Climate Leaders Fellowship Cohort Seven Portfolio

Aisiri Aithal

Steering the world towards a fully sustainable future

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My name is Aisiri Aithal, and I am a passionate environmental advocate dedicated to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable practices, particularly through youth engagement. I am 18 years old and live in the coastal town of Mangalore, Karnataka, India. As a fellow in the Climate Leaders Fellowship, my focus has been on creating multi-layered projects that foster awareness and drive action for a cleaner, greener world.

Project Background & Overview

What specific problem were you addressing in your community?

I was addressing the lack of awareness and active engagement around climate change and sustainable practices within my community. The problem is multifaceted: from marine biodiversity conservation to tackling single-use plastic waste and promoting sustainable lifestyles, there was a clear need for increased environmental education and hands-on involvement in climate action.

Why does that problem matter to you personally?

Climate change is a global challenge, but its most significant impacts are felt locally. Growing up, I witnessed how environmental degradation and unsustainable practices affected local ecosystems and communities. This issue matters to me because I see firsthand how small actions can have a big impact, and I am driven to empower others to take similar actions to protect our planet.

Project Execution

What did you do for your project?

I initiated a 30-layered project, each addressing different aspects of climate change and sustainability. These layers ranged from educational programs in schools to museum volunteering, climate change newsletters, beach cleanups, and local collaborations. I also worked with a variety of partners and mentors to spread awareness and foster community involvement.

What actions did you take to address the problem?

• Conducted outreach programs in schools to raise awareness about climate change, nutrition, and education.
• Organized cleanups and recycling drives.
• Collaborated with universities for marine conservation talks.
• Engaged in volunteer programs that encouraged youth participation.

Where and how did you implement your project?

The project was implemented in various locations, including my college area, local schools, and beaches. I used a combination of educational sessions, community outreach, volunteering, and hands-on activities to spread awareness and engage people.

Who were your target audiences and how did you engage them?

My target audiences were youth, educators, local communities, and volunteers. I engaged them through presentations, workshops, cleanup drives, volunteer programs, and collaborations with different organizations. By making the content relatable and interactive, I ensured that people felt motivated to join the cause.

Impact

What types of contributions did you collect?

• Educational pamphlets and climate awareness materials.
• Recycled plastic pens and waste from beach cleanups.
• Funds raised through competitions and events.
• Volunteer hours in museums and environmental programs.

What were the results?

• Successfully cleaned up beaches and collected plastic waste for recycling.
• Increased awareness of sustainable living practices through outreach efforts.
• Engaged youth in marine conservation and climate education.
• Encouraged participants to take further action in their own communities.

Which organizations or mentors did you work with?

I worked with various organizations such as the National Service Scheme (NSS), the Canara Museum, and educational institutions like Besant Women’s College and Balmatta Govt Degree College. I also had guidance from mentors such as Viranga, Varnessa Kayen Varlyngton, and several CLF fellows, who supported me in different aspects of the project.

How did these partnerships help your project succeed?

These partnerships provided me with invaluable resources, mentorship, and platforms to expand my reach. They helped me understand the bigger picture and gave me the support I needed to implement successful initiatives. Their expertise in environmental conservation, youth engagement, and educational outreach were instrumental in the project’s success.

Personal Reflection

Did you receive any help or inspiration from other members of your Climate Leaders Fellowship cohort?

Absolutely! My fellow CLF members, like Viranga and Varnessa, provided me with support, encouragement, and practical advice. Their projects were sources of inspiration and helped me refine my own ideas.

How did participating in the Climate Leaders Fellowship make you feel?

Participating in the fellowship made me feel empowered and deeply connected to a global community of like-minded individuals. It gave me a sense of purpose, knowing that my actions could contribute to something much larger than myself.

What are you most proud of regarding your project?

I am most proud of the fact that my project was multifaceted and engaged different parts of my community. The success of the beach cleanup and the response from students during my outreach programs were particularly rewarding. Additionally, creating awareness about sustainable practices among youth was a highlight.

Tips for Others

• Start small but think big.
• Engage with local communities and involve them in your initiatives.
• Be open to collaborations and learn from others.
• Use creative methods to make your project engaging and impactful.
• Take advantage of digital platforms to reach a wider audience.
• Focus on education – knowledge is key to driving change.
• Involve youth; they are the future leaders of climate action.
• Partner with organizations to amplify your reach.
• Keep the momentum going – sustainable change takes time.
• Celebrate small successes – they lead to bigger wins.
• Don’t be afraid to fail – learn from your mistakes and keep going.

Conclusion

The Climate Leaders Fellowship has been an incredible journey filled with passion, learning, and growth. My 30-layer project is a testament to the power of youth-led initiatives in addressing climate change, and I am proud of the impact we’ve had on local communities. This experience has taught me the importance of perseverance and collaboration, and I’m excited to continue my work, always striving for a greener and more sustainable world.

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Misbah Akhtar

“Empowering Communities Through Recycling and Food Drives: A Journey of Impact and Change”

Project Background & Overview

What Problem Was I Addressing?

In my community, waste management and food insecurity are two critical issues. Recycling programs are often underutilized, leading to excessive waste in landfills. Additionally, many families struggle to access nutritious food, especially with rising costs and economic challenges. According to [local statistics or national data], food insecurity affects [percentage]% of households in my area, and recycling rates remain below the national average.

Why Does This Matter to Me?

Growing up, I have always been passionate about protecting the environment and helping those in need. Seeing recyclable materials being wasted and families struggling to put food on the table motivated me to take action. I wanted to create a project that not only addressed these issues but also engaged my community in meaningful solutions.

Project Execution

What Did I Do?

I led a mass recycling pick-up initiative, collecting recyclables from hundreds of households, and organized a large-scale food drive involving over twenty schools. This project aimed to educate, engage, and empower community members to make a difference.

Actions Taken to Address the Problem

• Recycling Initiative: I coordinated a system where community members could drop off their recyclables at designated locations. I also arranged door-to-door pick-ups to make participation easier.
• Food Drive: I partnered with schools, encouraging students and parents to donate non-perishable food items. Each school had designated collection points, and I organized transportation of the donations to local food banks.
• Community Awareness: I used social media, school newsletters, and community bulletin boards to spread awareness about the importance of recycling and food security.

Where & How Was the Project Implemented?

The recycling initiative covered central London and its surrounding boroughs, while the food drive extended across over twenty schools in North West London. I collaborated with local businesses, schools, and nonprofits to maximize outreach and logistics.

Who Were Your Target Audiences & How Did You Engage Them?

• School assemblies and presentations about recycling and food insecurity.
• Flyers, posters, and digital campaigns to raise awareness.
• Incentive programs, such as recognition for top donors and schools with the highest participation rates.

Impact

Contributions Collected

• Recycling: Collected over fifty tonnes of recyclable materials.
• Food Drive: Gathered food for over a hundred families in need.

Results & Observations

• Increased awareness about recycling, leading to more households participating in sustainable waste management.
• Provided essential food supplies to hundreds of families through partner food banks.
• Positive feedback from school administrators, community leaders, and recipients of the donations.

Organizations & Mentors Worked With

I partnered with [name organizations, food banks, recycling centers], who provided logistical support, guidance, and resources to amplify the project’s impact.

How Did These Partnerships Help?

These partnerships provided credibility, access to resources, and a network of experienced individuals who helped streamline operations and maximize outreach.

Personal Reflection

Inspiration & Support from the Climate Leaders Fellowship

Being part of the Climate Leaders Fellowship connected me with like-minded individuals who shared valuable insights and encouragement. Seeing the dedication of other fellows inspired me to push my project further.

How Did the Fellowship Make Me Feel?

It reinforced my belief that collective action can lead to tangible change. I felt empowered knowing that my efforts contributed to a larger movement for sustainability and community support.

What Am I Most Proud Of?

I am most proud of the community engagement and awareness my project fostered. Seeing people become more mindful of their waste and willing to help those in need was incredibly rewarding.

Tips for Others

• Start small but think big—every effort counts.
• Leverage existing networks—schools, businesses, and local organizations can amplify impact.
• Make participation easy—provide clear drop-off points and pick-up services.
• Use social media to spread awareness.
• Engage young people—students are eager to help when given the opportunity.
• Recognize contributions—public acknowledgment encourages future participation.
• Collaborate with local leaders for support.
• Set measurable goals to track progress.
• Be flexible and adapt based on community feedback.
• Focus on educational awareness—long-term change starts with knowledge.
• Celebrate successes and share stories to inspire others.

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Hope Carmona & Harshitha Arvapalli

Feed People, Not Landfills

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Hope: My name is Hope Carmona, I am 15 years old and I live in the metro Detroit area in Michigan. Outside of the CLF, I like playing basketball, singing, spending time with friends, and exploring the outdoors in northern Michigan.

Harshi: I am Harshi, I’m 16 years old and I live in the metro Detroit area in Michigan. Some of my interests include volunteering, hanging out with friends, and traveling!

Project Background & Overview

What specific problem were you addressing in your community?

Hope: Harshi and I sought to address food waste and insecurity within our community, the Detroit area. In Detroit, 251 million pounds of food is wasted every year, yet around ⅓ of households report dealing with food insecurity. We thought that it was a shame that all this food being wasted wasn’t going to people who needed it, and that the climate was suffering as well.

Harshi: I have seen food insecurity firsthand in my local community, and I think it’s important that we positively impact others’ lives when we have the chance. Hope and I set out to tackle food waste and insecurity in our community, the Detroit area. The fact that 251 million pounds of food are wasted annually in Detroit, while roughly one-third of households struggle with food insecurity, is unacceptable. Food waste also contributes significantly to climate change, releasing greenhouse gases as it decomposes in landfills. I am glad we could make a difference in our community.

Project Execution

What did you do for your project?

We hosted a “Simple Meal Day” at our school cafeteria, where the lunch staff only served soup and bread. This raised awareness about our issues and also collected donations, as proceeds from the meal went to our partner organization. We also collected physical food donations from our local YMCA.

What actions did you take to address the problem?

• Collected monetary donations for Make Food, Not Waste to help them execute their mission and redirect food towards people in need.
• Organized a food collection drive to directly benefit food-insecure individuals.

Where and how did you implement your project?

In our school community, we made an educational video and advertised our event in the cafeteria through announcements. We used Instagram to spread the word about both of our initiatives. Having multiple project locations—our school and the YMCA—helped us maximize our impact.

Who were your target audiences and how did you engage them?

Our target audience was our classmates, as it is important to educate young people about issues in our community that they can help address. We engaged them through school announcements, Instagram, and word of mouth.

Impact

What types of contributions did you collect?

• Collected non-perishable canned goods.
• Received monetary donations.

What were the results?

• Collected three boxes of food donations.
• Raised $882 in cash donations!

Which organizations or mentors did you work with?

We donated to Make Food, Not Waste, an organization that takes food that would otherwise go to landfills and transforms it into healthy meals for food-insecure Detroiters.

How did these partnerships help your project succeed?

People were more willing to donate to our cause because Make Food, Not Waste is a widely recognized organization. Their credibility helped us gain support, and they provided guidance that allowed us to spread awareness in our community.

Personal Reflection

Did you receive any help or inspiration from other members of your Climate Leaders Fellowship cohort?

Hope: It was super helpful to have a partner like Harshi in my CLF experience! We worked alongside each other, helped keep each other on track, and motivated each other. It was also really cool to see the ideas and impacts of other CLF fellows on our weekly Zoom calls.

Harshi: I loved hearing everyone’s ideas and getting feedback in the weekly meetings. It was so great having a hardworking individual like Hope!

How did participating in the Climate Leaders Fellowship make you feel?

Hope: It made me feel really proud and grateful that I could make a difference in my community.

Harshi: Participating in CLF made me more aware and inspired. It’s great how just one project can make a positive impact!

What are you most proud of regarding your project?

Hope: I am happy that we were able to make a sizeable impact on our issue. With the help of our communities, we were able to make a big difference in the lives of many.

Harshi: I think it’s amazing how much money we were able to donate, and I believe it will go a long way.

Tips for Others

• Hope: Be self-disciplined—your project will not finish itself! Make a plan and schedule, and stick to it.
• Hope: Make sure you pick something you are actually passionate about because it will make the work fulfilling.
• Harshi: Make sure you partner with the right organizations that align with your values and mission.
• Harshi: Plan ahead and try to stay organized—setting clear goals will ensure the project runs smoothly.

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Sedona Bundy

One Step at A Time

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Hi! My name is Sedona Bundy. I am 15 years old and attending my first year of high school at Chagrin Falls. I have lived in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, my whole life, making me a true “lifer” in my small town. I have a wide range of interests and am always aiming to explore new and different passions, from art and speech & debate to lacrosse, volunteering, and cooking. I love taking chances to immerse myself in new experiences, though one issue that has remained especially close to my heart is our environment and how we treat it. My concern for taking climate action led me to the Climate Leaders Fellowship. As I strive with every curiosity and passion to use my voice and actions to create change in the world and work toward becoming a senior fellow of CLF, I hope to make a meaningful impact one step at a time.

Project Background & Overview

Boston University reports that 34 billion pounds of clothes are thrown away every year; that’s equivalent to almost 10 million blue whales, the largest animal on Earth. As I watched students at school walk into class with their new Lululemon or Aerie clothing—myself included—I realized that last year’s clothes, now considered “out of style” or outgrown, were most likely not going to thrift stores, being passed down, or given to distribution organizations. I knew that something had to change; it was time to take action. That’s what inspired me to address the clothing waste crisis in my community.

Project Execution

At first, I was unsure of how my project would come together, but as I engaged with others and explored possibilities, it naturally took shape. My goal was to form a clothing drive. I researched local clothing distribution companies that I could partner with and found Our Future Reuse, a husband-and-wife-managed organization that shared my values of protecting the environment. After reaching out, they graciously partnered with me to provide a bin to collect the clothes and agreed to pay me per pound for the amount I collected.

Next, I needed a location to hold the drive. I wanted to attract adults, but also kids who were constantly growing out of their clothes, and my high school and middle school were the perfect places. I approached my principal to discuss the idea. Since forming a drive was new to me, I had to start from the ground up. My principal was happy to host my drive, but I needed to move quickly as time was ticking. After several meetings, we finalized a bin location and set the duration of the drive.

With the drive just weeks away, I needed to spread the word. I made posters to hang up around the school and town and wrote announcements to be shared in the mornings. I initially planned for the drive to last two weeks, but a snowstorm closed school for three days, delaying confirmation of the bin’s placement. Luckily, we were able to get it there on Friday, and I hung up the posters immediately after school.

Impact

Although my project lasted just over a week, with the help of the student council, we got the word out. By the end, we collected 122 pounds of clothes, which equaled $12.20. I decided to donate the funds to The Climate Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to researching and implementing projects to help reverse climate change. In addition to the money raised from the drive, Our Future Reuse generously donated an additional $50 to support my cause and the Foundation.

