Children Can Change the World: Youth Climate Champions

Imagine what children could do if they learned about climate and environmental crisises and their education taught them how to be changemakers.

These young climate activists are fighting for their, and other children’s right to climate education, and proving that children and young people all around the world are a positive force for change when it comes to fighting back against climate change.

Why do we need climate education?

Mitzi Jonelle Tan is a youth climate activist, who lives in Manila, Philippines. Mitzi first became involved in climate activism in 2017, after she had the opportunity to meet with Indigenous leaders in the Philippines.

From this meeting, Mitzi learned more about how climate change is impacting Indigenous communities in her country, and she became inspired to raise awareness of the impact of climate change, and promote the need for climate education.

Why is it important to ask for climate education now?

Joe Brindle is a climate activist in the United Kingdom, who heads up the #TeachTheFuture campaign – a campaign dedicated to introducing climate education to UK curriculum, as well as incorporating green skills into vocational programs and making educational buildings environmentally friendly.

“When people ask me why climate education is so urgent right now,” Joe says. “I tell them [people around the world] have already been hurt by the effects of climate change.”

Can we really make a difference?

Climate activist Dharma Abu Hijleh from Jordan believes in the power of children to make a change in their communities – and around the world. She draws inspiration from other children and young people who are fighting for their rights – their right to an education, their right to safe water – to inspire her own climate work, and to stand up against critics who would say she’s “just a kid.”

Are you an advocate for climate action? If you’re between the ages of 13 and 24 and live in Canada, UNICEF Canada One Youth's U-Report wants you to become a U-Reporter! We poll our U-Reporters about issues that matter to them – such as climate change, racial discrimination and access to education – and use their answers to guide our policy and government relations work. Sign up now!