The Teenager Suing the US Government over Climate Change
Вставка
- Опубліковано 21 кві 2016
- Xiuhtezcatl Tonatiuh is a 15-year-old environmental activist who is traveling to Eugene, Oregon to sue the U.S. government over the issue of climate change. Xiuhtezcatl, along with 20 other young people, claim the government has ignored climate science for too long and their lawsuit demands that nation wide action take place in order to stop climate change. Before the hearing VICE travels to Xiuhtezcatl's home in Boulder CO to learn about who he is and why he represents the next generation of environmental warriors.
WATCH NEXT:
Shane Smith's Debrief on Alternative Energy Sources for a Post-Fossil Fuel World: bit.ly/1VGLmgc
Click here to subscribe to VICE: bit.ly/Subscribe-to-VICE
Check out our full video catalog: bit.ly/VICE-Videos
Videos, daily editorial and more: vice.com
More videos from the VICE network: www. vicevideos
Like VICE on Facebook: vice
Follow VICE on Twitter: / vice
Read our Tumblr: / vicemag
Follow us on Instagram: / vice
Check out our Pinterest: / vicemag - Розваги
Don't care what the comments in the comment section say, his hair is fucking GLORIOUS!
agreeeee
Yeeeesss
INDEED! really nice hair
It looks like he dumped a pile of shit all over his head.
+Marvel Mockingjay I would roll that up and smoke it, that's how good it is.
Confidence comes from doing the right thing. Thats why he has it and you don't.
Truth
+Todd Johnson That's why Islamic terrorists are so confident in their beliefs.
+priapus512 Don't be an idiot.
+Mellowcanuck33 he pointed out an obvious logical fail in todd's statement. that's not being an idiot
Equating someone trying to save the planet with someone trying to destroy it? Is a leap of idiocy.
The hate this dude receives is unreal...
+Bernie Leiva bc he is guilty of massive cultural appropriation .. Aztecs don't use cars and sneakers, that's white mans culture.
+Gloomshadow100 Which makes it even more unfair. They dont pollute, and yet we share the same environment...
+Gloomshadow100 I see now your true colors (ironically). Sad life you lead. Keep contributing to the advancement of our species. Racist fucks everywhere...
+Gloomshadow100 Whatever you need to tell yourself to keep this well-spoken teenager who happens to be half-white from making you feel bad so your head can remain in the sand.
Because apparently your modern American consumerist culture, which the melting pot that is America participates in, is "white culture"...
david0aloha hes racist. culturally appropriating the white mans culture and using it up on one hand then destroying it on the other..just like white girls that get afros and ass implants .. its all racist cultural appropriation.. like white guys dressing up like "Injuns
Seeing the younger generation come together taking action gives so much hope for all of your future lives. There needs to be more ppl of all ages made aware of this. So proud of you all, God bless*
This child is hope for humanity.
Yeah, he's suing the government for something he's creating.
"We live in the world we are trying to change. Some hypocrisy is the price of admission to the fight." - Bill McKibben.
People who use hypocrisy as an excuse to not do anything are clearly not thinking critically or creatively about the situation. That's a lazy excuse. I applaud anyone making an effort to create a more fair, safe world for all.
C Montague What's fair about kids getting money for something they contribute to? "Oh, I simply helped destroy your house, now give me payment because I lived in there too".
Okay, I see what you're saying. I suppose my assumption is that by suing the government they are hoping to change the conversation nationally about whether the government really should be able to continue doing such harmful things. For me, that's the point here. It's an important point. A really great part of democracy is that it can be challenged like this, and I applaud the courts for treating these youth as serious citizens.
By starting this conversation there's an opportunity for everyone to reconsider where to next. Humans are creative. We'll figure out smarter options or die trying.
@@brucewayne7037 shifting blame on entire generations isn't helping to the situation. climate change happened, and we're going to do something about it.
I dont get why so many dislikes. People dont want to save the planet? WTF?
+jiykauu The problem is he is directing his hate at the wrong people. I would probably guess that he knows someone who owns a car, knows someone that uses transport, knows someone who eats beef (no i'm not vegan or any gay shit, i mean because of methane). The US is one the biggest producers of CO2 emissions and India is one of the the least but they are one of the most unhygienic.