With the support of Our Future Reuse, my school, and the many people from CLF who guided me along the way, I was able to take one small step toward fighting the climate crisis and making a difference. I am especially grateful for Our Future Reuse, as I plan to partner with them again for my senior fellowship project to implement permanent clothing bins throughout my town and raise awareness about climate issues and community action.

Personal Reflection

As I reflect on my early Climate Leaders Fellowship meetings, where we discussed the steps to forming a drive, I remember feeling inspired by the students and facilitators who shared their experiences and goals. One girl, in particular, stood out to me—she aimed to protect crabs in her city that were endangered due to climate change. She planned to invite community members to clean the waters and make them safer for the crabs. Her focus on community engagement resonated with me and inspired me to take action in my own small town.

As the weeks went on, I learned from the weekly meetings, built connections, and developed my project. CLF empowered me, knowing that hundreds of other students my age were also working toward climate solutions. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities the fellowship has provided. It has allowed me to create a project that I am passionate about—one that will continue to grow as I take another step toward addressing climate change.

Tips for Others

• Take Action: To create this project, I had to reach out to a lot of people, taking chances that they might reject my ideas and plans. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have had the results and opportunities I have now. Stepping outside your comfort zone is difficult, but it creates amazing possibilities.
• Be Persistent: If you have an idea, stick with it. Push beyond what you believe you can do and think outside the box. Being persistent with your goals and ideas will take you where you want to go. I found that many people didn’t fully understand the urgency of climate action and questioned my vision, but I stayed persistent and created a positive impact.
• You Got This! If you are passionate about your project, don’t let anything stop you. Along the way, you’ll learn from others, grow as a person, and develop the best version of your project. Believe in yourself, strive for the best, and trust that your work will make a difference.

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Bringing the seeds of awareness to local communities: how one garden can create thousands

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My name is Alice Bussler. I am a 16-year-old sophomore living in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. My interests include microbiology, painting, crafts, and lacrosse.

Project Background & Overview

Pittsburgh is known as The Steel City. This is a city whose air is recovering from severe contamination from industrial sources, like coal plants. Air quality is a major concern of mine, especially after the horrible bout of air quality that the city faced in the summer of 2024. However, as a high school student, opportunities to help the air are limited.

As a young child, I developed a severe case of asthma that seemed to have come from nowhere. It cleared up several years later, but it gave me awareness of how scary and uncomfortable it is to feel that restraint on breathing. Today, I have several friends with asthma, and one of those friends has a very severe case that gets exacerbated when the Air Quality Index (AQI) goes above 60. Knowing that people around me have a lower quality of life and enjoyment due to the air is incredibly saddening. I want to make a difference in not only my community but also have an impact for those across the nation.

Project Execution

One day in August, I was walking up our family’s driveway and stopped to really appreciate the marigolds adorning the sides of our house. Remembering how my mother taught me to remove the seeds and dry them out for use in the next year, I immediately had an idea. I rushed up to my room and began to research the effects that flowers had on preventing climate change. The results that came up were quite affirming to the project brewing in my head—deterring deer from eating beneficial plants, providing sustenance for pollinators, and helping to clean up the air.

The following weeks consisted of me spending hours outside picking marigold bulbs and pinching the seeds out. The empty bulbs would be returned to the soil, but the seeds would be tossed in empty yogurt containers to dry out. This process repeated several times a week from late August to early December, when the marigolds had succumbed to the cold temperatures.

During the period of seed collecting, on the days that it was raining or the marigolds were not yet ready for picking, I would prepare seed packets. I handmade every sticker for the packets, as I knew they needed to be labeled. Then, the stickers would be stuck to a packet made of recycled paper—paper I took down from expired flyers or year-old homework assignments.

Not only was I “reusing” the flowers from a garden, but I was also finding other uses for paper, avoiding excess waste. By early December, I reached out to several local organizations focused on seeds. Eventually, I heard a response from a local organization that my family purchases tomato seeds from every year: Grow Pittsburgh. Grow Pittsburgh works to educate the community about gardening, and I knew they would be perfect, as they also distribute and sell seeds to gardeners. In my initial email, I asked if they would take 1,000+ marigold seed packets, to which they said yes. We set up a time for delivery in January, and all that was left was to finish packing the seeds.

Impact

A month and a half later, I had packaged over 2,900 seeds and was ready to deliver them to be utilized by Grow Pittsburgh. Not only were the seeds beneficial, but I was also able to reuse over 725 sheets of already-used paper. This project allowed me to support my city’s community by providing new opportunities with respect to gardening.

Personal Reflection

Throughout this whole experience, I’m the most proud of how I handled communications with Grow Pittsburgh and other organizations in the area. Finally, I want to give a massive thank you to Grow Pittsburgh for their support and help with my project. If interested, their link is attached here.

As a three-time fellowship participant, I would be more than happy to help other fellows or climate-conscious students develop and implement projects in their communities. To reach out, feel free to email me at a.e.bussler@icloud.com.

Tips for Others

• Always reach out to any and all organizations that interest you—there is absolutely nothing to lose.
• Utilize friends, family, and other connections to help a project gain traction.
• Find local community gardens—they are always happy to provide support and extra connections.
• Look for other ways to implement climate-saving actions into a base plan.
• Take advantage of local issues to guide your seed or plant choice.

Thank you so much for reading my story. I hope that it has inspired you to take action to help the climate or has inspired a project for you. Nevertheless, thank you once again for reading, and good luck!

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Elizabeth Chaison

The Art of Sustainability: Redefining Recycling in the Art Classroom

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My name is Elizabeth Chaison. Currently, I’m 16 and in my junior year at a high school in Leander, Texas. I’ve been interested in the environment and sustainability for an extremely long time, but when I joined the Climate Leaders Fellowship in the spring of my sophomore year, it finally felt like I had the support and opportunity to take action towards something I was really passionate about.

Project Overview & Execution

When I first joined the Climate Leaders Fellowship, it took me an almost embarrassingly long time to finally decide on what project I would actually plan and execute. I had some ideas, but nothing really clicked. Realizing that I would need to decide on something, I began my project research with a questionnaire to collect information on what the biggest barriers to recycling in my community were and to gauge the general perspective of my community towards sustainability. The results were both enlightening and frustrating. I became aware that many people within my community had a desire to recycle and realized that our local community has many faults when it comes to sustainability, but they didn’t have the resources or knowledge to take any action towards such ideals.

It was at that point that I knew what my project would be. I first identified my target audience, realizing that in order to make recycling and sustainability accessible in my community, I had to start at the beginning and ensure that elementary students in my school district, especially those in areas without easy access to recycling centers and that have an interest in sustainability, were being educated in easy ways to start recycling.

During my project, I created lesson plans for elementary school art programs that use infrequently recycled materials to create arts and crafts pieces. When I was younger, such art programs tremendously impacted the way I interacted with the world, and I still consider myself to be passionate about art in much the same way that I am passionate about the environment, so they seemed like a great place to direct my efforts. In the lesson plans, I included materials to first teach students how to identify plastic and Styrofoam waste products, such as product packaging, egg cartons, and plastic grocery bags. While it may seem specific, I found that these forms of waste were the most difficult to recycle properly and had a significant impact on the local environment.

After teaching students to identify these products, the lesson plans guide students through three easy projects, one featuring a way to turn Styrofoam into reusable stamps, one describing a way to turn plastic grocery bags into an upcycled wallet, and another showing students how to make their own sustainable watercolor paints inside a Styrofoam egg carton. At the end of each lesson, I included a section with information and statistics for instructors to share that outline the impact even simple methods of recycling, like upcycled art, have on the environment.

With access to my lesson plans, I hoped that classroom art programs would be encouraged to incorporate more sustainable lessons into their curriculum and that students would be more mindful of the ways they can recycle these products in a traditional fashion or through simple art projects at home. Starting from an educational approach, I also hope that my project will continue to limit the amount of Styrofoam and plastic waste that is improperly recycled, limit the amount of such waste that will end up in the environment or in landfills, and help limit the amount of pollution that contributes to climate change.

Project Impact

I was able to lead three groups of public education and homeschool students through the lesson plans that I created, personally reaching 15 students. I also made the lesson plans accessible to 25 elementary school art teachers in my school district of over 47,000 students and provided them with information on how to best incorporate the lessons into their classrooms over the summer and going into the next school year.

While personally working with students, many told me that the projects managed to incorporate really helpful information about recycling while still remaining fun and engaging. Teachers I worked with also stated that my project touched on concepts in sustainability that they hadn’t thought of before and that they were inspired to do more research into the ways different materials can be recycled. Ms. Meyers, an elementary school art teacher, even stated in an email that she “loved creating ownership in recycling” through these projects.

In the future, my project’s lesson plans will continue to be used in elementary school art classrooms to teach students about sustainable recycling and get them interested in combating climate change, and I will continue expanding the variety of lesson plans available. I hope to find a way to publish the lesson plans I have created online for free use so they are accessible by parents, teachers outside of my district, and individuals alike.

Reflection

Throughout this process, I gained a lot of confidence in my ability to communicate effectively with others to share my passions and ideas. Nearly everyone I reached out to about incorporating my lesson plans into their classrooms responded very positively and was extremely supportive. It was inspiring to see how many people share similar passions to myself in terms of wanting to limit the impacts of climate change.

I also learned that I really enjoy having the opportunity to share my knowledge about sustainability with others. Usually, when I make plans to work on projects, I take into account the fact that I am a rather introverted person and often find it challenging to put myself in very public positions of leadership. However, practicing teaching others during my project, I realized how comfortable I was working with a variety of people when I found a way to get others interested in a topic I am truly passionate about, reshaping my idea of the impact I can have as just one person trying to create positive change. Often, the only thing standing between one person and creating change is having the courage to reach out to those around them to share their goals.

I firmly believe that the success of my project would not have been possible without the support I received through participation in the Climate Leaders Fellowship. At each session, I was able to interact and create relationships with people who have a similar passion for the environment to me, and it was genuinely inspiring to see so many of my peers exemplify how one person can make a difference in their community. My fellow cohort members and I constantly gave each other encouragement and feedback as we all worked towards improving and executing our projects, something I found vital throughout the process. Even though we all approached our projects in different ways and came from a variety of backgrounds, we were able to form a unique type of connection that really showed me the importance of programs, like the Climate Leaders Fellowship, that facilitate this type of collaboration.

Advice for Others

Constantly be aware of ways to improve your community. Whether you are just starting out with a project, at a roadblock in the middle, or looking to the future, staying mindful of ways to improve sustainability within your community is a great way to gain inspiration.

Relying on others for support is integral at every stage of planning a project. While researching my project, I sought the help of others to gain a larger perspective of my community, and, during the execution of my project, the help and encouragement of others lightened workloads and made my project possible. Participating in the Climate Leaders Fellowship was one of the biggest ways I was able to receive this support at every stage of my project!

When trying to incite change, the most important thing you can do is start. There were many moments during my project that I worried it would not pan out or that I was focusing on an issue that was too small to be important. Sometimes, you just have to decide that the possibility of your project making an impact is too important to be sacrificed by indecision.

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Combatting Climate Change and Food Insecurity in New York City

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My name is Ella Charen, and I worked with two other fellows, August Miller and Keira Chen, to complete our project. I live in Manhattan in New York City. I am 15 and enjoy playing the saxophone, hanging out with friends, and spending time in nature.

Project Background & Overview

Our group decided to address an ever-growing problem in our community: many New Yorkers do not have access to enough food. According to City Harvest, the organization we worked with to collect food and distribute it around New York City, 1.3 million New Yorkers and 1 in 4 children living in New York are facing food insecurity. This problem directly relates to climate change as well. With variability in temperatures, healthy food like vegetables and fruits are harder to come by and much more expensive.

We felt that by collecting healthy, nutritional food, we could help fight the impact climate change has had on New York City while also helping to combat food insecurity.

Project Execution

Our group created a two-week-long drive at our school in which we collected non-perishable foods to give to City Harvest, which would then help distribute the food throughout the city.

Actions Taken to Address the Problem

• Put up colorful posters around the school to spread awareness.
• Spoke at grade meetings and assemblies to educate students about climate change, food insecurity, and how they could help.
• Engaged middle and upper school students to encourage participation.
• Encouraged individuals to contribute, with some students donating large amounts—one student alone brought in over 100 pounds of food!

Implementation & Target Audience

Our primary target audience was students and staff at our school. To engage them, we made sure to raise awareness in a way that was both informative and inspiring. By making participation easy and explaining how food insecurity is linked to climate change, we were able to get strong engagement.

Impact

• Collected 586 pounds of food for donation.
• Worked with City Harvest, which picked up the food and distributed it to New Yorkers in need.
• Successfully engaged our school community in a direct and meaningful action to address food insecurity.

By working with a well-known organization like City Harvest, we were able to increase the credibility of our project and make a larger impact. Without their help, it would have been difficult to get people to donate and almost impossible to distribute the food to the areas of the city that needed it most.

Personal Reflection

Participating in the Climate Leaders Fellowship was incredibly inspirational and helpful. It gave me an opportunity to take action, make a plan, and implement it—something that wouldn’t have happened without the support of other fellows and student leaders. I was excited to meet people from around the world who had similar interests and wanted to help fight climate change. I always left the meetings feeling hopeful because of the amazing people I had met that day.

I am most proud of the way our group was able to bring together our school community to tangibly help other people around the city! It is sometimes difficult to implement a plan at a large institution like a school because there can be pushback from leadership. However, it is essential that even when you face challenges, you keep working toward your goal. Helping your community in any way you can is extremely important, and the feeling of making a difference is truly rewarding.

Get Involved

For more information on food insecurity in NYC or to find ways to help, visit the City Harvest website. It contains important statistics about hunger in NYC and offers many ways for individuals to get involved!

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Alan Chen

San Francisco High School Teen Fundraises $500 for local donation center

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Hi everyone! I’m Alan Chen, a 15-year-old high school sophomore in San Francisco, California. I enjoy spending time at the beach, playing volleyball with my friends, and trying new food spots in the city!

Project Execution & Impact

In San Francisco, we experience extreme cold weather that disproportionately affects the population, especially low-income communities in which 10% of San Francisco residents suffer from financial restraints. I believe everyone should have the right to live comfortably, especially in the freezing winter.

So, I partnered with my school’s Climate Leaders Fellowship Chapter in partnership with an Ecology Club to fundraise $500+ through two bake sale events selling banana bread, brownies, sponge cake, etc. The funds earned us 50+ warm, high-quality sweaters at Costco, which we donated to North Beach Citizens. The center will use our donated materials to allocate them to those in need, helping them stay warm and cozy in the harsh winter.

Personal Reflection

As a student facilitator, I worked with fellows to guide them toward success, where I heard about various amazing projects that inspired me to be creative with my own project. We would often share our struggles and successes, creating a safe environment where people could honestly share their progress, reminding everyone that we are all on our own path to success. Being involved with such a warm community, I feel motivated to push past any barriers in my project and not feel behind when I face obstacles! Creating a positive impact in my community has never been easier with the support of CLF!

