Careers Shaping Earth's Climate Future

Young Climate Visionaries Shaping the Future

In a world where the fight against climate change is more important than ever, a new generation of visionaries is rising to the challenge. These young leaders are making their mark in various industries, from fashion to education, and are inspiring change on a global scale.

One of the most notable figures is Dominique Palmer, a 20-year-old activist who made history by speaking at the United Nations Climate Change Conference at such a young age. Palmer, apart from her powerful speech, has also organized prominent nationwide school strikes for climate change and has been involved in lobbying the government for future-thinking legislation like "The Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill."

Another remarkable individual is Amelia Akanni and Giulia Bottari, the founders of Flourish In Diversity. This part-time salaried training programme, launched in 2021, focuses on up-skilling young graduates from minority ethnic and disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. The initiative aims to disrupt traditional routes into a workforce that prioritizes elitist hiring criteria.

Flourish In Diversity's efforts are not limited to training alone. They also partner with brands for interactive workshops, lectures, and other opportunities to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Marcel McKenzie, for instance, created videos for the project, while Daphne Chouliaraki Milner took anthropocene photographs.

In the fashion industry, Georgie Hyatt cofounded Rotaro, a fashion rental platform, in 2019. Rotaro's efforts to remain carbon-light are aided by their partnership with tree-planting program Ecologi. Their commitment to sustainability has paid off, with the company securing $2.3 million from investors in 2021 to expand their business.

The fashion industry is not the only sector embracing sustainability. Josephine Philips, the 23-year-old founder of Sojo, a fashion alterations and repairs app, has secured $2.4 million in funding. Sojo's mission is to extend the life of clothes, promoting a circular economy and reducing waste.

Rahel Stephanie, the founder of Spoons, a plant-based Indonesian supper club, is another example of a young leader making a difference. Stephanie's mission extends beyond a tasty menu, as she aims to reclaim, decolonize, and celebrate the plant-based foods of her heritage.

These young visionaries are not alone in their quest for a sustainable future. A 2020 University of Southern California survey revealed that 64% of undergraduate students are very interested in learning about sustainability on-campus. Moreover, 33% of these students said they participate in sustainable practices on a daily basis.

Even institutions of higher learning are recognizing the importance of sustainability. Stanford University, for instance, received a $1.1 billion donation from John Doerr to develop the John Doerr School of Sustainability.

These young climate visionaries are proving that age is no barrier to making a difference. Their passion, innovation, and determination are driving change and inspiring a more sustainable future for all.