The problem isn't with the American government, the problem is the people and the multinational companies. Suing them wouldn't help anything it just means that the government has less money to fund these changes.
That being said I do agree with most of what he said (bar the suing part).
+xJLM wouldn't suing the government force them to use more regulations for those companies? if he went after those companies instead, they might not be doing anything illegal becuase they are backed by the government......i assume.
Evoke Government has the responsibilities, government is the one who knew. There are many companies, but the whole industry destroys the planet.
***** If not government who knew and did nothing about, that gives subsidies to oil and gas instead of developing clean and renewable sources than who?
Cameron Wright Want me to explain what a joke is to you? and no I am not afraid of gay people, I don't care what people do with their genitals.... Nice to know you are a moron and a person who likes to actually avoid the whole point of a conversation just so you can get some cheap digs in in the same sentence.
that's fucking awesome man, I'm 15, and I think the government and big industry need to get kicked in the ass for what they do to the planet we live on, and it blows my mind that it's being done by a 15 year old, super inspiring man, keep it up
+John Maloney BAAAAA!
+John Maloney damn, the fact that you think that is embarrassing 😂
+Ryan Craig why
+John Maloney looool, doesnt mean climate change isnt happening, u such an ignorant guy
+Hong Kong Patriot your a fucking idiot dude, it can still be stopped to a certain degree, and it's selfish fuckers like you who have gotten the planet to the state it's at now, I fucking hate people like you, using the planet for its resources, but not giving back in any way. selfish, and it's fucking sad
I think it's sad to see people talk about someone they don't know in a negative way just because he's an eloquent speaker & isn't part of the phone zombie generation. Seeing this gives me hope for the future & knowing that there are kids out there who are not just educated but dedicated to doing something about an issue that has been around for decades.
fucking Aztec Warrior suing the U.S. government.
here better keeps doing what he is doing or we are all fucked
How come you didn't delve into the specific demands presented to the court... not a single one...
+Jack Folan Because it is profile on the person.
+Jack Folan "Arrest them" isn't enough for you?
i love you. finally a human with a brain in this comment section. 👍👍👍
Damn, that is an engaged and disciplined young man. He does not speak like a child on this matter.
fucking open your eyes. The shit he's doing is not changing anything.
Leonardo DiCaprio also helped bring a movie called "Cowspiracy" to the masses. Its a must see, for any environmentalist.
I can't hate on this kid. He's doing what he feels is the right thing to do with the cards he has.
+「 Over HEAVEN」
Its not even what he " feels", we cant just ignore reality like some fucking morons. We all know it will come back and angry
Why in the actual fuck would you??? No seriously, what is there to HATE??
This kid is so damn smart. We are lucky to have people like this in our country. It is necessary to point out that fracking has had some environmental benefits because it has outsourced coal and oil in some situations. But he is not wrong. I totally agree that we need to go to green sustainable renewable energy as soon as possible and at the greatest extent possible.
The time to speak is right now. We need to make it very clear to Trump that global warming and climate change is the most important issue that humanity has ever faced. I believe that if we are loud enough, he will act. While he has said he does not believe in climate change, I do not believe him. And the only position he is in, is in a position to do what the people want. He is literally not a politician, and he has no reason to not do what the people want. So do everything in your power to make it clear to President Trump that this is our most important issue.
I don't want to die on this earth suffocating or on fire. So understand that we all have to act now.
THANK YOU well said!!!!
He legit hates the country.
Props to him, 15 year and doing this. Ask yourself what were you doing when you were 15 years old? Could you talk like that when you were 15? I don't understand the dislikes.
ALL the children of EVERY nation should sue their governments!
Fuck that.
Why doesn't he develop a new energy source instead of wasting time complaining about the ones we already have.
+B86WV Complaining is easier.
+B86WV ...say the ones complaining in a comment section
Because it's so easy to just invent a new source of energy isn't it?
Damn, dude. It's awesome to see that he's so loud and passionate about climate change.
You should get passionate with him
We can stop worrying about climate change if we get rid of all our cars.
