Here's How Twelve Young Activists Would Use $15,000 to Fight Climate Change

"Doomsday reports of climate breakdown and ecocide may provoke emotional responses of guilt, shame, and fear," Daniel Cooney, Deputy Director of Communication at UN Environment, told VICE Impact. "But their efficacy in triggering long-term behavioral change is debatable. Positive messaging, on the other hand, is proven to energize us."

Recipients of the Champions of the Earth award have ranged from pioneering scientists to heads of state, from community activists to captains of industry. It is the highest honor that UN Environment bestows upon an individual, and is meant to bring validation, visibility, and support to the laureates.

"By amplifying good news of battles won on the environmental frontline, the awards hoist flags of hope and affirm the status of heroes," said Cooney, "each a shining riposte to the tired narrative of environmental doom."

One 2016 recipient, Afroz Shah, is a young Indian lawyer. Shah was so disgusted with the mounting piles of trash on Versova beach in Mumbai that he decided to do something about it. Every week, he had a "date with the ocean," and he'd clean up the garbage, one piece at a time. Within a year, his weekly outings were gathering thousands of other volunteers who also wanted to see their beaches cleaned up.

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"In receiving the 2016 Champions of the Earth award, Shah was catapulted into global headlines," said Cooney. "His band of volunteers blossomed into a nationwide people's movement: slum-dwellers, school children and Bollywood stars lined up to help."

In 2015, the Black Mamba unit, an overwhelmingly female-led, unarmed group that defends wildlife from poachers in South Africa, was awarded the Champions of the Earth label. Their message of local-grown activism and community empowerment has contributed to a 75 percent reduction in illegal bushmeat incidents since 2013, and the number of the endangered black rhino lost to poaching has plummeted.

While the Champions of the Earth are awarded for their past achievements, Young Champions of the Earth are selected on their potential to create future impact.

Over 600 young people applied to be Young Champions of the Earth in its inaugural year, and the committee unveiled the 12 finalists in September, two from each global region. Six winners will be announced in November, and each will receive $15,000 in seed money, needs-based training, and access to powerful networks and support.

"Creative, idealistic and energetic young people are so well-placed to find solutions to the world's most difficult environmental challenges," said Cooney. "But if the next generation is to fulfill its promise of renewal, it will require better access to networks and capital, mentoring and training."

One finalist includes 28-year-old Eritai Kateibwi, who is developing a hydroponic food-growing system in Kiribati in the Pacific Islands. Due to the loss of land from flooding and king tides and the excess waste of food imports, the food system in Kiribati has become unsustainable. Malnutrition and diabetes are also problems that could be alleviated by sustainable growing at home. Other finalists include 23-year-old Brighton Kaoma of Zambia, who focuses on advocacy for children through African radio, and 29-year old Kaya Dorey of Canada, who wants to create a closed-loop apparel manufacturing hub.

"Young people may have inherited an array of environmental problems," said UN Environment Head Erik Solheim, "but they are not sitting idly in the face of catastrophe. The depth, novelty, and ambition of the World Finalists' proposals underscore the centrality of youth to securing a sustainable future."

For Cooney, the focus on environmental solutions is paramount.

"Everyday, news anchors report on one crisis or another," he said, "but the global environmental crisis dwarfs them all. Geopolitical, financial, and economic wrangling can appear like the rearranging of deck chairs on the top deck of the Titanic."

With Champions of the Earth and its sister award Young Champions, the goal is to focus on the ship itself, and to bring it buoyancy.

"Stories of species being brought back from the brink," said Cooney, "protection being granted to sites of natural wonder, and eco-warriors making a difference – these energize and inspire us towards taking action." Lean more about the program and how to apply.