Climate Change Monologue (Ashlye and Ebony)

Monolouge #1 Cambodia is Where I Call Home

(An eleven year old Cambodian girl, Tida, is working in the field. She stops tugging on one branch of Pak Choy and looks up. She sees a group full of unfamiliar Americanize spokesmen and they rudely innovade her personal space. Time moves quickly and it is 5 minutes into the interview; Tida does not speak any english. She speaks Cambodian.)

Next thing you know, I’m in my bedroom with lights and cameras, and a man holding a microphone in front of me, and you… speaking for me, what is it called? (Says in English.) A trans-la- ter? (Shakes head. LONG PAUSE.) Ah. Well, now that you have asked me that, I would like to tell you a story. My side of the story.

It was a very bright and sunny morning, typical of Cambodia, and my body had just woken itself up right at 7am. I brushed my teeth and went into the kitchen. Typical. I ate something quick, rice porridge. And my mother had came out of her bedroom, hair tied up, and ready to prepare a breakfast. But something had told me to check the vegetables. The carrots, maybe rice. Hopefully something had appeared over the last ten nights. I put my dishes in the sink and ran out of the room. I slide across the room, trying to find my shoes, and raced out of the house. Once I stepped out, I ran across the field, noticing that it was dry. It was not moisted.

I approached the broken gates and went into the rice tracks. Nothing. There were 10 rice grains. Not even enough to feed the crows. I raced out of the yard and into the house. I told my mother. Things are not getting any better.

It hasn't rained since I can remembered. You know what happens if there is no rain? (Long pause and stares at the ground.) No rain, no crops, equals to no money. No business. What can you do? (Pause.) Are there any more questions? Maybe we should wrap up because what can you do? It’s not like you can give us money. You can’t make it rain. You can’t support my mother, four siblings, and I. (Pause.) I have to get back to my mom, I think she can use my help. (Gets up and leaves.)

Monolouge #2 Rough Waters in Bangladesh

(Shah Basu is a 43 year old woman from Dakope, Bangladesh. This takes place in 2009. She lost her home and family in a storm, so now she lives in a bamboo shack.)

Who is it?! Uhh, yes. I am Shah, but may I ask, who you are? Ahhh. Nice to meet you Sara, what do you need today? Ohhh. You’re from America? How is it over there? I bet it’s way better than being here. I heard it was beautiful. You’re so lucky. Unlike me. (she laughs a bit)  what are you doing all the way over here? You’re an aid worker? What’s that? You’re going to help me? My story? Alright, if I tell you my story, are you really going to help me?

Ok...So back in 2005, we thought settling around this area was the best way to start a life together. Everything was beautiful. We all lived happily and peacefully. We developed a small family. But then, that’s when everything changed. (chuckles a bit) Who would’ve known that in four years, the sea level would rise? That storms this bad could exist? I mean we didn’t, but the person who lived here before did.

I lost everything. My home, my hopes, dreams, and life. Vanished. I am a 43 year old widowed woman living on an island in Bangladesh, now living in this uncomfortable and small bamboo shack. The love of my life is gone. He died trying to save our family. The sad part is that, we argued that day. (She cries) I regret not being able to tell him how much I love him. Avi was an amazing husband. Then, there’s my children. My daughter Aashi and my son Ravi. They’re my world, pride, and joy….unfortunately, I had to sell them in order to give them a better life. I wasn’t able to give them food and a better shelter. I hope they’re ok without me there with them. We made a promise that one day, when I get myself stabled, I will get them and we will live happily together again. I don’t care what it’ll take but I will.

This storm really took a chunk of life away from me as you could tell. It was horrible. A lot of lives lost and so many people are struggling just like me. I’m so lucky that I am able to live till this day, however...I just wish to be with my family again.

(She laughs a little.) I shared my story Sara, are you still willing to help me?

Monologue #3 Film One, Take 3 .

(George has left a video tape of his farm land and the documentation of obstacles that he has had in the past days.)

(Camera is shaking because he is a 65 year old gray headed man.) Okay. Hello my fellow audience, I am George Hill reporting from Mooreland, Somerset and what you see here is an overview of what my corn and wheat looks like. Beautiful Isn’t it? I just wish Maria would get to see this. She would be so proud of me. (Coughs, due to asthma.) Sorry about that. You see here? This is some juicy, fresh corn. It’ll be ripe within three days, just wait. Although…. the wheat may take up to a couple more weeks. Oh what the heck? No rush. (Turns camera towards his face and hold cane in right hand.) Anyways, now you have seen what I’ve seen, that’s all that matters. I’ll check back with you in three days when the corn is ready. So from now, see you Thursday. (Turns off camera.)