+Skylar Wright In a concentration camp for cars
srsly your a nutjob , totally brainwashed
Props to this guy for standing up and actually TAKING ACTION on something he believes in. For a few years after 2010 I was literally paralyzed with fear about global warming/climate change and the idea that I am only one person. I would make a bunch of FB posts and Tumblr posts telling people ways to reduce carbon footprint and stuff but mostly nobody cared. When I accepted the fact that my own death is inevitable it diminished the anxiety about entropic heat death. This kid has a confidence and natural leadership that I definitely admire. I always think its a great idea to be an activist but very rarely have I actually done anything. He is speaking up for the people who feel they don't have a voice but the more people talking about these issues the better.
what an awesome kid. he's years beyond his age
+B33SON Not really
+RussianCommissar im sure you were thinking about people other than yourself at 5 years old. haters gonna hate
+B33SON Can I sue you for using cars, and electricity, and the computer you're on now?
This is rent-seeking at it's finest. Just another unproductive member of society wanting to steal money and attention from productive members of society.
B33SON I was thinking about myself at 15 and I was more or less the same, except more eloquent and intelligent.
Never doubt that kids can do anything. Once you get to about the age of 12, you probably know more about a subject than most adults
haters gotta hate. he is a great person and a hero in my opinion. he is 12 years younger than me, but a real rolemodel!
I love how most of the comments so far have been about his physical appearance rather that how strong and empowering this kid is for pushing for a better environment. But you know, people dont care.
This kid is an inspiration.
+Okemicco so do you think climate change is not real?
+Savages Favorites climate change has been a natural process over million of years.
+FrozenEternity Inspiration for what? He's doing nothing to solve climate change.
when you name your kid that, he's gonna feel different and do weird shit
Because he's half Aztec you moron and would probably rather not have his culture forgotten any more than the spanish have already enabled. Would you rather he be named something basic like john?
trust me people, the comment section is pure gold.
+Alan Behul Can't wait.
Gotta give credit to the kid, he has determination.
MYGaMErTaG95
what I am saying, my dear friend born in 1995, is that determination is not something we should be applauding rather than we should be examining how and what he is propposing
I don't understand how people can give a video like this a thumbs down. We need to start caring and loving the people and the earth more
It's a valiant effort but I don't believe Xiuhtezcatl realizes how powerful the Government is and even more so the Corporation. Especially what lengths they will go to in order to maintain their profit, it's unfortunate but it is reality.
Don't read the comment section please! Trust me!
+En Joy don't believe this guy, trust me
+En Joy yeah cause reading something that you dont like or agree with could trigger you, listen to this guy it is for your own good, retreat to your safe spaces and dont read anything challenging
+Tom Scharf if the flood of braindead trolls had anything substantial to argue with. the tom scharfs of this comment section are just embarrassing. challenging, you wish so
Sueing the people who print the money and pass the debt onto the citizens, then putting it in a bank that they own. Somehow I don't think this is going anywhere.
The funny thing is...THE JUDGE *RULED IN FAVOR* OF THEM! HA!!
This is genuinely inspiring, massive thanks to vice for covering this 👍👏
I'm with you, kid. Get 'em!
I'm happy that people from my generation are being able to get their voice heard, this is truly inspiring !!!
😆 he had to say " I'm a boy"
FAKE boys have short hair, to fit in a FAKE box that FAKE people made for them to fit in. That's HIM, that's the way his DNA made him to look. Get A Grip on REALITY
No matter what your beliefs are, it's still impressive that a 15 year old is taking actions for what he believes in.
12:38 the "my farts smell so good" face, yeah totally this kid is not full of himself
+Tom Scharf I like the smell of my farts too. It's actually natural to because it comes from your body. I prefer the smell of my own farts over the farts of others.
I like this kid. He doesn't come out as one of those annoying as fuck LSD crystal hippies.
What does LSD have to do with this? Just because someone does LSD doesn't make them a environmental supporter or hippie, that's like implying anyone who smokes pot must be an environmental supporter. Tho they are different substances they both are said to "expand conciousness" and create thoughts of "oneness" with nature. also another note...LSD usually isn't taken in crystal form(u could if you wanted too but)... its taken in micrograms (usually on 1/20th-1/10th a milligram). that's why tabs, gelatin tabs, sugarcubes, and liquid drops are more preferred. Crystal form is one way to take it but usually not preferred.
