Royal Gazette: Global activists inspire action at climate change summit
Two activists whose engagements have inspired action over climate change on the world stage have added an “impactful” boost to an environmental forum.
Lesein Mutunkei and Sarah Goody said they intend to share insights and stories from their individual experiences at the fifth edition of the annual Youth Climate Summit.
The weeklong forum at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, which started on Monday with virtual sessions, ends tomorrow.
Mr Mutunkei and Ms Goody are among a host of speakers who are to address participants at the summit, which brings together more than 200 people aged between 13 and 22.
Ms Goody, a social entrepreneur from California, runs Climate Now, a youth-led organisation focused on educating and empowering young people to take climate action.
She said: “I think the Youth Climate Summit is everything I would have wished, had I been a younger person.
“To have a place where you’re not only provided with facts and information to understand climate change, but with tangible, hands-on experiences and with the understanding of how you actually go out take action, is great.”
She said the forum “inspires awareness” and brings “actionable insights” into climate change.
Mr Mutunkei, from Kenya, who runs the football-themed nature plan Trees4Goals, said: “The importance of these youth climate summits is really to help structure and develop children’s ambition towards addressing climate issues.
“When I started my initiative, Trees4Goals, I had a lot of struggles in the sense of feeling as if what I was doing was making an impact.
“These spaces really inspire children to take action, whether it is within their local community or internationally.
“It gives them that opportunity to create ideas or to take the first step.”
He said his and Ms Goody’s presence will allow participants “to see themselves in our shoes”.
Mr Mutunkei, a footballer who has relocated to New York from Nairobi to pursue environmental studies, said the duo intend to present “very unique stories” at the forum.
They participated in mixers at events yesterday that included a showcase featuring climate panels and local environmental organisations.
Mr Mutunkei said: “I think it allows us to share experiences and give inspiration on how to keep going.
“They will see that there is a point in taking a little action, no matter how small — you will feel that you’re making a change.
“I think that is really important for the youth, especially when they are just beginning their journey in recognising their action will make a big difference.”
Ms Goody added: “It is hard to get involved or to feel like your voice matters if you aren’t able to see other people that have been recognised or validated in their experiences.
“I think our presence could be really motivating to other young people.”
As they are from different backgrounds, Ms Goody, who is pursuing studies in law and policy at the University of California, Berkeley, said their presence at the forum will also have a positive impact.