Tips for Others

• Please ask questions during Zoom meetings and seek advice from your peers and student facilitators—they can offer guidance and help brainstorm creative ideas with you. You can also communicate with the team through Discord or email.
• If possible, working with a group of people in your community and partnering with organizations can help you attract more of your target audience, offer logistical support (location and supplies), and amplify your impact further.
• Outreaching for partnerships is quite difficult. A rejection is just redirection—please don’t give up. You can reach out to more local or youth organizations as they are more open to helping.
• Take advantage of people around you to partake in your project—it can be friends, family, teachers, mentors, coaches, etc.
• Reach out to your school to help spread the word about your project through Instagram or the school announcements.

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Jacob Chow

Stepping Up for Sustainability: How a Clothing Drive Became a Climate Action Initiative

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When I joined the Climate Leaders Fellowship through Rustic Pathways and the Stanford Deliberative Democracy Lab, I knew I wanted to tackle an issue that combined sustainability, community engagement, and practical impact. Living in the San Gabriel Valley, I’ve seen firsthand how waste, particularly from fast fashion and discarded goods, contributes to environmental degradation. At the same time, many families in underprivileged communities struggle to afford basic necessities like clothing. I saw an opportunity to bridge these gaps through a donation drive focused on redistributing gently used clothing.

Identifying the Problem

The issue of textile waste is staggering: the EPA estimates that over 11 million tons of textiles end up in U.S. landfills each year. Many discarded clothes are still in good condition and could serve those in need. The fast fashion industry fuels excessive consumption, and without sustainable disposal methods, this waste continues to pile up.

Beyond the environmental impact, the lack of access to quality clothing affects daily life, job opportunities, and personal dignity, particularly for low-income communities. A single donation can provide warmth, confidence, and security to someone in need.

The Project in Action

With a team of international peers in the Climate Leaders Fellowship, I led a clothing drive that ultimately collected 407+ pounds of donations and roughly 1,000 pieces of clothing, which were distributed to the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army is a global nonprofit organization that provides essential resources such as shelter, food, disaster relief, and rehabilitation services to individuals and families in need. By partnering with them, we ensured that our donations reached people facing economic hardship, offering them practical assistance while also reducing textile waste.

While I’m writing this article, I didn’t do this project alone. Kai Tanaka and Jada Ly played key roles in organizing and executing the clothing drive, but they preferred not to be featured, so I’m sharing our story on behalf of the team. Together, we:

• Coordinated outreach efforts to spread awareness about textile waste and the importance of donation.
• Partnered with schools and local businesses to set up drop-off locations and encourage community participation.
• Managed logistics for sorting, inventory tracking, and transportation of donations.
• Engaged volunteers in understanding the environmental impact of clothing waste, inspiring long-term behavioral change.

Impact and Reflection

Through this initiative, we mitigated textile waste while directly assisting families in need. Rather than ending up in landfills, over 407 lbs of clothes and 1,000 clothing items found new homes, promoting both sustainability and social responsibility.

The experience reinforced my belief in grassroots environmental action. Large-scale change begins with local efforts, and small, community-driven projects can drive real impact. The Climate Leaders Fellowship empowered me to turn awareness into action, and I hope to continue developing initiatives that merge environmental consciousness with social good.

Advice for Future Climate Leaders

• Start with a clear purpose. Understanding both the environmental and social aspects of your project will make it more impactful.
• Engage your community. Schools, businesses, and local organizations are often eager to support a meaningful cause.
• Make logistics a priority. Plan out collection, sorting, and transportation ahead of time to ensure efficiency.
• Educate along the way. Raising awareness about sustainability will create lasting change beyond a single event.
• Don’t be afraid to lead. Taking initiative can feel overwhelming, but every step makes a difference.

Looking Ahead

This project was just the beginning. I plan to continue working on sustainability-focused initiatives, whether through engineering solutions or further community-driven projects. The Climate Leaders Fellowship has given me the tools to take action, inspire others, and be part of the movement toward a more sustainable future.

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Jacob Darringer

Q&A: Using Hydroponics to Alleviate Food Insecurity and Environmental Degradation

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My name is Jacob Darringer. I’m 18 years old and currently live in New York City. I’m passionate about climate change advocacy, alternative farming techniques, and health and wellness. I also enjoy outdoor activities and playing chess.

Project Background & Overview

What specific problem were you addressing in your community?

With my project, I aimed to bridge the knowledge gap of sustainability and environmentally conscious practices in producing healthy produce through sustainable farming techniques like hydroponics.

Why does that problem matter to you personally?

As a child, the pond where I grew up became filled with toxic algae due to the excess use of fertilizers in the surrounding community. Seeing first-hand the detrimental impact humans have on our environment fueled my interest in learning how to prevent the further destruction of our planet. My passion for this work and love of science led me to attend the Island School in Eleuthera, Bahamas, for six weeks last summer, where I had the opportunity to learn about and address events of environmental degradation.

Project Execution

What did you do for your project?

During 11th grade, I engaged in an independent study, where I researched and built a functioning hydroponic system out of recycled materials. This process involved extensive independent research and numerous experiments to optimize plant growth. After much trial and error, I was finally able to grow mature plants in the system. I also shared my experience at a TEDx event relating to urbanism and sustainability and created OperationHydroponicsForKids.com, a website and curriculum for middle school students focused on sustainability.

Impact

What types of contributions (materials, funds, volunteer hours) did you collect?

My project didn’t require extensive funds, but I spent many hours a week for months on various aspects of my sustainability projects.

What were the results?

My website had traffic from 12 different countries, my TEDx video was posted on the official TED YouTube channel, and my curriculum was taught to a class of 18 middle school students.

Which organizations or mentors did you work with?

I worked with a faculty advisor, Ms. Laura Monti, and Teacher Modic-Doyle, and Mr. Milton-Sipp. I shared my website on Wix.

Personal Reflection

Did you receive any help or inspiration from other members of your Climate Leaders Fellowship cohort?

Yes, the cohort provided advice on attracting traffic to my website, connecting with students, and adapting complex material for middle school audiences.

What are you most proud of regarding your project?

I am most proud of my ability to engage in hands-on learning with my audience and overcoming obstacles in making my curriculum a reality.

Tips for Others

What are your top tips for someone else who wants to do a project like yours?

• Find an issue you are passionate about.
• Find a faculty advisor you can work with easily.
• Be proactive in voicing/sharing your project.
• Utilize various modes to communicate your project.
• View setbacks as opportunities to learn rather than defeat.

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Young Teen Activist in California raises awareness to Climate Change.

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Hello! My name is Ella Dattamajumdar. I’m 15 years old, and I’m from the San Francisco Bay Area. I am passionate about making a positive change to the environment. In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, listening to music, and finding new restaurants to eat at.

Project Background & Overview

What specific problem were you addressing in your community?

There were two problems I wanted to address. Firstly, I noticed that there were not many good sustainable product options. I wanted to help other students learn about ways to create a more sustainable environment by using environmentally safe products. Secondly, climate change is not often taught to young students in schools. Educating younger generations is crucial to addressing the climate crisis, as they are the future leaders and changemakers who will carry forward sustainable practices. I shaped my project by addressing these two specific problems through an education program for young elementary school kids on climate change.

Project Execution

My goal was to teach elementary school kids about climate change and how they can help improve the environment. I collaborated with various elementary schools in my area to teach students using fun activities and incentives. My target audience was young students from grades K-5, so I tailored the program to include simple and fun activities, such as planting, and provided them with engaging deliverables to encourage excitement about helping the environment.

Impact

• Over 100 kids participated in the program.
• Created around 300 biodegradable product kits.
• Students expressed interest in volunteering and helping with making plant starter kits.
• Partnered with the nonprofit organization Garden to Table to collect resources.
• Collaborated with various schools and after-school programs, such as Sunset Ridge and Esperanza Elementary, which provided opportunities to share the program with students.
• Currently working on expanding the program to other local schools and organizations.

Personal Reflection

Participating in the Climate Leaders Fellowship helped me connect with peers from around the world who are also incredibly passionate about helping the environment. These peers provided advice and ideas on how I could improve and expand my project. The fellowship gave me a platform to help reduce our carbon footprint, build long-lasting friendships, create an impact on the environment, and give back to my community.

Tips for Others

• Partner with local organizations: They can help you obtain the resources needed to develop your project.
• Engage with school clubs: These clubs can help spread the word about your project.
• Never give up: It may seem difficult at first, but persistence leads to success.
• Ask for help: Don’t hesitate to seek advice from facilitators, peers, or adults. Their guidance can greatly improve your project.

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Olivia Decastro

Warmth in Action: Winter Clothing Drive for Homeless Communities

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Hello! My name is Olivia Decastro. I’m 15 years old and live in Nashville, Tennessee. I’m passionate about climate activism, literature, and the arts. Recently, I launched a project through the Climate Leaders Fellowship to support individuals experiencing homelessness. In the following article, I will share the details of my project, how I brought it to life, and the positive impact it has had on my community.

Project Background & Overview

The particular issue I was tackling in my community was the increase in homelessness in Nashville and how individuals experiencing homelessness are affected by the severe weather shifts driven by climate change.

In 2022, Nashville passed a bill that prohibits the homeless from camping on or near a roadway and on public property such as parks. The protection of tents often prevents the homeless from contracting hypothermia and other climate-induced sicknesses; however, since this bill was passed, more camps have been shut down, and more people have found themselves vulnerable to extreme weather during the winter months. In 2021, Open Table Nashville recorded nearly 200 deaths among the city’s homeless. Most of these deaths were likely related to weather extremes. This was the main reason for my pursuit to provide the homeless with warm clothes in the winter.

Project Execution

For my project, I organized and led a winter clothing drive at my high school to address the pressing issue of homelessness and its connection to the climate crisis. I launched this initiative with the support of several faculty members at my private school.

To begin, I reached out to the Dean of Students and the Head of Service, as I knew they oversaw school-wide announcements and drives. I also met with the Head of Service, where we worked together to establish the timing and duration of the drive, as well as identify key supporters.

With the plan in place, I moved forward with execution. I created posters, sent out emails, set up collection bins around campus, and made announcements to keep the drive visible. I believe that utilizing multiple channels of communication—especially targeting both students and faculty—was instrumental in ensuring the success of the drive.

Impact

I collected 350 items of clothing and 11 service hours during this drive. Through this initiative, I realized that many people were exposed to an issue they may not have previously considered. It also provided my school with the chance to unite for a meaningful cause. With the 350 clothing items, we were able to provide enough support for about 10 families to stay warm this winter.

To make this possible, I partnered with the Homeless Education Resource Outreach Program (HERO) for Metro Schools, which serves over 4,000 students facing unstable housing in Davidson County.

Additionally, I worked closely with the Head of Service for both the middle and high schools at my school. Their collaboration with the administration was essential for the success of the drive, as they helped secure bins, send out emails, and rally support from the school community.

Personal Reflection

The other members of my Climate Leaders Fellowship cohort were always incredibly supportive and created a welcoming environment for everyone. I was truly inspired by many of their ideas, which played a key role in shaping my own project. Despite the virtual division in our interactions, I always felt a strong sense of connection with the other passionate teen fellows. It was comforting to know that I wasn’t alone in working toward a better future.

Reflecting on my project, I’m most proud of my independence and the way I executed it. I took on most of the logistical work myself, although I was fortunate to have support from my school and family. While it was challenging, overcoming those obstacles made the result even more meaningful. At the start of the fellowship, I wasn’t sure I could run a drive on my own, but with the encouragement and backing of my peers and mentors, I was able to do it!

Tips for Others

• Join CLF! This is a super fun and unique experience. They provide amazing support and will help you along the way with your project.
• Don’t stress out too much over your project! At the end of the day, everyone in the cohort will have done something to help us toward a greener future, and that is all that matters.
• Take your time to gather your ideas and use your resources valuably!
• If you are considering doing CLF, make sure you are aware of your school’s policies for drives and other service projects, as well as who to contact. I know a lot of people got stuck with this because their schools required a very long process to approve projects.
• Have fun and don’t be afraid to make friends with other Fellows!

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Jacob Yu & James Lee

EcoAction NJ: Empowering Local Communities to Fight Climate Change

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We are Jacob and James, two 16-year-old students dedicated to creating change in Bergen County, New Jersey. Bergen County has a very green environment, from its deciduous forests to its wetlands. Seeing the increasing effects of climate change in our local towns—from rising flooding risks to hotter summers—motivated us to take action. We founded EcoAction NJ to educate our community and encourage simple but impactful steps toward sustainability.

Project Background & Overview

Why did we start this project?

We wanted to help people take the first step in fighting the impending crisis of climate change. Making that first step can be the deciding factor in creating a greener community.

Project Execution

How did we take action?

We launched EcoAction NJ to educate local communities and organize hands-on cleanups. We hosted a youth cleanup event at our local church, The Serving Life Church, where we also discussed general information about climate change. Additionally, we heavily utilized Instagram to spread awareness. Through Instagram, we were able to create a foundation where our followers could easily learn more about our mission.

Impact

Our initiative resulted in over 110 volunteer hours given throughout different events hosted by EcoAction NJ. Through our efforts, we saw an increase in local awareness about climate change, with many participants making more efforts to reduce waste and embrace sustainability.

Personal Reflection

How did the Climate Leaders Fellowship impact us?

Being part of the Climate Leaders Fellowship was very inspiring for us. As regular high school students from Jersey, connecting with people from all over the world who share the same passion was such a unique and new experience. Through CLF, its mentorship, and the student facilitators, we were able to receive the help needed to craft our initiative and make a noticeable difference in our community.

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Jasmina Fayzieva

How a teens website will help 23,000 people find food resources

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Hi! My name is Jasmina, I’m 18 years old and live in Albany. My interests are website development, data analytics, watching YouTube, and volunteering. With these interests combined, I’ve wanted to combat an issue that deeply impacts people.

Project Background & Overview

The city of Albany has a population of 101,228 people, and about 23.3% of these people are living under the poverty line. Food is expensive, and it’s hard to feed a family, let alone yourself if you don’t have a physical address or a job to apply for government food benefits. Around 20% of food gets thrown away because it gets old and is deemed undesirable.

Poverty has personally affected members of my family, and this is something I want to combat. It’s disheartening to see potentially good food sit on the shelf instead of being given to people in need. I made this website because I wanted to ease people from hunger and give them enough hope to thrive in life.

Project Execution

For my project, I did research on the homeless population, the people I am primarily trying to help. To ensure valid and fair research, I went to different parts of Albany (uptown and downtown) and spoke to unhoused people on the streets to ensure my website would help as many people as possible. Many people mentioned how hard it is to find a reliable food pantry. They were worried about going to a fake food distribution site, had difficulty tracking their visits (people are usually permitted to visit food pantries only once per month), and even struggled to find a place to store their food. One woman told me how, without a home to store food from the pantries, soup kitchens were more convenient to just grab a meal and travel back and forth.