Not everyone who does LSD is a hippie, is Steve Jobs a hippie? the guy who created the DNA helix? How about Albert Hoffman? I'm not trying to argue, I'm just implying That not all LSD users are the "1960s-70s generation" sterotype.
I fucking hate him.
Caleb Raymer You don't have to get your balls twisted with a small comment. And with LSD crystal hippies I specifically meant those fucking annoying smug crystal hippies who walk around with those prism cubes and use them to "heal" stuff.
Nothing on LSD. By the way are you tweaking right now or are you just going through your 16-year old drug advocate phase?
More children need to understand the role they must play in order to fix our planet, our governments & communities.
So much healing must be done.
@Vice how can i get involved and support this group?
What couragious young people! All my respect 👍👍👍👌✌👊💚
what he's doing a good thing, what is your problem comment section
Part of everything wrong with his generation.
+Benjamin Wood I don't want to live on this planet any more
Wrong with this generation? Ha! Look at all the old people who fucked it up for the new generations. They don't give a shit what happens to us because they'll be gone in 10 years anyways
Laura Look This kids in my generation. This kids an idiot. Doesn't matter though, he can protest his whole life. Maybe one day I'll look out my corner office window and see him down there.
Benjamin Wood Stay mad. I'll keep cashing checks.
sjpro1 Cash all the checks you want. Your stupidity will catch up with you.
"My name is....."
Wait what.... did you just insult me 😂😂😂
Why all the hate? No one wants so help save the planet!!??
+Eddie O'Connor Planet is fine, we are fucked
my faith in humanity has been restored once again until i look on facebook then im going to lose my faith again
As legit as blaming the Kings for 'ruining' their crops in "Extreme weather events of 535-536" or blaming the Republic for 'allowing' the "Year Without a Summer" to happen in 1816.
More apocalyptic weather and climate shifts happened in history before mankind could even make a dent, and the systems from the sun to the currents had already made up their minds what comes next millennium in advance.
And until the last half century most farmers and land owners were prepared more of less to weather this out, not complain at the slightest inconvenient changes effecting their 'urban-sized' safe spaces.
truly heartened! Simply true words spoken out! Facts that are facts - he does not put the attention on himself - in contrary to law makers - it's about our resources and about our respect we should pay for this planet. If we fail - we get the bill and it's not to pay in USD, EUR or GBP it's not a currency - its to be paid in lives. My entire and full respect for Xiuhtezcatl Tonatiuh! You give me inspiration and passion for contribution and for fighting towards the establishment!
"they" are educating us in the sense that we will worry about the climate change in "the near future" but infact the problem grew more and more with the passing of years and years of so called growth that now in order to sustain itself it corrupted everything in this great mechanism that we live in...
so yeah i say youth are the ones that needs to confront with they're actual threats to the human life, even if we know that all of this could happen in "the near future..." they matter more than us...it should have been in the way that every generation lives in manners that it will do all the necessary "work" effort in order to push the the following generation into something better everchanging process of achieving a higher level of living our lives but not without the earth, if we are milking this planet just to sustain "our way of living" instead we should start to learn how is it to really live for something and that thing is the healthy perpetuation of THE SPECIES...and here I'm talking about the HUMAN SPECIE. then and only then we will be able to succeed in this, not fight not war not struggle not challenge either, but merely a journey that we share amongst us and the earth.
+Grigore Zahan hi
+KTxO5 i see u use your mother photo on your google profile...
+StygianTraveler141 hi to you sir.
+Grigore Zahan Yeah, way to push for agenda 21. At the rate these kids are pushing this they'll all be fenced into a city. It will become illegal to touch plants and wildlife, after all animal's along with plants have rights too. Sheesh, wait until he reads chemtrails (geo-engineering) is now LEGAL. They're claiming it reflects the suns rays back into space. Yeah right. Either this kid is controlled opposition working for the CIA or, he's that blind. Let's hope he fails because he's suing for the WRONG cause.
Chemtrails you're joking right
This kid is so mature for his age! He should definitely study science and research energy & depollution.
then he could get his facts strait and learn where he is a hippocrit
+Theo Zawada show me one person who has never been hypocritical... he has a drive and conviction we need more of! People standing up,speaking up and questioning is essentiel so just stop
Wanna sue the U.S? Take a number and approach the plaintiff when your number is called.