(Two days later.) Okay, guys. Day two here. There has been a slighttttt problem. As you can see… I am in a massive swan of water. It is about knee high and it may look like... you know what? [Flips camera and shakes with cane in hand.] Look. (Pauses.) Do you see this? What even happened? All of my sweet, sweet corn is drowned. All you can see are wired up fences that are filled with dirt and weeds. (Sighs.) All of my sweat, spit, watering, gone. What can a sixty-five year old do now? This my life. My living. Houses are flooding, properties are not even properties, it’s just a horrifying mess. (Sighs. Turns off camera.)

(Next morning.) Alright guys, it is a brand new morning and I am currently on a paddle board. Obviously I am not standing up because what sixty-five year old man can paddle in 4 feet water? Pshh. I wish. (Sighs.) But, here’s an update. Flooding has risen up to two more feet. No work has been done. I thought by now, our police mens, firefighters, who ever... would have been onto something by now but, as you can see… I am floating in water. (Paddles around and is breathing heavily.) I did not get much sleep last night, nor did I have enough to eat. I can’t get around anywhere and I can not even pick my own dang crops! I have noth…oh no. (Turns camera around.) Look. (Breathes heavily.) OH NO. (Tries to paddle away.) I don’t know what’s behind me but it looks like a massive wave is ready to swipe me out. (Paddles and paddles.) (Shouts…) I guess… (Wavy comes crashing in.)

Monologue #4 Fighting Fire with Fire

(Jade is a 27 year old girl from Oregon. She is being interviewed about her experience on her wedding day picture in front of the wildfire incident.)

Hi! Yes, thank you for having me here Ellen. (Laughs) yes, it was so scary, but a beautiful moment for both my husband and I. I mean it was the big day. I was like yes, I’m finally marrying the guy of my dreams. Then, I was told that there was a wildfire near the reception area. I was panicking because I had over 100 people in the building that I have to get out, ya know?

It was so hot in Oregon that day though. Like literally, my makeup was dripping down my face, it was horrible. (laughs) yeah, I definitely think that the heat was the cause of it. Usually, you wouldn’t hear about wildfires in Oregon, so when my friends ran into the room and told me this, I was so surprised. I totally agree that we are the reason for the climate change. I mean, we don’t realize it but we release so much carbon dioxide into the air, that causes stuff like this to happen.

To be honest with you Ellen, I really don’t know what was going on in my mind at that moment. [laughs] yeah I know! I was putting our lives on danger, but I’m here now aren’t I? I’m also super thankful that everyone made it out safely. So, my advice to you guys, the audience. Do NOT. I repeat do NOT, stay to take a photo during a wildfire because these things really do spread fast. Just leave. (laughs) Thank you again for having me Ellen. (show over.)

Monologue #5 And If That Shiny Reindeer…

(Rudolph is the main reindeer in this scenario, giving a lecture to the viewers about climate change. He is lives in Eurasia Arctic and things are not so Arctic anymore..)

Is it on yet? Do you got it? Come on man. You don't even have the lens open. You're such a ditz Dash. I'll deal with you later.

Anyways, (clears throat) I'm Rudolph, as most of you may know. I am a reindeer, yes. I do talk, obviously (Chuckles a bit). But back to my main point. This is a message to you viewers watching right now. (Pause.) Do more for this planet. Most of you guys are probably like, "oh my gosh, but this world is so perfect." Um, no. Think again guys. Our home is slowly falling apart, even at this moment while I'm talking and while you're watching. Do you guys want know something? The north pole, better known as Santa's house, our snow is melting slowly away. A lot of animals, including us reindeers have lost our homes because you couldn't do your job.

It used to be so cold down here. But now, it's extra hot and I am not trying to help Santa in this weather. It's ridiculous. All you humans have to do, is clean up after yourself. But you can't even do that. I don't wanna hear y'all singing Rudolph the rednose reindeer because y'all didn't care about me. You humans let me die. Christmas is gonna be gone and your children in the future are gonna be disappointed in you guys. I'm gonna stop now before my antlers and nose burst off, but I'm gonna warn you humans now. Most of you guys are on the naughty list. Viewers, Rudolph out. Dash, did you turn the camera off? You just messed up my famous goodbye. Ugh. Give me it. Give me the -- [camera shuts off]