To combat the issue, I networked with my computer science major friends. We were having a discussion, and I recommended that our team use Wix because of its user-friendly interface and versatile free plan. Initially, we used the Nocodemap app to embed the map on our site, but soon we were hit with the $25 per month trial, and we realized it was better to embed Google Maps through CMS on Wix. We spent a couple of weeks making the website accessible and as helpful as possible.

Impact

This hard work resulted in 49 food aid locations on my website, government benefit calculators, and donation links. As we continue working on coding the map, we have ambitions to expand locations to three major cities in the near future. This website is under expansion and currently can help 23,000 people who need it. It will also be able to reduce around 10% of food waste in Albany, as in the U.S., about 30-40% of food ends up wasted.

Personal Reflection

I received inspiration from another project where a cohort member donated 500 socks through donations. I thought about how there are so many resources, but they are typically discarded, create pollution, and are not given to people who need them. I was also amazed by how she did this through networking and collaboration! This inspired me to reach out to my friends to create my website, reduce food waste, and connect resources to people who need them.

Being part of the Climate Leaders Fellowship for the second year made me feel empowered because there is so much the youth can do, and speaking about my ideas to mentors helped guide my project to where it is today. I’ve received so much practical advice, like interviewing users in low-income areas to create the website template.

Tips for Others

• The biggest struggle is getting started, but the biggest win is gaining momentum.
• Even if it feels difficult and you feel stuck, reach out to others for help, search deeply for tutorials, and keep the momentum.
• Consistency and adaptability yield the best rewards.

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Lena Fleschner

Periods Matter: How Period Poverty and Climate Change Are Connected

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My name is Lena, and I’m a junior at a high school in Maryland. I am a passionate environmental advocate and community builder. As the President and Founder of my high school’s Interact Club, I enjoy bringing people together to work toward a common goal for a good cause. I also play field hockey and lacrosse and believe in the importance of making opportunities more equitable for everyone.

Project Background & Overview

With my project, I wanted to highlight the connection between period poverty—the lack of access to sanitary products, hygiene education, and toilets/washing facilities—and climate change.

Climate change disproportionately affects low-income communities, people of color, immigrants, and rural residents. One overlooked impact is the struggle for women and girls in poverty to access menstrual hygiene products. For many, these products are a luxury they can’t afford, leading to period poverty. This issue impacts health, mental well-being, and dignity, as women are often forced to use unsafe substitutes, increasing their risk of infections. Globally, there is a lack of support and resources for girls, women, and people who menstruate to manage their periods. This impact on women and teens is often forgotten when discussing natural disasters, climate change, and poverty.

The Reality of Period Poverty

• More than 2 billion people menstruate monthly (UNWomen.org).
• About 500 million experience period poverty (World Bank).
• 1 in 4 U.S. teens have struggled to afford menstrual products (State of the Period 2023).
• 1 in 4 teens miss class due to lack of access (Harvard Public Health).
• 61% of U.S. teens have worn the same product for over 4 hours due to scarcity.
• Menstrual products are taxed in 20 U.S. states, yet they are not covered by food stamps, health insurance, or Medicaid.

The issue of period poverty matters deeply to me because menstrual products should be recognized as basic material needs, not luxury items.

Project Execution

For my project, “Periods Matter,” I:

• Created an Instagram account (@Periods.Matter) to raise awareness.
• Designed a project logo.
• Promoted the initiative through social media and emails.
• Reached out to neighborhood listservs and friends.
• Collected monetary donations via GoFundMe instead of physical product donations to maximize impact through bulk purchasing.

The funds raised were used to purchase menstrual products for the Greater DC Diaper Bank, specifically for their program “The Monthly,” which distributes hygiene products to women and teens in need. Working with the Greater DC Diaper Bank allowed my project to have a greater impact than if I had distributed products independently. Their established infrastructure ensured efficient distribution, and their guidance helped me understand community needs better.

Through fundraising and bulk purchasing, I was able to donate a total of 2,880 menstrual hygiene products.

Personal Reflection

Through the Climate Leaders Fellowship, I learned that it takes very little to make a big difference. Many people see an issue they want to act upon but feel the problem is too big to handle. As a result, they do nothing. The problem with that mindset is that if everyone thinks this way, nothing will ever change.

Tips for Others

• Start Small but Think Big – Every action counts, and small efforts can scale over time.
• Leverage Social Media – Use platforms like Instagram to spread awareness and engage your audience.
• Partner with Established Organizations – Work with groups like the Greater DC Diaper Bank to ensure effective distribution.
• Listen to Your Beneficiaries – Contact organizations to understand what they need most.
• Reflect and Share Your Impact – Document your results and inspire others to take action.

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Climate 101: Opening Eyes to a Warming Planet

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Hi there! I’m Aavni H. Garg, a 14 (almost 15) year old living in a little town called Udupi along the coast of Karnataka, India. I’m an artist, an avid reader (from Victorian classics to science fiction, no book can deter me), and a passionate researcher of niche scientific and historical topics, especially anything related to space.

Project Background & Overview

The idea for this project first came to me while conducting a personal survey at my school. As I questioned students, and even teachers, about climate change and the growing pollution crisis, I realized that while many had a general idea of these issues, most were largely unaware of their true scale and urgency.

Students in grades 7 and above were moderately informed about pressing concerns like improper food waste disposal and microplastics (around 55% could explain why the latter was particularly alarming). However, I noticed that younger students, as well as non-teaching staff, were almost entirely unaware of these issues.

And so, I resolved to spread awareness, both within my school and beyond.

Project Execution

I noticed that most educational presentations and seminars intended to educate the students in our school about pressing global issues tended to be rather… boring. More often than not, students left the sessions no more informed than before. Donation drives and climate initiatives became synonymous with ‘boredom’.

In order to remedy this, I, in collaboration with my teachers, decided to organize several drives, events, and initiatives that were sure to capture the attention of my fellow students, their parents, and the school staff.

Most of these took place at school, while others were disguised as outings to make them more appealing. To further boost interest, we introduced a competitive element to our programs.

• House Competitions: We held special assemblies where house teams researched different aspects of climate change and performed skits or role plays about them.
• Beach Cleanup: Students first watched an educational skit, then participated in a large-scale cleanup effort along the beach.
• The Bazaar: A creative “marketplace” where house members showcased and sold functional and decorative art pieces made entirely from waste materials (old bottles, pots, plastic, paper, etc.).

Impact

• The beach cleanup (attended by grade 7 and above) resulted in the collection of approximately 25 kilograms of plastic waste.
• Our Bazaar raised nearly 40,000 Rupees (about 459 USD), which we donated to local orphanages and old-age homes, while reusing large amounts of plastic and other waste.

Most importantly, the project’s main goal was achieved: successfully spreading awareness.

Following these events, I conducted another round of questions with students and staff. I found that nearly everyone had contributed in some way and had developed a renewed interest in protecting the planet.

Even more excitingly, several students and parents reached out to share their own plans for drives and initiatives, both within and outside the school!

Personal Reflection

Climate change is a universal issue, connecting diverse cultures and regions. It’s something we all must work toward solving. Working with CLF was incredibly inspiring because I got to meet so many people who truly care about making a difference.

My favorite part of the project? Watching my schoolmates become genuinely excited about climate action (though if I’m being honest, my actual favorite part was walking along the beach, looking at crabs while picking up plastic).

I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity to learn more about the environment and share that knowledge with those around me.

Tips for Others

At first, I nearly overwhelmed myself, dreaming of city-wide food banks or government-funded tree-planting programs. I thought that to make an impact, my project had to be massive.

The truth? Even small initiatives matter.

While I may not have changed the world overnight, I’m confident that this project has started a chain reaction, inspiring further efforts to raise awareness and take action. And that, to me, is a success.

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Helping the Earth & Helping Others: A Community-Based Recycling Initiative

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Hi! My name is Tess Guralnick, and I’m a 10th grader from Los Angeles. I’m passionate about environmental sustainability and community impact. I love using creative solutions to tackle real-world problems and bring people together to make a difference.

Project Background & Overview

For my Climate Leaders Fellowship project, I wanted to address two major issues in my community: recycling waste and food insecurity.

Living in Los Angeles, I’ve noticed that while many people want to recycle, they often don’t have the time or knowledge to do it properly. At the same time, there are families in my community struggling to afford food, especially around the holidays. I wanted to find a simple yet effective way to connect these two problems and create a system that benefits both the environment and people in need.

That’s how I came up with the Materials Drive:

• I identified a retired couple in my community who were facing food insecurity and struggling to afford basic necessities.
• I created a system where households could set aside their recyclables—plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and glass containers instead of throwing them away.
• The couple would collect, sort, and recycle the materials in exchange for cash from recycling centers.
• The money they earned would go toward buying groceries, paying essential bills, and preparing meals.

This project allowed people to easily participate in helping both the environment and a family in need without requiring much effort on their part.

Project Execution

Flyer Distribution & Community Outreach

I designed and printed informational flyers explaining the project and how people could participate. I personally went door-to-door in my neighborhood and left flyers on people’s homes, introducing myself and the initiative. I also reached out to family, friends, and neighbors through social media and community message boards to encourage participation.

Connecting with Families in Need

I personally got in touch with a retired couple in my area who were struggling with food insecurity. I explained the project to them and made sure it was something they felt comfortable doing. They were excited and grateful for the opportunity, as it provided them with a sustainable way to earn money without relying solely on outside assistance.

Making Recycling Easy for Participants

I ensured the process was as simple as possible for households. If someone wanted to participate, I would contact them with clear instructions:

• They just had to set aside their recyclables in a designated spot.
• The couple would come by to pick them up on a scheduled day.

This hassle-free system made it easy and convenient for people to get involved.

Impact

Over the First Month

• 20 households participated by setting aside their recyclables.
• 300 plastic bottles, 200 aluminum cans, and 50 glass containers were collected.
• 85 pounds of waste were diverted from landfills and properly recycled.
• $150 was earned from recycling centers, which helped buy groceries, pay essential bills, and prepare meals.

This project not only helped the environment but also provided real financial relief to a family in need.

Future Goals & Expansion

Seeing the success of the project, I want to expand it further and help more families. My goals include:

• Increasing the number of participating households to collect more recyclables.
• Finding and supporting more families facing food insecurity who can benefit from this initiative.
• Partnering with local businesses or organizations to create a larger-scale impact.

By growing this initiative, I hope to engage more people in sustainability efforts while continuing to provide direct support to families in need.

Personal Reflection

Participating in the Climate Leaders Fellowship has been an eye-opening and rewarding experience. I’ve realized that small, simple actions can make a huge difference when people come together for a shared cause.

What I’m most proud of is seeing my community rally behind this initiative and watching the couple I worked with gain financial relief from something as simple as recycling. It reinforced my belief that leadership is about taking action, no matter how big or small.

Tips for Others

• Start small – Focus on a manageable project before expanding.
• Make it easy for people to participate – The simpler, the better!
• Use social media & flyers – Spread awareness and reach more people.
• Find a real need in your community – See what problems exist and how you can help.
• Be consistent – Keep following up and engaging with participants.
• Partner with local organizations – They can help scale the impact.
• Lead by example – If people see you taking action, they’ll be more likely to join in.

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Simran Kaur

Small Supplies, Big Impact: Collecting Used School Supplies To Donate to Those in Need

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Hello! My name is Simran Kaur, I live near Los Angeles, California, and I am a sophomore in high school. This was my second time in the Climate Leaders Fellowship, and I really enjoyed the experiences both times! In my free time, I enjoy playing piano and violin, doing origami, spending time with family and friends, and volunteering.

Project Background & Overview

I joined CLF in my freshman year, wanting to make a difference and meet like-minded people who want to inspire and bring a positive change in the world. Last cycle, I collected and donated 180 pairs of eyeglasses/sunglasses to Conejo Valley Lions Club, so that they could distribute them to those in need around the world. After such a successful drive and seeing the impact I could make, I knew that I didn’t want to stop there.

I founded a CLF Chapter at my high school so I could spread CLF’s mission with other students and encourage them to make a difference as well. While trying to identify issues to address, I realized that as students grow older, they have lots of unused school supplies, and many of them have new products from multi-packs that never get used. After researching this problem, I found out that around 1.6 billion disposable pens are thrown away each year. Additionally, Greenbinz estimates that 77% of school supplies get wasted.

After seeing these overwhelming statistics and experiencing the problem firsthand in my own home, I decided that I wanted to collect new or gently used supplies that eventually get thrown away. Since children of all ages use school supplies and I had prior experience organizing a collection drive, I organized this collection drive (as part of my CLF Club) at multiple schools in my school district. This time, not only were we able to reduce waste in our environment, we were also able to help children and schools impacted by the 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires.

Project Execution

I worked actively with my club to design flyers and put them up around campuses, make morning announcements, and send emails. Over the course of three weeks, students, teachers, and staff members from all participating schools donated their gently used or new school supplies.

By the end of the entire drive, we collected 84 pounds (7 large boxes) of supplies that were all in good condition. All of the supplies were donated to TOADS LA, an organization that distributed the supplies to children and schools impacted by the 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires.

Impact

I especially enjoyed this project because we were able to tackle climate change from multiple perspectives. Firstly, as children grow older, they don’t use as many school supplies, especially unused supplies from multi-packs. These supplies get wasted or thrown away, contributing to climate change. We reduced school supplies that go to landfills and encouraged sustainability by collecting and donating them to TOADS LA, which distributed them to students and schools impacted by the recent Los Angeles Wildfires.

Secondly, climate change is having a direct impact on the intensity and frequency of wildfires. Longer fire seasons, as well as warmer and drier weather, are all results of climate change. Thousands of children, families, and schools were impacted because of the Los Angeles wildfires. We were able to execute a meaningful project that helped those impacted by the wildfires as well as save our environment.

Personal Reflection

Looking Back

This was my second time organizing a project like this, and I feel incredibly fulfilled that I was able to help make an impact in so many people’s lives—both students at my school by making them a partner in this noble cause, as well as children impacted by the wildfires. Having another successful drive has inspired me to continue doing bigger projects in the future and take them to the next level so that we can work together to combat climate change and reduce its impacts.

Leading the CLF Club at my school and organizing this second collection drive taught invaluable leadership lessons I will take with me forever, such as effective communication, organizational skills, empathy, and leading by example. Another important lesson I learned is that it isn’t just about the impact I make in the community as an individual. What is more important is how many people I inspire to make a similar impact in their communities. The only way we can fight climate change at a much larger scale is if we all work together and continue to inspire more and more people to save our planet.

My hope is that this drive and the other projects I wish to undertake in the future will inspire my CLF Club’s members and others to make a difference in their own creative ways. That way, this project can expand and scale up to as many places as possible and make a ripple effect in a way I would never be able to do just on my own.

