Climate Change is increasingly becoming one of the most threatening and urgent issues facing humanity today and if there is one age group around the world whose future is going to be impacted by it the most, it is the teenagers. Perhaps this is the reason why we see widespread awareness amongst the teens, not just about how Climate Change is affecting them but also how they are also one of the biggest agents of change. Research states that 60% of young people surveyed in 10 countries say they are worried about the future and that they aren’t convinced by actions governments around the world are taking. So we look at some Teen leaders who are leading the climate discourse. Some teens like Greta and their work have already received the world’s attention and therefore the purpose of this article would be to look at some of the lesser-known leaders.
Daniele Guadagholo, co-founder of Change For Planet: a youth-led NGO aimed to raise awareness on sustainability and climate change, says “It’s time to move from superficial engagement with young people to a more meaningful collaboration to take climate action”. Based in Italy, Daniele is also the coordinator of the UNCTAD-supported Youth Action Hub Italy. Back in the second UNCTAD Youth Forum held in 2018 in Geneva is where Daniele started his journey. He and his team have drafted climate policy recommendations and speak at international events on the issues of climate refugees, diplomacy and human rights. In an innovative initiative, his organization conveys messages on sustainability and climate through storytelling using art and music. He is also an advocate for green businesses and the private sector taking up sustainable projects in developing countries.
Another teen climate leader comes from Canada in the form of Autumn Peltier, a water-rights advocate and renowned environmental activist. She is the Anishinabek Nation Chief Water Commissioner and has raised the issue of water-contamination in the Canadian Indigenous reserves several times. She is known for confronting the Canadian Prime Minister face to face and criticizing his policies. At the UNGA, she spoke before the launch of the International Decade for Action on Water for Sustainable Development and initiated an impactful dialogue on sustainable water management. The Canadian government was pressured to lift 88 long-term drinking advisories as a step towards countering water contamination. She was awarded the 2021 RevolutionHer Community Vision Youth Award and was nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
In Africa, 15 year old Leah Namugerwa from Uganda is leading the charge. Holding protests in Kampala, initiating plantation drives and launching petitions like #BanPlasticUG are some of the efforts Leah and her group are making to pressure the government towards pro-environment policy action. Fridays for Future, led by Greta Thunberg is an international movement of school students who skip Friday classes to participate in demonstrations demanding political action to prevent climate change and facilitate renewable energy. Leah is one its most enthusiastic ambassadors.
The list of teen climate leaders is long and will require a never-ending article to truly appreciate all the rising stars of hope around the world. The likes of Ridhima Pandey, Xiye Bastida and Isra Hirsi are some other names that deserve a mention amongst many others. Hopefully, the list never ends.
