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The power of youth activism in fighting climate change

By Anna Lexxy Mbucho 

One of the most potent forces in the battle against climate change is now youth activism. Young people all throughout the world are demanding action and coming up with answers by utilizing their voices, imaginations, and willpower. Young leaders are rising up in Africa, a continent particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change, to save both the environment and their own future. Here are some motivational tales of young Africans changing the world: 

Vanessa Nakate, from Uganda, one of the most prominent African climate activists, founded the Rise Up Movement to amplify African voices in climate discussions. Her work emphasizes the need for global climate justice and highlights the disproportionate effects of climate change on Africa. Vanessa’s activism gained international attention after she was cropped out of a photo with other climate leaders, sparking a broader conversation about the erasure of African voices in global issues.   

Kenyan Elizabeth Wathuti is an environmentalist and founder of the Green Generation Initiative in Kenya. She focuses on tree-planting programs and educating young people about environmental conservation. Elizabeth’s powerful speech at COP26 in Glasgow called on world leaders to act urgently, showcasing the passion and determination of African youth. Her initiative has already planted tens of thousands of trees and inspired countless others to join the movement.   

Known as the “Climate Guy,” Olumide Idowu, a Nigerian co-founded the International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI), which empowers young people in Nigeria and beyond to take action on climate change. Through workshops, training, and campaigns, Olumide has helped many young Africans understand climate issues and implement sustainable solutions in their communities.   

South African Ayakha Melithafe is an activist who has brought attention to the devastating effects of climate change on marginalized communities. She is part of the African Climate Alliance and was one of the youth leaders who signed a petition to the United Nations to address the climate crisis. Ayakha works to ensure that the voices of young people of color are included in climate discussions.  

Adenike Oladosu is an eco-feminist and climate activist who founded the ILeadClimate movement in Nigeria. She is a leading voice on climate justice in Africa, advocating for sustainable development and gender equality. Her work focuses on addressing desertification, particularly in the Lake Chad region, and promoting renewable energy solutions.   

Young people can make a significant difference, as demonstrated by the aforementioned examples. If you are motivated to take up the fight against climate change, you can educate yourself by learning about climate issues in your community and around the world, get involved with local or international climate organizations, start local projects like recycling programs, tree planting, or awareness campaigns, or even use your voice to demand climate justice on social media, at school, or at work. 

By sharing their stories and work, you can assist African activists get their voices heard.  Youth activism is about finding answers, coming up with new ideas, and working together—it’s not only about protests. African youth are taking the lead, demonstrating that participation in the battle against climate change is possible regardless of age or financial means. 

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