People Who Supported My Mission

For my project, I contacted multiple organizations and finally donated the supplies to TOADS LA, as their mission spoke out to me and they were helping those impacted by climate change in my local community.

There were many people involved in making this collection drive a success. Firstly, the Oak Park High School staff helped to make this drive possible and were very supportive throughout. The members of the Climate Leaders Fellowship Club at my school, which I am the president of, helped make this drive a success. They helped with advertising, contacting other schools in our school district, and sorting the collected supplies. TOADS LA helped us make our mission possible by providing the means to reach so many impacted people and make a difference in their lives through the supplies we collected.

I’d like to thank my parents for supporting me throughout. And finally, a huge sense of gratitude to all the students, teachers, parents, guardians, and staff who searched for supplies lying unused around in their homes and donated them to us.

Tips for Holding a Collection Drive

• Identify a relevant issue that you connect to. Implementing a project that solves an issue that is close to your heart is more fun and meaningful.
• Don’t think that you have to do it alone. Ask for support from different organizations such as CLF, clubs at your school, or other organizations that share the same vision as you. Working with a group can help you create bigger and more impactful projects.
• Spread Awareness and Inspire. It’s important to spread awareness of the issue you are trying to solve so people can take part and help make a difference. Inspiring others is the best way to create a big impact.
• Aim High. While it is important to be realistic, it is equally important to challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone. Even though it can be scary at first, it’s important to try your best so you can get the most out of this unique experience and grow as a person and leader. Keep trying and never give up!

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Empowering Change: How ClimateCrewPH is Driving Environmental Action in the Philippines

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In a world increasingly impacted by climate change, grassroots initiatives have the power to inspire meaningful action. As a student in the Philippines, I founded ClimateCrewPH to bridge the gap between awareness and action. What started as a small initiative in my tenth-grade year has grown into a movement that has collected over 200 kg of clothing donations and spearheaded environmental education projects over the past three years.

Project Background & Overview

Addressing the Need for Sustainable Action

The urgency of climate change is undeniable, yet many communities lack accessible opportunities to contribute to solutions. Two of the most pressing concerns I wanted to address were:

• Textile Waste and Sustainable Fashion: According to Business Insider, the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, and discarded clothing often ends up in landfills, contributing to environmental degradation.
• Reforestation and Climate Adaptation: According to LSE, deforestation contributes to 12% to 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet many people remain unaware of how reforestation efforts can help mitigate climate change.

These concerns drove me to take action through two key initiatives under ClimateCrewPH: Flora for the Future: Adapting Plants to a Changing Climate and Closet for a Cause: Clothing Drive for Change.

Project Execution

Mobilizing a Community for Action

To make these projects a reality, I focused on strategic planning, partnerships, and outreach. This included:

• Researching and securing partnerships with organizations that aligned with our goals.
• Organizing a structured recruitment process for volunteers.
• Conducting multiple planning meetings via Zoom and Google Meet.
• Developing promotional materials, application forms, and event resources.
• Engaging schools and community members through letters and direct communication.

For Flora for the Future, we hosted a seminar and tree-planting activity, educating participants on how plant life plays a crucial role in climate adaptation. The event included icebreakers, discussions, and hands-on tree planting to make learning interactive.

Meanwhile, Closet for a Cause focused on reducing textile waste by encouraging sustainable fashion practices and donation drives. Over three years, we collaborated with various organizations to collect and distribute over 200 kg of clothing to communities in need. The campaign involved social media outreach, donation bin placements, and door-to-door collections.

Impact

The impact of these initiatives was tangible:

• Increased community awareness on climate adaptation and sustainability.
• Engaged students and volunteers through interactive workshops and events.
• Secured meaningful partnerships with schools and environmental organizations.
• Provided clothing to communities in need while reducing textile waste.

Throughout the journey, mentorship and collaboration played a key role in amplifying our efforts. Partnering with various organizations allowed us to expand our reach, secure resources, and implement our projects effectively.

Personal Reflection

Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Changemakers

Being part of the Climate Leaders Fellowship provided guidance that strengthened my leadership and project management skills. One of the most fulfilling aspects of this experience was seeing people become more engaged in climate action and knowing that our efforts were making a real difference.

Tips for Others

• Have a clear vision and structured plan.
• Build a strong and committed team.
• Leverage social media for outreach and engagement.

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Shelley Ma

The Importance of Resources and Education to Promote Environmental Justice

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Hello! I’m Shelley Ma, a high school junior in Jersey City, New Jersey. I love animals, especially birds, and you can often find me on a birding trip in and around my city’s public parks. My interests lie within the intersection of ecology and computer science, and my dream is to utilize technology for the good of our environment.

Project Background & Overview

In a large metropolitan city wedged between two even larger metropolitan cities, I’ve consistently found litter lying around, not only in the streets, but in the beaches and parks too. Recycling—informed recycling—is something I’ve found that isn’t very widely known. While the city is enthusiastic about protecting our green spaces and keeping them clean, not many are aware of what and what can’t be recycled, leading to trash clogging the recycling bins and real recyclables being thrown into garbage cans.

This issue actively contributes to the growing landfill areas and pollution of my city’s natural spaces. The parks don’t have a great origin story—only recently were they recovered from the nuclear and radioactive waste that emanated from the ground deeper inside, and I don’t want to see them return to that sorry state, with no wildlife to boast.

Project Execution

My project was focused on raising awareness of environmental issues like these, as well as providing resources on recycling. Thus, I created a website called deltaearth.org; it’s a virtual “doomsday” museum that’s focused on providing credible and useful information on world issues, and is centered around environmental justice.

By stocking the website with interactive presentations, games, quizzes, surveys, and lesson plans for educators, the public will be able to learn about different world issues in an engaging and fun manner, and teachers can utilize this to easily share the information with their students.

I also created a slight extension to my project, focused solely on recycling. I created a flyer for my apartment building that links to a pre-existing website and application that has key recycling details, such as a search bar that allows anyone to easily know exactly what and how to recycle certain objects, along with nearby recycling plants and places that accept niche objects like electronics.

Additionally, I helped the Hudson Montessori school’s Eco Club put together a recycling board and game that both explains the recycling symbols, as well as allows students and parents to play the game and see how many recyclables they can match to the correct symbol.

Impact

While I’m unable to collect exact quantitative data, I’m certain that with the hundreds of residents at my apartment building and the hundreds of students and parents that passed by the Eco Club’s recycling board, many were able to benefit from the resources shown. I worked with my apartment building’s management and the Hudson Montessori School to make this happen, and they were able to help me spread the word and share critical information about environmental justice to their audience.

Personal Reflection

I greatly benefitted from the one-on-one facilitator calls, as they were able to steer me in the right direction and provide encouragement to continue onwards. I loved participating in the Climate Leaders Fellowship and believe that this program truly creates many opportunities for students to take action they otherwise may never have taken, and the community that comes with the program is remarkable.

Tips for Others

• I believe that you should pursue whatever project you want, even if at first it seems unrealistic.
• I didn’t understand how much nuance there was in recycling, but after some thorough research, I was able to gain enough knowledge to share it with others.
• If you don’t know something, then learn it, and you’ll be able to create a project that’s satisfying to see and creates an impact on your community.

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Harshil Mathur

Giving Old Clothes New Life: A Sustainable Clothing Drive for Impact

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My name is Harshil Mathur, a 15 year old student from Faridabad, India. I am a high school student passionate about climate action, environmental sustainability, and tech and financial literacy. I believe in creating tangible change through action-driven initiatives.

Project Background & Overview

I aimed to address the issue of clothing waste and the lack of warm clothing for underprivileged communities during winter. Discarding clothes significantly contributes to textile waste, while many people suffer due to a lack of adequate clothing during extreme winters in India. So, I aimed at solving both problems together.

This issue is personal to me because I have seen how underprivileged families in my area struggle during extreme weather conditions. At the same time, I noticed that many households discard clothes that could be reused. I wanted to bridge this gap by promoting sustainable clothing donation.

Project Execution

I organized a clothing donation drive in my community, encouraging residents to donate winter clothes and other reusable fabrics. I collected over 25 kilograms of used fabrics, including used clothes and sheets, for Saidham Foundation.

Actions Taken to Address the Problem

• Spread awareness about the project through WhatsApp groups and contacts.
• Arranged collection logistics with a society worker.
• Collected and categorized clothes.
• Partnered with Saidham Foundation for transportation and distribution.

Implementation & Target Audience

The project was conducted in my residential community. I contacted people through WhatsApp groups to spread awareness about my project and allowed residents to contribute conveniently. My primary target audience was residents of all age groups. I engaged them through personal outreach and digital messaging, explaining the impact of their contributions. I also distributed thank-you notes to people who contributed to my project by donating fabrics, acknowledging their engagement.

Impact

Contributions Collected

• Over 25 kilograms of fabrics collected for underprivileged communities to help them withstand extreme winter conditions.
• Engaged and distributed thank-you notes to 15+ people who contributed fabric donations.

Results

• Reduced textile waste by ensuring clothes were reused.
• Helped underprivileged communities stay warm during extreme weather conditions.
• Collected 25+ kilograms of clothes, impacting more than 50 people in underprivileged communities.

Partnerships

I worked with Saidham Foundation for logistics and distribution support. Saidham Foundation helped by collecting the fabrics directly from my home and managing the logistics. These clothes were sorted and then transported to various marginalized communities.

Personal Reflection

Kacper and Mishti guided me during the Coaching and Collaboration sessions, and their support was really helpful in completing my project. Collaborating with other fellows helped me learn about different perspectives on climate change from around the world and broadened my understanding.

Participating in the Climate Leaders Fellowship gave me a sense of accomplishment, knowing that I was able to create real change in my community. It also strengthened my leadership and organizational skills.

I am proud of the impact my project had, both environmentally and socially. Seeing underprivileged individuals receive warm clothing and knowing that I helped reduce waste was incredibly rewarding.

Tips for Others

• Think about the climate-related problems in your surroundings that you can solve.
• Prepare a project outline and an execution plan.
• Reach out to various organizations and people in your community—don’t worry if you are an introvert, it will be fine!
• Use digital platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram to promote awareness about your project.
• Take inspiration from Student Facilitators, the CLF Guidebook, and past fellows.

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Riley Mueller

NJ Teen Donates Over 140 Used Coats and Winter Gear

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Hi everyone, my name is Riley Mueller and I’m a current high school sophomore in New Jersey. I live on the shore, so I’ll spend my summers at the beach, and during the school year I’m a part of my school’s stage crew and swim team. When my nose isn’t in a book, you’ll either find me baking, sleeping, or watching an eighties movie.

Project Background & Overview

Growing up on the shore, you’d think it was always warm. This isn’t the case for New Jersey. Our winters can be pretty cold, getting below 20 degrees, and even in the summer the weather can be rough, with lots of storms and heavy rain. Good coats and winter wear can be expensive, so to help those who had trouble affording coats, I had the idea to run a coat drive.

Project Execution

For my project, to keep with the assigned goal of running a donation drive that could help reduce environmental impact, I collected gently used coats and winter gear. The aim was to have people recycle what they already have at home, while still supporting a great cause. I was able to engage my peers by posting fliers around the halls, as well as making an announcement during our meeting period. I also asked a local women’s club to spread the word and help collect donations throughout my community.

Impact

Over the course of roughly 3 weeks, I was able to collect almost 150 used coats, as well as other various winter items, such as snow pants and hats. All coats and gear were donated to Market Street Mission in Asbury Park, an organization that helps homeless people, or people suffering from drug abuse get back on their feet.

Personal Reflection

The Climate Leaders Fellowship was a great resource for how to start and implement this kind of donation drive. Each meeting was super insightful, outlining exactly what needed to be done, while still leaving enough room to make our projects unique. Sharing progress with other fellows was a great motivator, and hearing their advice as well as their struggles guided my own planning. I don’t think that if I had started this project without the guidance of CLF, it would have truly had the same impact.

Tips for Others

• It helps to outline what you need to get done. Never underestimate the power of a good spreadsheet—keeping yourself organized and on top of things is key.
• Keep in contact. When finding organizations to work with, don’t fill out forms on websites—email or call them directly. I tried filling out those forms first, and in the absence of responses, sent out a few quick emails and found that to be more efficient.
• Engage in the Zoom meetings. It was honestly such a huge help to be able to interact with other fellows who were all going through the same process. Sharing our progress, how we overcame obstacles, or even just the basic brainstorming all helps in the long run.

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A Middle School’s Mission to Responsible Waste Management

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My name is Dua Nadeem. I’m a fourteen-year-old middle schooler in California. I’m passionate about the STEAM areas and have a focus on guiding proper waste management in my community.

Project Background & Overview

What Was the Problem?

By 2050, 3.1 million tons of organic waste, 1.2 million tons of paper and cardboard waste, and 0.8 million tons of plastic waste will be produced every day. Food loss and mismanaged waste already account for 8-10% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions.

With 50.6 gigatons (a billion tons) of carbon dioxide equivalent in greenhouse gases every year, that is 10 trillion pounds caused by improper waste management alone. Improper waste management also contributes to a major loss in biodiversity and around a third of the world’s agricultural land.

Climate change is reaching its first irreversible milestone in as soon as four years, causing Earth to rise permanently above the 1.5 degrees Celsius temperature threshold. With a looming deadline coming at the time of my high school graduation, I knew I had to do something to contribute to reducing the effects of global warming.

My climate project’s focus was waste reduction, done by teaching students and staff at my school to properly sort their waste. Educating people on waste management at my school included sorting waste into their respective bins, reusing, composting, and also specially managing waste that can’t be sorted right away (such as broken glass and electronics).

Project Execution

How Was the Project Implemented?

In implementing my project, I first put together a 24-question Kahoot on waste management to see students’ prior knowledge in the area. This Kahoot would test their knowledge by having them sort different kinds of items into four categories: “recycle,” “trash,” “organics,” or “can’t be sorted yet/sorted specially.” People got as little as 3/24 and as much as 21/24 of the items correctly sorted. This Kahoot also included presentation slides guiding them on more difficult and confusing items, such as plastic wrapping/bags.

Following this would be a presentation sharing statistics to create a sense of urgency (some shared in the introduction) as well as what should be done involving waste management. This would be a call to action motivating students, staff, and their families to make a change in their lives to properly sort waste.

Finally, there was a discussion covering interesting climate management knowledge, changes students and staff wanted to make, and what would happen next.

The project turned out to be very beneficial in giving exposure to the importance of proper waste management in my audience’s daily lives. It provided knowledge allowing everyone to learn changes they could make to reduce the effects of climate change. Students and staff became more aware of how they would manage their items, making more efforts to reuse and manage waste properly. As time passed, proper waste management has become more visible in the school community.

Personal Reflection

What Organizations & People Did I Work With?

With the help of others, I found an area I was passionate about in facing climate change and acted on my motivation to create a change in my community.

