Youth Champions Highlight Climate Innovations

On August 12, 2024, we celebrate International Youth Day, recognizing the vital role of young leaders in tackling climate issues. This year, we’re shining a light on a new group of inspiring youth fellows from the UN Climate Change, chosen to make an impact at COP28 and COP29.

The theme for this year’s celebrations highlights how digital innovations are essential for achieving Sustainable Development Goals. With young people being digital natives, they’re leading the charge in adopting technology and finding solutions to some of the planet’s biggest challenges.

Among this year’s fellows is Amal Ridene, who focuses on Nature Finance. She’s passionate about projects that directly involve communities in climate solutions, like rrreefs, an initiative using 3D printing technology to rebuild coral reefs. Amal admires the project’s co-founder, Marie Griesmar, for her commitment to engaging local communities in environmental restoration.

Another fellow, Richard Shen, focuses on climate humanitarianism, a framework that combines humanitarian efforts with climate justice. He’s influenced by Dr. Hugo Slim, who emphasizes the need for humanitarianism to encompass all forms of life and not just humans. Richard believes this approach is crucial for inspiring change in vulnerable populations, especially in the Global South.

Jimena Padilla Pineda, another dynamic fellow, is working on a project in Oaxaca, Mexico, that combines Indigenous agricultural methods with modern technology to combat climate change. She values how this initiative empowers Indigenous communities by including them in decision-making processes and using their traditional knowledge.

Lastly, Daniel D’Elia da Costa is excited about the Xingu Seeds Network, a project focused on ecological restoration and economic empowerment in Brazil. This initiative supports local seed collectors and promotes a sustainable way to restore forests while creating jobs.