UnicefUSA

Friend, the climate crisis is affecting all of us, but it’s children and young people who are bearing the brunt of the impacts.

Despite being the least responsible for the causes of climate change, young people are being especially harmed by worsening air pollution, natural disasters and extreme weather. These effects and more are disrupting children’s livelihoods, their mental health and their future.

In the face of an existential threat and slow climate progress from our leaders, young climate activists are championing real change in their communities. On this Earth Day, follow their lead by taking action to protect children from the climate crisis.

As a UNICEF Ambassador, I’ve had the opportunity to travel around the world and meet some of the young leaders who are driving powerful action to fight the impacts of climate change and champion sustainable solutions. Their passion and ingenuity inspire me. Here are a few examples of their work in action:

In Kosovo, I met with youth changemakers who were advocating to their local officials while implementing innovative climate solutions to preserve their communities.

In the United States, young people are educating their communities, advocating for policy changes and fundraising for sustainable infrastructure to reduce water insecurity in the aftermath of the Flint Water Crisis.

In Burundi, girls are learning to source and manufacture sustainable charcoal to reduce forest destruction and smoke from cooking fires. They cook with the eco-charcoal they make and sell the rest

In Tanzania, adolescent girls are using innovative solutions to improve waste management. One young woman recently found an environmentally friendly way to make organic fertilizer with solid waste

It’s important that we act now and that we listen to the people living on the front lines of the climate crisis. They’re the experts. Those are the voices that really count.

UNICEF is proud to support youth leaders who are taking action to protect their communities and our planet. Together, we can ensure that their voices are heard and urge people in power to do more to address the climate crisis.

This crisis is an immediate one and we all have a say in how we make positive change. Be part of the change — join us in fighting for a better planet.

Thank you for advocating for children,

Aria Mia Loberti
UNICEF Ambassador