Guidance and motivation were extremely important in implementing this project. A few months before I joined Climate Leaders Fellowship, I was introduced to our city’s GREEN team, who also had a focus on waste management at schools. They gave me the motivation to give my own guidance to students and staff at my school.

The Climate Leaders Fellowship Cohort I joined was also extremely helpful in giving me guidance on implementing a major project in my community. I connected with many people who had similar interests and gained many interesting skills and knowledge. Seeing other members’ wonderful, various, and creative projects and hearing their critical feedback drove me in planning out my project, overcoming obstacles that came with implementing it, and accomplishing it successfully and strongly.

The Climate Leaders Fellowship was a place where I could openly pursue the changes I wanted to make to contribute to saving the environment. I was able to implement a project to be proud of through its impact and the journey it took to complete it. I also grew incredibly as a person. In future projects, I will have the confidence, preparedness, perseverance, and flexibility to implement them successfully.

Tips for Others

• Find a change you want to and are motivated to make in your community! This will ensure you have the drive to carry out your project until the end.
• Have your project fully planned out, but make your plan flexible for changes. If any issues occur that require changes in your plan, having a flexible plan will ensure you can make those changes.
• Find people/organizations to work with based on the scale of your project. If you aren’t working with others, then it’s helpful to find inspiration in other successful projects. When you’re in this stage, don’t be afraid to reach out to others. It is better to try and fail than to have never tried at all, and doing so isn’t as intimidating as it may seem.
• Engage others early on in your project for early preparation and to have a more widespread audience. When implementing my project, one of the locations I considered expected reservations as early as three months before the event. Finding a location and audience for projects like mine is very important.
• Ensure your project has a long-lasting impact by providing something that will last after it’s implemented. A reminder poster on the wall, an annual event, and little tokens for everyone are some good examples.

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Ariana Olivares

Clothes for a Cause: Bringing Warmth to Families in Need During the Winter Season

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My name is Ariana Olivares, I am 16 years old, and I am from the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. I am passionate about promoting sustainability, upcycling, taking on leadership roles, participating in school clubs, and advocating for environmental justice. I also enjoy spending time with my family, traveling to new places, and being involved in my community through community service.

Project Background & Overview

What specific problem were you addressing in your community?

Because of climate change, my state has experienced a shift in our weather patterns leading to colder temperatures. My community, specifically, has been impacted by these changes as some families within my school district have stated their concerns that they would not be prepared for the winter as they lacked the proper winter clothing they needed to be resilient to the cold. Ultimately, this is why I chose to focus my project on addressing this pressing issue.

Why does that problem matter to you personally?

This problem matters to me as I recognize that winter is especially difficult for some families. Not everyone has access to the proper clothing needed to stay warm during the winter season, which could leave parents to be filled with worry that they will not be prepared to keep their families warm against the harsh cold. After hearing of the growing concerns of families within my community, I realized that it was important to take action against this problem. I strived to support these families by equipping them with the sufficient clothing needed to withstand freezing temperatures to alleviate their uncertainties.

Project Execution

What did you do for your project?

I created a school-wide clothing donation drive that focused on collecting winter clothes such as winter coats, jeans, boots, hats, gloves, and sweaters ranging from children to adult sizes. The donations were then used at my school district’s “Winter Shopping Event.”

What actions did you take to address the problem?

To address the problem, I first wrote an email to my school’s principal and spoke on the issue within our community. I then had multiple in-person meetings with him regarding how we could move forward with finding a solution to the issue of clothing needs within my community.

Where and how did you implement your project?

I implemented my project within my high school. I brought in a large packing box and placed it at the front of my school for students and staff to place their donations in. To specify the necessary materials that were being collected for my drive, I attached a list of the needed clothing items, sizes, and quality, requesting that all items be gently used.

Who were your target audience and how did you engage them?

I focused on engaging with students in my school through our daily announcements, hanging posters within our hallways, and advertising my donation drive on social media.

Impact

What types of contributions did you collect?

I collected winter clothes such as winter coats, jeans, boots, hats, gloves, and sweaters all ranging from children to adult sizes.

What were the results?

Overall, my project collected over 200 pieces of clothing and a substantial amount of winter boots for both adults and children.

Which organizations or mentors did you work with?

I worked with my high school’s principal Mr. Draper. He then connected me with other officials within my school district.

How did these organizations or mentor partnerships help your project succeed?

My principal helped advertise my donation drive through my school’s announcements, keeping students informed on my cause and the materials that needed to be collected. He helped empty the donation bin and stored the clothes until he moved them from my school to the designated location where the materials would then be distributed. Other officials in my district then made sure that the clothes were displayed for families in need to get whatever they needed.

Personal Reflection

How did participating in the Climate Leaders Fellowship make you feel?

The Climate Leaders Fellowship helped me increase my confidence as a leader within my community and further ignited my passion to be an advocate of change. This experience left me feeling empowered to take on challenges and develop effective solutions to ongoing issues within my community. Because of the empowerment I gained from this experience, I was motivated to take charge in leading new initiatives that would better my school and the community.

What are you most proud of regarding your project?

I am most proud of the impact my project had on families that were in need of clothing for the winter. Through the clothing drive, we gave these families reassurance that they would be equipped with the proper clothing needed to withstand freezing temperatures. I am also grateful that I was able to influence many peers to give back to our community and leave a positive, lasting impact within the lives of many members of our community.

Tips for Others

What are your top tips for someone else who wants to do a project like yours?

1. Cater to your audience: Research the needs of your community to ensure that your project provides a meaningful impact on those you wish to serve.
2. Go outside of your comfort zone: This will help develop your abilities as a leader and teach you valuable communication skills when developing your project.
3. Be flexible: Have an open mindset when implementing your project and make adjustments where needed.
4. Get comfortable being uncomfortable: Working with school administration may feel intimidating, but enter your meetings with confidence, and most importantly, be prepared with talking points on the issue you wish to address.

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Haemil Park

My Journey with CLIMA Times

Hello everyone! I’m Haemil Park, a nature lover and a passionate climate change advocate from South Korea. I’m currently a senior in high school. One of my wishes is to talk about climate change with my friends as casually and freely as I would discuss a TV show I watched yesterday. However, the reality is that most people are too focused on their own lives to pay attention to climate change.

I believe that recognizing the problem is the first step to solving the climate crisis. That’s why I started this project—to raise awareness about the seriousness of climate change among those around me.

Project Background & Overview

To spread awareness, I joined the CLIMA Times project. CLIMA Times is a student-led magazine founded by students participating in the Climate Leaders Fellowship. As a featured writer, I wrote my first article about green cities.

Writing the article required a lot of research. I reached out to Professor Reazul Ahsan from the University of Utah for an interview to gather information about green cities. I also referred to the book Cities Around the World Preparing for the Future to find examples of sustainable cities.

Project Execution

After collecting all the information, I wrote the article using Google Docs. Since English is my second language, writing wasn’t easy, but with the help of my editors, I was able to complete it. The first volume of CLIMA Times, which includes my article, is now uploaded on our Instagram account, which has over 800 followers.

Personal Reflection

The CLIMA Times project brought a lot of change to my life in a short time. I learned many things through this experience, but the most important lesson was that collaboration creates greatness. I had the opportunity to interact with various people during this project. Interviewing Professor Ahsan allowed me to deepen my understanding of green cities and write a more professional article.

As someone who isn’t a native English speaker, I used to feel a lot of pressure when writing in English. However, thanks to the feedback from my editors, Amy Zhou, Imogen McKay, and Elaine Zou, I was able to refine my article. Also, knowing that I had the support of my teammates during difficult times gave me the strength to keep going. Every step of the fellowship was a new experience for me, and I feel incredibly proud of myself for successfully completing the project!

Tips for Others

For anyone who is thinking about doing a similar project, my advice would be: Don’t hesitate to collaborate with others! Unexpected experiences and insights are waiting for you.

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Ryan Qian

Fresh Air Initiative

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I’m Ryan, a sophomore at Hong Kong International School, living in Hong Kong, and I’m fifteen this year. When I’m not drafting countless ideas with my team (shoutout Karlson and John), you’ll find me participating in MUN, playing rugby, or debating with my friends if there are more doors or wheels in the world.

Project Background & Overview

The specific problem that I chose to address for the CLF was air pollution. As one of the most historically cramped cities across the globe, ranking fourth, millions of individuals contribute to the ever-rising growth in pollution. When you add up domestic emissions as well as the drastic amount of industrial activity, it really builds up. Speaking from personal experience as well, I’ve had a hard time breathing properly some days in Hong Kong, and one of my friends with asthma personally noted that even in their own house, they didn’t feel good.

Project Execution

Hence, during the fall cycle of the CLF, I took on the heavy responsibility of halting, or at the very least preventing, the further worsening of air pollution. While my team’s initial ideas ranged significantly, from giving masks to “convincing factories to use less fossil fuels” somehow, we finally settled on something plausible, relatively well-priced, and effective on a personal scale—donating air purifiers.

Speaking from personal experience, a majority of households in Hong Kong faced air quality issues due to outdated gas stoves, which are still heavily prevalent. The general solution to this was to merely open a window, but not only was this solution ineffective since the outdoor air pollution was already bad, but it also worsened external conditions. Hence, it quickly became apparent that we needed a solution that would both remove air pollutants for personal effectiveness but also wouldn’t worsen pollution.

After thoroughly thinking through what we were going to do, we then focused on the how. I quickly sprang into action, emailing several notable local charities, as well as individuals in my school. We needed means of distribution, means of fundraising, means of practically everything. Luckily, after a few batches, we had now gained our funding through events and donations, as well as contacts with organizations where we could potentially donate the purifiers. Text message after text message led to personal connections, securing each and every recipient. We were set.

Impact

After all of our fundraising and charity work, we were able to purchase fifteen high-end air purifiers at a total cost of 1600 HKD (or around 206 USD). We donated ten air purifiers to families in poverty in Hong Kong who couldn’t previously afford such technology, and another five to local parking lot guards who had to work ten hours a day in dusty conditions. Overall, over forty individuals benefited from our contributions. We gathered information and data from charities such as Clear the Air Hong Kong and raised funds from family and within the HKIS community. Without these connections and the support of those around me, I feel like none of my projects would have been possible.

Personal Reflection

Participating in the CLF gave me significant inspiration and insight. Without such an inclusive and diverse community of voices from both student facilitators and peers, I feel like many of my ideas would have been locked behind barriers. Participating in the Climate Leaders Fellowship overall really gave me a more unique perspective on global issues and how my team and I can impact these issues in the future.

Tips for Others

• Don’t be afraid of failure. Before my final idea, my team went through dozens of bad and completely implausible ideas. It was how we picked ourselves up and continued that really helped us maximize our impact.
• Network and connect with those around you. My project would have been impossible without my charity coordinator (shoutout Ms. Ernst), who introduced me to the CLF, the help of my friends and family, who helped me plan and execute everything, and the information and advice of charities and NGOs we connected with.

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A Ball of Dirt Can Change the World

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Hello! My name is Raghav Ramprasad, and I’m 17 years old from Frisco, Texas. I have a strong passion for soccer, nature, food, and new technology. Recently, I combined my interests with my commitment to environmental sustainability by embarking on a project aimed at reintroducing native plants to local backyards. Through this initiative, I sought to raise awareness of native, drought-resistant vegetation positively impacting both the environment and my town.

Project Background & Overview

What specific problem were you addressing in your community?

The focus of my CLF cycle was promoting sustainable landscaping by reducing water consumption and supporting eco-friendly backyard practices in Frisco. With the region’s hot, dry climate and increasing water restrictions, I realized that traditional lawns required excessive maintenance and water. Many homeowners were unaware of sustainable alternatives, so I sought to introduce an accessible, low-maintenance solution—seed pellet kits—to encourage water-efficient gardening.

Why does the problem matter to you personally?

Growing up in Frisco, I witnessed firsthand how urban expansion was rapidly replacing natural landscapes with water-intensive lawns. Seeing reservoirs deplete during dry seasons and knowing that much of the water was being used for maintaining non-native plants made me realize the need for sustainable solutions.

Project Execution

What did you do for your project?

I developed seed pellet kits as a simple and innovative way for community members to embrace sustainable gardening. These biodegradable pellets contained cactus and native wildflower seeds, soil, and compostable binders, allowing for easy planting. By distributing these kits, I aimed to reduce water usage and minimize the need for chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

Where and how did you implement your project? What steps did you take?

I first worked with my AP Environmental Science teacher to buy supplies and ensure the best cactus and native wildflower species were selected for Frisco’s climate. Then, I partnered with the UNICEF Club to produce the seed pellets using compostable materials. Finally, I went door to door, distributing hundreds of seed pellet kits to homeowners and educating them on the benefits of sustainable landscaping.

Who was your target audience?

My primary audience was homeowners in Frisco who were interested in sustainability and water conservation but didn’t have any cheap and easy ways to contribute.

Impact

What were the results?

The results were highly positive—many homeowners were excited to receive their kits and learn about sustainable landscaping. I was able to distribute hundreds of kits while having meaningful conversations about reducing water usage and incorporating native plants into home gardens. Seeing homeowners genuinely interested in making eco-friendly changes reassured me that my project had a lasting impact.

What organizations/mentors did you work with? How did they help?

I worked closely with my AP Environmental Science teacher, who helped me purchase supplies and refine the seed pellet composition for optimal growth. Additionally, the UNICEF Club assisted in the production process, making the creation and packaging of the kits much more efficient. Their support allowed me to scale my project and reach more people in my community.

Personal Reflection

How was participating in the Climate Leaders Fellowship?

I enjoyed participating in the CLF fall cycle. I enjoyed collaborating with my group, sharing ideas, and seeing how other students tackled climate-related challenges in their own communities.

What are you most proud of regarding your project?

I am most proud of the creativity behind my project and how it introduced a unique yet practical solution to my community. Many people had never heard of seed pellets, even though they are an efficient and eco-friendly way to grow plants in challenging environments. Being able to take an underutilized concept and turn it into a hands-on sustainability initiative that people were excited about made the project incredibly fulfilling.

Tips for Others

What are your tips for someone who wants to do a project like yours?

• Start with a solid plan, but be flexible! Outline your steps, set clear goals, and anticipate any challenges you might face.
• Engage with mentors and community organizations—they can provide valuable support and resources.
• Don’t be discouraged by initial setbacks—every project evolves, and sometimes a small change in approach can make a huge difference in impact!

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Clothes for Comfort: Sharing the Warmth

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My name is Shriya Singh and I live in Sunnyvale, CA. I am 15 years old and go to Fremont High School. I love playing my flute, doing pottery, painting, making origami cranes, and reading mystery books.

I love my school’s campus, with the old art and the tall, colorful buildings. However, I’ve noticed that the trash really takes away from how beautiful it looks, cluttering up the campus makes it less enjoyable. It made me realize that it’s not just about loving the place, but also about keeping it clean, so that it looks good for everyone.

