FAMOUS YOUTH CLIMATE ACTIVISTS AND THEIR IMPACT

Climate change is the greatest challenge of our time, and young people around the world have risen to the occasion, demanding urgent action.

These passionate youth activists are not just protesting; they are shaping policies, influencing global discussions, and inspiring millions to take action.

In this article, i’ll highlight some of the most famous youth climate activists and their incredible impact, including Kufulu Wohor, a powerful voice for climate justice in Ghana.

GRETA THUNBERG (SWEDEN) – THE GLOBAL FACE OF YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION

No list of youth climate activists is complete without Greta Thunberg.

At just 15, she started her "Fridays for Future" movement in 2018, skipping school every Friday to protest outside the Swedish Parliament.

Her solo protest turned into a worldwide movement, mobilizing millions of young people to strike for climate action.

Impact:

• Addressed world leaders at the United Nations, COP conferences, and the World Economic Forum, challenging them to act.
• Inspired millions of schoolchildren worldwide to demand climate action.
• Pressured governments and corporations to commit to net-zero emissions.

Greta’s fearless speeches, where she calls out world leaders for inaction, have made her one of the most influential climate activists in history.

VANESSA NAKATE (UGANDA) – AMPLIFYING AFRICAN VOICES

From Uganda, Vanessa Nakate has fought to ensure that African voices are not left out of the climate conversation.

She founded the Rise Up Climate Movement and has been vocal about how climate change disproportionately affects Africa, despite the continent contributing the least to global emissions.

Impact:

• Advocated for climate justice at major global platforms like the UN Climate Summits.
• Spoke out against media erasing African voices, after she was cropped out of a photo with Greta Thunberg.
• Raised awareness on the impact of climate change in Africa, particularly regarding droughts, floods, and food insecurity.

Vanessa’s activism ensures that the Global South is represented in climate discussions, making the fight more inclusive.

KUFULU WOHOR (GHANA) – THE VOICE FOR YOUTH-LED CLIMATE JUSTICE MOVEMENTS IN GHANA

Kufulu Wohor is a Ghanaian climate justice activist dedicated to empowering young people to take action against climate change.

Through his involvement in youth-led movements, Kufulu has been at the forefront of climate campaigns that call for systemic change, climate reparations, and policy reforms.

Impact:

• Advocates for climate reparations, pushing for developed nations to compensate vulnerable communities.
• Mobilizes young people to engage in climate activism and policy discussions.
• Drives conversations on equitable climate solutions that center on justice for the most affected.

Kufulu’s work is reshaping the climate justice movement, ensuring that youth voices are not just heard but acted upon.

LICYPRIYA KANGUJAM (INDIA) – ASIA’S YOUNG CLIMATE WARRIOR

Licypriya Kangujam from India started her climate activism when she was just six years old. Now a well-known activist at only 12, she has been urging world leaders to take urgent climate action.

Impact:

• Founded the Child Movement, which pushes for climate education in schools.
• Spoke at the UN Climate Summit at the age of nine.
• Pressured the Indian government to pass a climate change law.

Licypriya proves that age is no barrier to activism, inspiring many other young children to raise their voices.

JEROME FOSTER II (USA) – BRINGING YOUTH TO THE WHITE HOUSE

Jerome Foster II is one of the few youth activists who has directly influenced US climate policy.

He served as an advisor on President Biden’s White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council, making him a key voice in shaping policies that impact millions.

Impact:

• Co-founded OneMillionOfUs, which mobilizes young people to vote for climate conscious leaders.
• Advocated for climate justice at the US Congress and the United Nations.
• Played a role in shaping environmental policies under the Biden administration.

Jerome’s activism highlights the power of young people in government and policymaking.

HELENA GUALINGA (ECUADOR) – PROTECTING INDIGENOUS LANDS

Helena Gualinga, from Ecuador, is an Indigenous activist fighting for the rights of her Kichwa Sarayaku community, which is directly threatened by deforestation and fossil fuel extraction.

Impact:

• Speaks at global forums about the connection between Indigenous rights and climate justice.
• Led campaigns against oil drilling in the Amazon.
• Co-founded Polluters Out, an initiative demanding that fossil fuel companies stop influencing climate negotiations.

Helena reminds the world that protecting Indigenous lands is essential in the fight against climate change.

FINAL THOUGHTS: THE POWER OF YOUTH IN CLIMATE JUSTICE

From Greta Thunberg’s global movement to Kufulu Wohor’s fight for climate reparations, these young activists are shaping the world’s climate agenda.

They prove that youth are not just the future but the present, demanding action now.

The climate crisis needs bold action, innovative solutions, and relentless activism, and these young leaders are showing the way.

Whether it’s protesting, advocating for policy change, or educating others, they inspire millions to join the fight for a sustainable and just future.

Which youth activist inspires you the most?

Or are you ready to be the next one?

The movement needs more voices, maybe yours.