As an environmental epidemiologist and a few health studies (in association with environmental pollutants) I've partake in the past, I really hope this young teenager succeeds in suing his government! The truth is when governments collaborate with big industrial companies like these - all they see is money and nothing else. They don't care about the effects of these industrial activities and how it may in the long time impact both the environment and health of people.
This kid is truly inspiring
... that name tho.
I am also 15. I think this kid is doing great things. Climate change is a real problem and needs to be fixed. Suing the government is one step, but making solutions is also a step. He should really start to brainstorm different ways to help too. Also, dont call yourself a spokesman for your generation. I never asked u to speak for me.
How do I join?
"Right for Healthy Atmosphere'? What?
He's fuckin blazing behind the scenes
life liberty and pursuit of happiness maybe he has some argument that it violates one of his rights.
All the bickering regarding the kid's diet is quite laughable. He's a courageous and intelligent person regardless of whether he eats meat or not. He and his fellow activists have made more of a difference than a lifetime of being vegan would do. In my opinion the main crisis at the moment is plastic production and the fact we aren't slowing down, we're accelerating.
One thing is plastic.
The other is where to put it.
Is he one of those Indigo transgender children?
there is not enough facepalm in the universe, to describe the ignorance in your comment. It's like you've never heard of indigenous culture or something...
keep up the good work!!
needa condition dat hurr with some coconut oil boooi but go ahead save duh earf first
Here here. We need to fix the environment before it turns into Waterworld or Day After Tomorrow.
And its Trumps fault🤣🤣 watch how it wasn't Obama fault BUT now it's all Trumps fault.
GOOD LUCK! Truly inspirational
RESPECT FROM THE DESERTS OF ARABIA
315 people are salty they don't have the balls this kid does
No we don't like how the kid has no knowledge of what to do
What an amazing young man!
Well I sure hope he likes his iPhone, his large car, his electrically powered home, his dinner from the grocery store, and even the clothes on his back.
Right? What an asshat. Where are his parents?
Major respect. This is our future and I think this generation sees that if we can't start fixing things now, we won't be able to fix things later. Be part of the change like this leader.
The thing is that the more anyone speaks about being "natural" the less genuine it feels like. Especially if it's coming from a child who speaks like a media trained Greenpeace spokesperson.
+Johan Eklöf I noticed that as well.
This made my day!!! Just when I thought all was lost, I pray the world products more children like this!!!!!
@YoMama LMAO AGREED
does anyone know where I can contact him please
What an admirable young man
I'm shocked the police managed to not murder any of the children. Well done well done.
I know you liked your own thing.
This was very refreshing.
these kids are beyond amazing. godspeed
he should be suing private industry...
+Kenny kenwud Private industry is operating within the bounds of the law for the most part so they have no real liability. He's going after the government because they have the power to change the law and because his quest is based on that constitutional right he mentioned.
this guy is a true inspiration ....
What an amazing video, not sure if i should be saddened or excited that a portion of our generations youth, some of them not even into there teen years, are already proving to be smarter than most adult/authority figures
The apathy of the UN representatives is so palpable. Show some respect for our children, and all the ones to come!
Suing to do what actually ?
We dont have the technology to pull carbon from air and to store it under ground , yet.
next stop - China and India. Have fun
i dont know about india but china has defiantly started to take steps such as limiting the amount of cars on thebroad
Huh
The US is the world's second largest producer of greenhouse gases and he's an American. Why would he sue a foreign government?
People who hate, YOUR JUST MAD YOU DONT DO SH*T TO HELP! Take the time to pick up trash not comment....
Praise it
*****
AND YOU PROBABLY LITTER
+Box does box stuff idiot does idiot stuff
James Schaal YOUR* (
The people in this comment section being rude and depressing are MAD jealous that they don’t have what it takes to stand up for what they believe in, Im GLAD that Xiuhtezcatl does not let haters get in the way of standing up for the earth and doing something and being our hope 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
What an amazing young man. I hope he is never polluted by the apathy around him. He is an inspiration to us all.
This guy is a scam artist. I once met him in Oregon and I had this piece of gum paper in my pocket. I wanted to test him so I threw it on the ground...but not a single tear came from his eyes.