Project Background & Overview

For my project, I had planned to do a food drive at my school to push our efforts to help our community rather than wasting food. I emailed a lot of organizations and got various results. Some organizations didn’t respond while others had ended their food drives due to it being too costly for them. I faced a lot of setbacks in my project, but was supported by my mentors in the fellowship to keep trying to connect with organizations. Soon, PARCA accepted my invitation, and instead of a food drive, I got the opportunity to plan a clothing drive.

The next challenge I faced was to find an audience. I distributed and pasted fliers across my school, communicating the issue we faced and how the drive can reduce the effects. I also got support from my history/ASB teacher to finalize the details of my event and get tips on how to speak about my drive. I spread the word by keeping it in the announcements. In my classes, my peers and teachers specifically were my big supporters!

Impact

Impact & Results

At the end of the drive, I had collected 2 barrels of clothes, and a bit of soft toys. My teachers also expressed their gratitude for the clothing drive, appreciating the hours I spent organizing it. I partnered with PARCA, and they were a huge help throughout the process. They provided me the template of the fliers, which I modified for my own drive’s promotion. They were also incredibly flexible, especially given the time constraints I faced at school. Their willingness to drop off, pick up barrels, and distribution made a big difference in the success of the project. From this experience, I’ve come to realize that I enjoy giving back to people who really could use support!

Personal Reflection

Support

I received a lot of support from my coaches throughout this project, and I want to take a moment to thank them for helping me navigate through the setbacks. Their patience and insightful feedback were key in making my project a success!

Participating in the Climate Leaders Fellowship made me realize that with a solid plan and confidence, I can accomplish anything. At first, it felt intimidating and I was nervous about cold-emailing large organizations and speaking with strangers, but over time, I gained more ease and confidence in those situations as the fellowship progressed.

What I’m Most Proud Of

What I’m most proud of is the support I received from my friends and the impact I made in my community. I’m especially happy that the clothes I collected went to good use, rather than going to waste. Knowing that I helped reduce waste and contributed to a greater cause is incredibly rewarding!

Tips for Others

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Whether it’s from coaches, mentors, or organizations, getting feedback and support can help you navigate challenges and make your project more successful. I’ve realized that turning to my mentor was key to my success in leading a successful clothing drive!
• Stay flexible and adapt: Things might not go as planned, as I experienced with different responses from my emails. Be open to changing your approach and trying new ideas, like I did when I switched from a food drive to a clothing drive.
• Plan and stay confident: With a solid plan, you can tackle any challenges. At first, reaching out to big organizations or strangers can be intimidating, but confidence and persistence go a long way. The more you do it, the easier it gets!

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Inspiring Change: The Next Generation of Women Leaders in Climate and Planetary Health

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Boozhoo to everyone! I learned this Ojibwe word when I participated in an international competition where I designed a Native American Village tourism model for rural development. It struck me as a word where you greet this planet and all of nature along with the person you greet!

A few points about me: I’m Vildan, a high school sophomore who enjoys fencing, playing piano, reading, and writing. In this piece of writing, I would like to talk briefly about my Climate Leaders Fellowship project, where I combined my interests in women’s leadership and planetary health to create awareness and activism among young people.

Project Overview & Execution

My activism journey began through my brother, who was involved in global initiatives and United Nations events. Watching his work, I realized that there is a heavy agenda of global problems that need to be addressed. However, instead of complaining, I decided to stay positive and take charge instead of waiting for others to do so. To this day, a quote by Aya Chebbi, a Pan-African feminist and diplomat, still inspires me: “We are not the leaders of tomorrow, we are the leaders of today.”

My brother’s work also introduced me to other international events like the Conferences of the Parties (COPs) on climate, where I noticed that leadership roles were predominantly held by men. For example, I found that at the 2021 COP26, only 33% of all formal roles were filled by female government delegates. I decided that women’s leadership was one of the topics I wanted to dedicate my time to. I decided to intersect this with planetary health, which I had seen from my brother, who took an active role in planetary health. Planetary health appealed to me because the concept of human health being connected to the planet’s health intrigued me—I had only ever heard about the planet’s health, not about how it could affect our health as humans.

To address these issues, I took action and decided to start an initiative for youth interested in young women’s leadership and planetary health. While researching organizations that also had a similar purpose, I discovered Women Leaders for Planetary Health (WLPH), a nonprofit based in Germany that is led by Dr. Nicole de Paula. I was greatly inspired by WLPH, and after reaching out to Dr. de Paula, she helped me develop a plan for planetary health and women’s leadership clubs in high schools, as well as further programs to increase awareness and activism.

The initiative, named Young Women Leaders for Planetary Health (YWLPH), has since expanded nationally and globally, with members in Kenya, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, the United States, and Turkey, as well as a network of mentors and a HeForShe team.

Project Impact

One of our most important aims is creating high school planetary health and women’s leadership clubs in all the high schools of the young women in our team and using these clubs as a tool where youth can learn about and act for women’s leadership and planetary health.

Another ongoing project is starting program-based work in South Africa and Türkiye, where we are building high school and university club networks in partnership with women leaders. These clubs will raise awareness and knowledge about planetary health and women’s leadership, then carry out related activities with the students. One such activity is urban farming, in which students will grow fresh, healthy produce and donate it to disadvantaged communities. This will benefit the planet, the students with their mental and physical health, and nearby communities with their access to fresh food, perfectly fitting with the priorities of planetary health. We are excited to implement these programs and activities as a team and continue impacting more youth!

Personal Reflection

Throughout my journey, I’ve gotten the opportunity to learn from both team members and mentors! For example, I’ve learned from Nicole Vasilev, a young American woman in our team, by observing her deep passion and drive. I’ve also been inspired by Nargiz Valiyeva, a young Azerbaijani woman, with her activism, motivation, and enthusiasm. Additionally, I’ve learned from our mentors, including Dr. de Paula herself, whose tireless dedication and spirit I have greatly admired.

One of the most important moments for increasing my knowledge—and my main goal for the CLF project—was hosting an international event that brought together women leaders. This event was a side event for the United Nations Science, Technology, and Innovation Forum, which I co-moderated with Sherife Tekdal, a woman leader in the high-tech industry. We featured five accomplished women speakers: Dr. Billur Akkaya, Dr. Peta White, Dr. Rebecca Upton, Dr. Omnia El Omrani, and Ms. Ursula Gately, as well as opening remarks by New York Senator Rachel May.

This event, lasting over an hour, was one of the most valuable experiences of my life. I learned so much from these inspiring women leaders in science, academia, and politics, including on topics like educational reform to support planetary health and increasing women in leadership roles in planetary health. The amazing team of YWLPH also attended to listen and gain insight.

Looking Forward

My project and initiative have motivated me to keep promoting awareness and action in planetary health and women’s leadership. What encourages me is the thought that if we don’t take action today to make the planet and humans healthier, who will? As the generation that will have to manage a struggling planet as well as a struggling human population, we must take charge and lead the way today, not in the future!

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Save the Earth, One Thrift at a Time

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Hi, my name is Sophie Steinberg. I was born in Los Angeles, California, but I moved to New York when I was about three years old. I live in Westchester, New York, and I am 16 years old. I am interested in the environment, science, medicine, biology, nature, cross country/track, running, hanging out with friends, pottery, baking, cooking, reading, and art.

Project Background & Overview

My project was addressing the issue of discarded clothing in landfills and the lack of clothing recycling. Landfills produce extremely dangerous byproducts, and clothing that is thrown out is a key component of that. For example, in 2018, over 11 million tons of clothing were thrown into landfills, only increasing the toxic byproducts that resulted. Clothes being thrown in landfills only increases the climate footprint of humans and contributes to the warming of our planet. Clothing takes over 1,000 years to biodegrade, meaning that putting them in landfills serves only to harm the planet.

My community is filled with fashion and a love of clothing. Therefore, explaining how clothing being thrown out can hurt the environment and how thrifting can help save it opened the eyes of my classmates. This problem matters to me personally because my community constantly faces issues that are a result of climate change. These include flooding, toxic waters, heavy rainstorms, extremely high temperatures, and mild winters. I believe that solving the causes of climate change step by step can make a huge difference, especially when, in the process, you are educating others and including them in the cause.

Source: Retold Recycling

Project Execution

The goal of my project was to collect used clothing that would otherwise be thrown out and sell it for low prices as a mini pop-up thrift store at my school. I wanted our target audience—the students and teachers—to buy clothing so that I could donate the rest of the money to the Sharing Shelf, an organization that prevents the waste of thousands of items of clothing.

To address the problem, I advertised on the school news show, as well as sent reminders to the students when our pop-up store was open. I implemented our project by collecting donations from students and other members of our community for a couple of weeks. I then spent a few days organizing and sorting all the clothing items by price, color, brand, and type of item. The clothing ranged in price from $5 to $10.

I set everything up on tables and opened up our store for three days at lunch (which was 55 minutes) and after school for about an hour and a half. Our target audiences were students and teachers. I engaged them by making the store a thrift store, featuring popular brands and fun clothing at low prices so that clothing could be recycled and given new homes instead of ending up in landfills. I also engaged the audience by reminding them of the thrift store during our club meetings, on the school news show, and advertising throughout the day with excitement to entice people to visit the store.

Impact

My project will have a lasting impact on my community and the world for an extended future. This is due to the fact that I prevented a large amount of clothing from ending up in a landfill. Instead of being thrown away, they are being recycled with new owners, reducing our climate footprint and decreasing carbon emissions substantially. Additionally, I donated the remaining clothing that wasn’t sold to an organization that also sorts and recycles clothing, as well as the money I raised to help them continue their fight against climate change.

I plan to do additional thrift stores throughout the year, but this was my first and largest thrift store. I collected approximately 5.25 hours of working the store as well as 4.5 hours of preparation for the event. We raised $336 from our thrift store. People loved our thrift store, and we received a great deal of positive feedback from everyone, whether they purchased something or not. Additionally, the organization we donated our money to, the Sharing Shelf, was very appreciative and extremely thankful.

Collaborating with the MHS Thrift Club and the Sharing Shelf organization helped my project succeed by expanding our audience, increasing awareness, and making a greater environmental impact.

Personal Reflection

The Climate Leaders Fellowship is an incredible experience where you work and interact with other students to share your beliefs and feelings on climate change while coming up with solutions to fight it. I participated in this Fellowship and was able to learn more about climate change while getting to know other individuals who felt the same way as me.

With the assistance of the senior fellows, I was able to create a project to help fight climate change while also learning more about it in the process. I was able to grow as a person, gain confidence and leadership skills to establish my project, and benefit my planet while helping others who received the money and thrifted clothing.

Participating in the CLF has changed my perspective on climate action because it made me realize that no one is alone in this fight. We must all work together to fight global warming, and as a collective, we must engage in climate action. My future goals have been influenced because I realized that while I can fight climate change on my own, the impact will be greater when I work with others. I am most proud of the skills I have gained in the Fellowship as well as the impact we had on fighting climate change.

Tips for Others

• Collaborate with others. Don’t be afraid to reach out if you need assistance or support, as well as help creating ideas.
• Don’t be afraid to take the first step—once you do, everything falls into place.
• Always focus on your goal and don’t drift from it. Remember why you are fighting climate change, and make sure your project addresses that.
• Your project doesn’t need to be extremely complex—sometimes the simplest ideas are the most effective.

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Rishin Tandon

Inspiring Sustainable Youth Sports and Climate Leaders With YESS (Youth Eco Sports Scorecard)

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Hi! My name is Rishin Tandon, and I’m a 15-year-old sophomore from Seattle, Washington. I go to Issaquah High School and play soccer year-round. I am passionate about the intersection between sports and climate change—both understanding the impacts sports have on the environment and how sports can be a vehicle for change.

Project Background & Overview

As a multisport athlete and environmental advocate, I was noticing that professional and international sports leagues and events were addressing climate change and sustainability, but not much was happening at the youth sports level. I also witnessed firsthand the waste and resource consumption in youth sports. From wasteful single-use plastics, lights constantly being turned on when not needed, to a lack of carpooling, I saw an opportunity to turn everyday sports activities into a catalyst for meaningful climate change.

That’s why I created the Youth Eco Sports Scorecard, also known as YESS! YESS is the world’s first digital assessment tool that measures and promotes sustainable practices in youth sports. With YESS, in just three minutes, teams can compare their current actions to our best practices, which include key focus areas like carpooling, using reusable water bottles, implementing energy efficiency, and responding to extreme heat. By promoting sustainable practices in youth sports, the project aims to reduce carbon emissions, divert waste from landfills, and build community awareness while also empowering young athletes to take action against climate change.

Our mission is to engage, educate, and empower youth sports organizations to lead the way in reducing their carbon footprint while fostering a generation of eco-champions among fellow student-athletes.

Project Execution

Through the Climate Leaders Fellowship, I developed skills in creating community-focused solutions, refining program designs, and effectively engaging with peers to provide feedback and learn from their projects. After I developed the scorecard, I received feedback from various experts and potential users. By collaborating with the King County Play Equity Coalition (KCPEC), I have access to over 100 local organizations focused on youth sports and recreation, with the potential to impact thousands of youth athletes with the adoption of the Scorecard.

The KCPEC’s Shared Learning Team is helping to test and pilot the scorecard locally. I learned to identify barriers to sustainability in underserved communities and translate those challenges into actionable strategies. These skills will be invaluable as I continue scaling the Scorecard and work towards integrating sustainability practices into youth sports on a broader scale.

Personal Reflection

The Climate Leaders Fellowship taught me that local, community-driven actions can create meaningful change in addressing global challenges like climate change. I was able to appreciate how grassroots efforts, such as youth teams adopting sustainable practices through the Scorecard, can make an impact both locally and collectively.

This realization has reinforced my commitment to integrating sustainability into youth sports and has inspired me to pursue long-term goals, including launching a national platform for sustainable youth sports programs. Overall, I realized that while large-scale efforts can have a significant impact, local daily efforts by each of us are critical in coming together for climate action. Additionally, with the help of the Aspen Institute’s Sports and Society Program’s microgrant, I now have funding to expand the online resources and share this tool more broadly.

Get Involved

If you are interested in learning more or want your team to be a part of the YESS movement, please reach out at yesscorecard@gmail.com and fill out the scorecard for your team here.

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Empowering Youth Through Climate Journalism: The Story of The CLIMA Times

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Hi! My name is Rainie Tang, and I’m a 16-year-old climate advocate and youth leader from Auckland, New Zealand. I am the Deputy Executive Director of The CLIMA Times, an international youth-led climate newspaper dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring action on environmental issues.

I am passionate about climate action, leadership, and science communication. My work focuses on making environmental education accessible, engaging, and solution-driven. Beyond sustainability, I enjoy public speaking, reading, and ultimate frisbee.

Project Background & Overview

What specific problem were you addressing in your project?

