Commentary: 7 lessons from my journey in youth climate advocacy

“Whose future? Our future! Whose planet? Our planet!” Our chants echoed through the streets of Chicago, carried by a group of individuals united in purpose. Our voices demanded accountability and action from those above.

Amid the crowd at a climate protest organized by the Fridays For Future movement, I felt a surge of empowerment, marking one of the first moments of my climate journey and an experience that ignited my passion for advocacy.

As a student at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, I’ve always been drawn to scientific inquiry to understand the world around me. But it was during that protest, surrounded by fellow activists, that I realized the immense potential of youth-led movements. Since then, my path has taken me through various roles and experiences, all aimed at fighting for our planet.

In my role as director of research and chapters specialist at Climate Cardinals, I’ve worked to make the climate movement accessible to those who don’t speak English. Climate Cardinals, an international youth-led nonprofit, has more than 14,000 volunteers translating climate information into more than 100 languages. We’ve reached millions across 80-plus countries and created messengers sounding the alarm on our world’s greatest threat.

Around the same time, I became the at-large chair for the Chicago chapter of the Climate Reality Project. This role allowed me to bridge local activism with global initiatives. As a United Nations youth delegate and Global Goals ambassador for climate action and good health and well-being, I’ve had the honor of representing youth voices on a global stage. Attending conferences and engaging with world leaders have provided me with a platform to highlight the critical perspectives of young people.

These experiences, among others, have taught me that despite often being underrepresented in decisions, we youths have the ability to influence the world around us. Here are seven lessons I’ve learned from my journey in climate advocacy, which I hope will guide fellow young activists.

Age is just a number. Many people underestimate the influence youths hold, but our age is not a limitation; it’s a strength. We grasp the imminent and severe impacts of climate change, and we certainly won’t be the last generation to do so if there is no meaningful intervention.

It’s important to remember that our voices are just as valid as those of older generations. Regardless of background, we all have an equal stake in our planet’s future, so my message to youths is: Be unapologetically you. Use your energy, persistence, passion and unique perspectives, which are invaluable.

Public speaking is powerful. Developing public speaking skills can significantly amplify your message. Whether you’re speaking at a school assembly, a local government meeting or a global conference, your words can inspire and mobilize others. When you speak from the heart about something as urgent as climate change, people listen. Share your story, present the facts and call others to action.

Protests are important but can sometimes be scary. Protests are a powerful way to draw attention to critical issues. They show solidarity, raise awareness and can lead to significant change. Participating in climate strikes and marches can help put pressure on policymakers and demonstrate our collective power. However, protests can also be intimidating and sometimes scary, so try to go with friends. Prepare by knowing your rights and have a plan in place for safety.

Make sure to join large communities of advocates. One of the most empowering aspects of climate advocacy is realizing that you are not alone. Joining larger communities of advocates allows us to combine our resources, share ideas and support each other.

Engage with policymakers. Policymakers are elected to serve us, the people — not the other way around. They are accountable to us and entrusted with the responsibility to act in our best interests. To create lasting change, we need to influence those in power. Start by educating yourself about the political process and identifying key decision-makers. Write letters, attend town hall meetings and participate in lobbying efforts. When we mobilize and raise our voices, we remind them that their primary duty is to safeguard our future.

Take time for yourself. In your pursuit of change, it’s crucial to take time for yourself to prevent burnout. Activism can be emotionally and physically demanding, making self-care essential. Do things that help you relax — whether it’s reading a book, practicing yoga, spending time in nature or simply enjoying a quiet moment alone. By caring for yourself, you sustain your ability to fight for a better future.

We grow when we take risks. Being an advocate fosters personal growth. Through activism, you’ll develop valuable skills such as leadership, communication and resilience. Taking risks, such as speaking out at a large rally, challenging policymakers or launching a new initiative, can be daunting, but it’s through these bold actions that we grow the most. You’ll learn to navigate challenges, build relationships and inspire others.

The lessons I’ve shared here are drawn from my own journey, but they are universally applicable. Every voice matters. Our age, background and circumstances do not diminish the importance of our contributions.

As we write the next chapter of our story, let us create a world where every voice is heard, every life is valued and every ecosystem is protected. Let us use our pens with purpose today, knowing that we will shape the history books of tomorrow.

Let’s lead the change we wish to see because, together, we are unstoppable. Together, we can change the world.

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Abhinav Anne is director of research at Climate Cardinals, a youth-led climate nonprofit, and national research and policy coordinator for Fridays For Future, a youth-driven global climate strike movement.

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