit with this anger? It is also interesting to see that the climate movement is merging with other movements, for example racism. The youth are appealing to us. Because strangely enough, they are not at the table. While they are the ones most affected by these decisions."

The Green Fleet

One of Talitha's initiatives is De Groene Vloot, in which 100 young people from all over the Netherlands go on a sailing trip to the Wadden Islands. "They are young professionals from large organizations, all parties that play a role in the energy transition. Tightly dressed in suits and completely with the old mindset, they step on board. After 5 days in pure nature and in-depth conversations about values, principles and vision of the future, among other things, they are completely changed. From a violently spinning mill to ultimate inspiration. Very special to see!"

"Try to take the young generation seriously. Listen to their concerns and message. Understand their language. Delve into their perceptions and harness the power and energy of young people - who are so incredibly steeped in the importance of climate and sustainability at a young age - for this transition. That's the only way we can start accelerating together."

"Young people are really already making strides. What they need is a lot more space and support. Now is the time to pass the baton." - Talitha Muusse