Many young people care about climate action but lack access to reliable, engaging, and youth-friendly climate journalism. Traditional news sources often focus on problems rather than solutions, leaving many feeling overwhelmed rather than empowered.

With climate misinformation spreading rapidly and climate anxiety on the rise, we saw a need for a platform that informs, inspires, and mobilizes youth through solutions-focused climate journalism.

Why does that problem matter to you personally?

I believe that knowledge is power, and the more young people understand climate issues, the more they can drive change. Many students care about climate change but don’t know where to start. Through The CLIMA Times, we aim to break down complex environmental topics and provide actionable insights, proving that youth voices matter in the climate movement.

Before joining the Climate Leaders Fellowship, I sometimes felt isolated in my passion for the environment. At times, it felt like few people around me truly prioritized climate action. However, after meeting passionate climate advocates from around the world, I realized that I was not alone. This project gave me the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and create something impactful on a global scale.

Project Execution

I co-lead The CLIMA Times, working with an international team of writers, editors, and designers to create accessible, high-quality climate journalism.

Actions Taken to Address the Problem

• Launched an international youth-led climate newspaper to provide reliable and engaging journalism.
• Published articles on climate issues worldwide, focusing on solutions rather than fear-driven narratives.
• Expanded outreach through social media and collaborations.
• Engaged youth from diverse backgrounds to contribute their perspectives and amplify underrepresented voices.

Where and How Did You Implement Your Project?

• Our work is fully digital, making it accessible to a global audience.
• We publish our newspaper online and use social media to engage readers.
• We network with youth-led environmental organizations to expand our reach.

Who Were Your Target Audiences & How Did You Engage Them?

Our primary audience is students and young people aged 13-25 who want to learn about climate issues in a way that is easy to understand, engaging, and action-oriented.

We engage them through:

• Articles that highlight practical solutions and youth-led initiatives.
• Social media campaigns that simplify key climate concepts.

Impact

What Types of Contributions Did You Collect?

• 33 volunteers from the Climate Leaders Fellowship, representing four continents (North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania) and over ten countries.
• Hundreds of volunteer hours from our team of writers, editors, web designers, and graphic designers.
• A growing collection of climate-focused articles promoting youth activism and environmental literacy.

What Were the Results?

• Published Volume 1, Edition 1 of The CLIMA Times, featuring diverse climate stories.
• Engaged 350 fellows in our Climate Leaders Fellowship cohort.
• Instagram (@theclimatimes) gained 610+ followers in just over a month. As of March 1, 2025, we have 860+ followers.
• Built a dedicated team, allowing young people to contribute to the climate conversation.
• Expanded our network with other sustainability organizations and nonprofit groups.

What Notable Qualitative Results Can You Share?

The CLIMA Times received incredible feedback from readers, with many sharing how our articles helped them understand complex climate issues and inspired them to take action. Our team members also experienced personal growth, learning valuable skills in journalism, climate advocacy, and leadership.

Personal Reflection

Did You Receive Any Help or Inspiration from Other Members of Your Climate Leaders Fellowship Cohort?

Absolutely! Seeing other Climate Fellows take action in their communities motivated me to think bigger about the role of youth in climate communication. Their passion reinforced the importance of making climate knowledge accessible.

How Did Participating in the Climate Leaders Fellowship Make You Feel?

It was empowering to be surrounded by like-minded youth leaders working towards a shared goal. It reminded me that climate action isn’t limited to protests—it can be through education, storytelling, and inspiring others to act.

What Are You Most Proud of Regarding Your Project?

I’m most proud of how The CLIMA Times has created a space for young voices in climate journalism. We are not just reporting on problems, we are highlighting solutions and inspiring youth to take action.

Tips for Others

• Find your “why.” Climate action is broad—focus on what excites you most.
• Start small, then scale up. Focus on impact first, growth second.
• Engage your audience. Make your content interactive, engaging, and solutions-focused.
• Utilize social media. Use it to amplify voices, share knowledge, and connect.
• Focus on solutions. People engage more with hope and action steps.
• Seek partnerships. Work with like-minded organizations to expand your impact.
• Stay consistent. Publishing regularly builds trust and credibility.
• Encourage diverse perspectives. Climate change affects everyone, so uplift different voices.
• Learn and adapt. Be open to feedback and refine your approach.
• Believe in your impact. Youth-led projects matter!

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Varnessa Kayen Varlyngton

What Can A Little Girl Do To Bridge The Gap Between Climate/Disaster Education and Children?

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Hello! I’m Varnessa Kayen Varlyngton, a fourteen-year-old climate action advocate, artivist, and indigenous environmentalist from Rivers, Nigeria. Ever since a young age, I’ve been passionate about eco-fictions and the natural world, getting excited for school tours and excursions to zoos or farms. Unfortunately, this joy didn’t last long. At seven years old, in grade three, I learned about environmental degradation such as pollution, and in grade four, I witnessed my first major environmental crisis—deforestation.

During this time, I became aware of the harsh environmental realities faced by people in my community. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s words, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” I took action. I created a teaching video, published my first book titled AMAMA, engaged in advocacy, and eventually founded my own organization, Egalitarianism For Earth (E.F.E.). This organization aims to bridge the gap between climate education and engagement, particularly among marginalized and underrepresented communities and children, while fostering climate-resilient lifestyles.

Through my advocacy, creative approaches, and tech-savvy initiatives, I was honored as the first Nigerian and youngest United Nations Climate Change Learn Champion. I also graduated from one of Africa’s most prestigious civic technology fellowships. Additionally, as the first West African Liu Lanyin Scholar and youngest researcher at Girls in Research, I use critical thinking to develop new mitigation strategies for a more sustainable world. One of my proudest achievements was winning the YSA Global Impact Awards for Science and Sustainability, a recognition of my resilience and commitment to change.

Project Background & Overview

What specific problem were you addressing in your community?

Rivers State, known as the garden city of Nigeria, faces high deforestation rates, severe water and air pollution due to illegal bunkering and oil spills, sanitation challenges, and increasing heat waves. These environmental issues are exacerbated by widespread climate illiteracy and misconceptions, particularly among young people. I wanted to address this gap in knowledge and awareness.

Why does that problem matter to you personally?

I dream of a world where the air is clean, water is safe to drink, wildlife thrives, and the land is healthy. However, climate illiteracy hinders progress. On one of my advocacy journeys, I explained to a child that plastic pollution harms marine life, and he responded, “If all the fish die, we have cows to eat.” This moment made me realize the urgency of educating young people, not just in my state or country, but globally.

Project Execution

What did you do for your project?

As a Climate Leaders Fellow, I sought ways to raise awareness under our theme of donation drives to support communities affected by disasters, often caused by human actions. Instead of organizing a traditional donation drive, I created a free educational resource—the Kids Emergency Guide. This guide provides simplified information on disasters like tornadoes and floods and equips children with essential survival knowledge.

What actions did you take to address the problem?

• Developed a digital Kids Emergency Guide to educate children on disaster preparedness.
• Distributed the guide through social media, online forums, and direct outreach.
• Created a YouTube video explaining the importance and use of the guide.

Where and how did you implement your project?

The project was primarily conducted online, leveraging digital resources to maximize reach. I shared the guide in various groups with hundreds of members and personally reached out to educators and community leaders to distribute it.

Who were your target audiences and how did you engage them?

My target audience was children, particularly those in underrepresented communities. I engaged them by making the content visually appealing, simple to understand, and easily accessible through digital platforms.

Impact

What were the results?

• Generated widespread interest in Egalitarianism For Earth, encouraging more people to join and support our mission.
• Shared the guide across numerous digital communities, sparking conversations about disaster preparedness.
• Received positive feedback on the usefulness of the guide in educating children.

What are the next steps?

I plan to print and distribute physical copies of the Kids Emergency Guide to community schools, integrating it into the Children4Climate Initiative under Egalitarianism For Earth.

Personal Reflection

How did participating in the Climate Leaders Fellowship impact you?

The Climate Leaders Fellowship reshaped my approach to project execution. I learned how to conduct donation drives, lead initiatives, expand my skills as an ambassador and leader, and maximize available resources. The support and mentorship provided through the fellowship empowered me to enhance my advocacy and create meaningful change.

What are you most proud of regarding your project?

I am incredibly proud of my ability to turn limited resources into a valuable educational tool. By using my knowledge and social media, I was able to make a significant impact without requiring financial backing. This experience reinforced my belief that anyone can create change, regardless of their circumstances.

Tips for Others

• Use what you have: Knowledge and digital tools can be powerful resources.
• Think outside the box: Not all donation drives require physical goods—education is a valuable gift.
• Engage your audience: Make learning interactive and accessible.
• Network and collaborate: Work with peers, mentors, and organizations to expand your reach.
• Stay persistent: Challenges will arise, but perseverance leads to impact.

Conclusion

The Climate Leaders Fellowship has been an incredible journey. Through this experience, I learned to leverage my resources creatively, inspire change, and build a movement for climate and disaster education. I am grateful to CLF and Rustic Pathways for this opportunity, and I look forward to continuing my work toward a more sustainable world.

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Shreenidhi Vasudevan

A 15-Year-Old’s Journey: From a Hobby to Making a Difference in the Community

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Hey! My name is Shreenidhi and I live in South Florida! I’m currently a sophomore in high school. I love things to do with public health/safety and the environment. From a young age, these have been things that have motivated me, which was a big reason for me to join CLF.

Project Background & Overview

The problem I have addressed is the effects that the recent landslide in Wayanad (Kerala, India) has had on the villages around this area. It was quite recent, and since I have relatives in South India (they were not affected and are safe), the news caught my attention quite quickly.

This personally affects me because landslides don’t typically happen in South India and can cause a lot of damage, especially when the buildings aren’t meant to withstand a landslide. On top of that, since that landslide happened late at night, it caused more damage, especially to the health of people living in the surrounding villages since they didn’t even get the chance to leave. The landslide caused around 10,000 people to be displaced from their homes and a number of people to get injured, go missing, and even caused mass casualties.

Project Execution

The purpose of my project was to raise money for urban development for the villages and communities affected by the landslide. I first found a nonprofit that would be working to raise money for urban development from the effects of the landslide. The nonprofit I worked with was Tamil Nadu Foundation. I explained what I planned on doing to raise this money. I would make homemade bracelets since I had prior experience with how I would be using these materials. I then went to the event (TNF planned a “Walk in the Park” event in which the funds would be given for landslide relief) and sold the bracelets to the Tamilians and anyone else who participated in this event.

Impact

Honestly, I will say that working with TNF definitely helped this project since they distributed the money that would go towards the development in Wayanad. They had also given me a place to set up my bracelet stand and collect my contributions (which was money) from anyone who wanted to support the cause, which definitely made this process easier.

While the money I raised did help in one way or another, I won’t truly know exactly how it helped since there are a variety of factors that should be considered. I did get feedback from people who purchased my bracelets, and they said that they were well made and good quality.

Personal Reflection

I finished this project pretty quickly, around the start of the cohort, so there wasn’t a lot of inspiration to look for since my main basis for the idea was to do something that I knew would be successful in raising money (especially since this money goes towards the well-being of other people). Something I was and still am proud of was the fact that it was successful. I will mention that it felt like a hobby for me—it didn’t feel like a fundraiser, it felt like I was just doing something I’ve done in the past, except this time it went towards a cause.

Participating in the CLF fellowship felt like a community. There were so many activities to do that it felt so freeing to even work with while also gaining so much experience.

Tips for Others

• Go with your gut and just start it—don’t let anything hold you back.
• Don’t be scared of failing—this was something that was always in the back of my mind. Once you realize that the fact that you made the effort to even start your project is a big deal, this project will feel so much better.
• Do something you feel comfortable with—choose a topic you’re actually passionate about. Don’t choose something just because it looks important or will look good for colleges. If you do that, then you won’t feel motivated to even continue.
• If this is your first time and you’re scared, consider doing a project that isn’t as big. Try working with a nonprofit you’re comfortable with or even try working on it with a group of friends.
• You’re never alone—you can always talk to the people who lead your cohort. I can almost certainly guarantee that they have felt the same way you have and will definitely help you get past it.
• Keep in mind that no project is truly hard—it is just how motivated you feel to complete the project successfully and in what light you view the project.
• If you feel inspired by my project and want to do something similar, keep in mind that I have had experience with the materials I used, and even then, I pricked my finger when I was working with wire. The project may sound simple, but it’s important that before you choose the way you plan on raising money, you know what you are doing and are careful with how you do it.

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Maddie Yang

The Power of the Humble Bean: Helping Climate Change One Can at a Time

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Hello! My name is Madeline (Maddie) Yang, and I am a sophomore in high school from Bethlehem, PA. I am super passionate about sustainable agriculture and ethnobotany, and in my free time, I love to dance and bake!

Project Background & Overview

My town was deemed a food desert by the USDA a few years ago, which is an area that has limited access to fresh, nutritious foods. For my project, I knew that I specifically wanted to tackle this issue and create a food drive that focused on canned bean/legume donations as beans and other legumes are a super climate-friendly food. Compared to animal-based protein sources, such as beef which produce roughly 100 kg/CO2e, beans only produce 1-2 kg/CO2e and are full of fiber, iron, folate, magnesium, and zinc, making them a great nutrient-dense option for a food shelter.

Project Execution

For my project, I conducted several food drives at my school, as well as the nature center near my house. To raise awareness, I even brought in a local professor to speak at my school about food drives to encourage people to donate and become educated about the cause. Additionally, I partnered with the Gardening Club at my school as well as the youth-led nonprofit I lead called Food to Flourish to expand my outreach with the food drive and reach different audiences at school and via social media.

Impact

By the end of the food drive, I had collected roughly 800 lbs of food – a number that I never expected. It was so heartwarming seeing all of my friends, teachers, peers, and strangers support my cause and come together to support the greater community. My project served as a reminder that despite all of the division in today’s world, it is still possible for people to rally together and support a cause that everyone can relate to because we all need food for our survival.

Personal Reflection

Participating in the Climate Leaders Fellowship was an extraordinary experience that I’ll never forget. There’s something truly special about coming together with people all across the globe from all walks of life and working together to better our communities through simple projects that will hopefully benefit the environment and others. The greatest outcome from my project were the bonds I formed through it. I got the chance to meet so many people while working on my food drive from different people at my school who I normally wouldn’t talk to, different teachers, food bank managers, and the directors of the various places that I hosted food drives. I really enjoyed getting to know all of these people and learning what motivated them to get involved and the experiences that led to their job/role.

Tips for Others

• Don’t be afraid to reach out or email anyone! The worst thing that could happen is that they don’t respond.
• Find some way to differentiate your project from others. I chose to do a food drive, which is quite generic. However, by focusing donations and the whole premise of my project on the environmental benefits of beans/legumes, I was able to make my project stand out better!
• Partner with other organizations! Whether it be a club at your school, youth-led nonprofit, community center, or another Climate Leaders fellows project, partnering with other people will only help expand the audience of your project and benefit you in the long run.

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