Hill stations are enveloped in scorching heat and deserts are witnessing floods. Nope, this isn’t a scene narration from an apocalyptic movie; this is a veritable global reality. The devastating impact of climate change can no longer be described in the future tense. Climate change is leaving its indelible marks on the lives of children, right now, as we speak. Relentless heatwaves across India are causing schools and colleges to shut down. Children are now routinely exposed to pollutants, increasing their vulnerability to chronic disorders such as asthma and airflow obstruction.
With half the world’s children now at extreme risk from climate-related events, it is only natural that children and youth channel their vulnerability and demand immediate action from policy makers.
Testament to their growing urge for a better future are the Instagram pages of these seven young, firebrand climate warriors. Take a look for awareness and inspiration galore!
1. Licypriya Kangujam
Ms. Kangujam needs no introduction in the ambit of environmentalism. Renowned for her advocacy on climate change and disaster risk reduction, she has been an inspirational figure in the global youth climate movement.
Founder of The Child Movement, she has been vocal about the need for stricter environmental laws in India and globally and has participated in various climate strikes and environmental campaigns. Her Instagram account is an inspirational compilation of her work and tete-a-tetes with bigwigs of the globe.
2. Ridhima Pandey
Born in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India, Ridhima Pandey bears a calm veneer beneath which lies a fervent passion to protect and nurture what little remains of Mother Earth. Having filed a petition with the National Green Tribunal in India, she shot to the limelight at the tender age of 9.
Ridhima has continued her advocacy on a global scale, becoming one of the 16 youth activists to file a landmark complaint to the United Nations in 2019. Riddhima’s Instagram account reflects activism, which focuses on raising awareness about the impacts of climate change, advocating for stronger environmental policies, and inspiring young people to take action.
3. Greta Thunberg
The livid visage of this notable environment activist, burning with rage and intolerance towards inaction, can be the symbol of climate activism by the youth. A resident of Stockholm, Sweden, she learned of climate change at the age of eight. After adding to her study and knowledge about the widespread impact of climate change, she held the first “School Strike for Climate” outside the Swedish parliament.
Thereafter, she’s led revolutionary actions such as speaking to the European Parliament, sailing across the Atlantic to address a UN summit, and speaking at the youth protest in Glasgow. If you’re keen on knowing her next big move, her Instagram account offers a thorough look at her past, present and future strikes.
4. Olivia Mandle
Widely recognized for her efforts to protect marine life and advocate against the captivity of dolphins and whales, 17-year-old Olivia Mandle is a Barcelona-born environment and animal rights activist.
Driven by her deep love for the ocean and its inhabitants, Olivia has actively participated in beach cleanups, educational campaigns, and public demonstrations to raise awareness about the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems. A glimpse of her Instagram account is not only filled with informative posts but also with stunning images of marine life.
5. Saoirse Exton
A prominent youth climate activist from Limerick, Ireland, Saoirse Exton began her journey with Fridays for Future, the international movement initiated by Greta Thunberg. Focusing on promoting sustainable policies, reducing carbon emissions, and encouraging governmental accountability in tackling the climate crisis, Exton’s activism has garnered global attention.
A vocal advocate for social justice, Exton does a remarkable job of highlighting the impact of climate change on broader issues of inequality and human rights. Posts on her Instagram account will surely transport viewers right in the middle of the war zone, with images of the stunning Irish highlands only adding to the allure.
6. Prasiddhi Singh
Her LinkedIn profile captures the dynamic personality that is Prasiddhi Singh. 11 year-old Social Entrepreneur, Prime Minister National Child Award (Highest Civilian Honour). Born in Tamil Nadu, India, Prasiddhi is a social entrepreneur known for her astounding efforts in afforestation and environmental conservation.
Founder of the Prasiddhi Forest Foundation, Prasiddhi’s work involves engaging communities, particularly children and schools, in planting trees and nurturing them to maturity. Her spectacular Instagram account is a source of motivation and inspiration not only for the youth but for anyone looking to take a step towards the greater good.
7. Woo Qiyun
Hailing from Singapore, Woo Qiyun is an environmentalist who uses the engaging tool of storytelling to advocate sustainable practices. Her passion for communicating climate science through quirky doodles and infographics finds a glorious display on her Instagram account.
Climate science can sound daunting to the uninitiated. Ms. Qiyun’s page can prove an easy, handy tool for parents to introduce the subject to their children, or even for adults looking for more sources to learn. Armed with the mission of making science communication accessible and interesting, Ms. Qiyun has been National Geographic’s Young Explorer 2023 Grantee, with her work being featured in mainstream publications such as The Straits Times, L’Officiel, and GRAZIA.