He is probably puerto rican :/
lmao
Heavenly Father, take this man's hate and racism, and replace it with your kindness, love, and compassion. For his whole life he has been wounded by the lack of his Fathers Love and guidance, it so obvious to see. Remove his mask that he hides behind, in The name of your son Jesus Christ, amen!
+We have always been you ever get drunk on the Holy Ghost?
So you were a piece of shit who littered hoping that he'd be all morality police on you to fix your act? Was he even paying attention to you? Did you at least pick it up afterwards, or are you truly a piece of shit?
+Vincent Vega Don't give him your Vaseline, you should keep it because you obviously need it because you have it in the first place !
What a brave girl.
HAHA
lol
hows is this comment funny?
X60Gamers Because that is a boy.
+X60Gamers I'm not explaining it to you
40 seconds in and he already lost his case. There is no constitutional right to a healthy atmosphere.
+70matusz Right!
+Angry Hedonist Demon That is in the Declaration and not the Constitution. If it was in the Constitution the government would have to provide you all the necessities (food, water, clothing, shelter, etc) for free in order to fulfill that right. So he has no legs to stand on.
+Angry Hedonist Demon Yes. But one of the roles of the federal government is protection of the people. Now the Necessary and Proper clause states that governments can enact laws and agencies and other stuff to enforce the laws. The FBI falls under that. If right to life was in the constitution, then they would have to provide a ridiculous amount of shit to enforce that under the necessary and proper clause.
atmosphere is our shelter, our food and water is garbage because of shit regulation
what's the soundtrack towards the end?
He is an inspiration! Being an indigenous teenager myself I'm happy I am not alone. We gotta take care of our mother, keep it up brother ✊
although many people make fun our decisions we must always put our part in to take care of our Mother Earth! with you brother
If dank memes had a voice, they would sound like this plonka
if "dank" people smell, they'd smell like shit.
seeing someone around my age taking such an action for such an important cause is so inspiring.
Looking forward to an update.
I live in Canada, so not sure how much press will be up here
Bro acts like the Aztecs didn't rip out peoples hearts and conquered most of there neighbors for sacrifices
iv never laughed so hard at something that wasn't a comedy before.
+Omen TheArkGateWay yea well hes speaking to the UN and your sitting on your ass doing jack shit, so whos the better person here?
+SDBolts 858 Whos special? That makes no sense in the context of this thead. Picking random insults doesnt make you clever
w1n5t0n x your doing nothing sitting on your ass too. You dont know me, maybe i am doing more than you think. So, to answer your question, not you.
Omen TheArkGateWay this isnt about me, this is about you talking shit about some kid whos doing much bigger things than you may ever do. dont drag me into this
+w1n5t0n x no you are talking shit, i mentioned i laughed. It is called an opinion.
- You started this not me. -
Homeless people accomplish more in a day than you have in your entire existence. Now stop talking shit to me.
You don't usually say you care about the environment while biting on a piece of cheesy pepperoni pizza :/
Great job Earth Guardians! Thank you for sharing your message and helping to activate the world!
bless his soul ..he's been here before ..
My opinion? We are absolutely on the right track to find sustainable energy. But we arent there yet. Sooo lets keep using oil and gas and allow people to keep jobs and get to work. Oil and gas is what allows us to work right now and we have so much of it still. The earth wont be dry of it for a long time. If oil and gas is taken away the cost of your coffee will triple, your daily commute will triple, you will have hardly any household commodities because petroleum is required in almost every consumer product, and the unemployment rate will rise. Everything is just to expensive to transport without oil gas in our lives. Its a necessary evil, and I support it
hempcar.org
Good man
my opinion, no one gives a shit about your opinion
renewable energy barely makes up all of the energy produced, something like 2%-5%
+AuzeeTV The earth will not ever run out of oil because it makes it itself. They have drilled and recovered so much oil from below the point where any dead dinos ever were. Check the depth of the gulf oil spill. You are chasing a diversion.
wow this guy is extraordinary
radical being!!! totally bow and respect you for what you are doing! your an example for the new generations! I wish you all the best and much strength to continue and not give in to social pressure. Vice what a great one, Thanks guys!!!!!!!!!!!
love him! we are all connected please know that !