Inspiring Gen Z Activists: Your Guide to Mindful Living
Want to live more mindfully but not sure where to start? This guide to the inspiring Gen Z activists campaigning for change will come in handy. In an era where we’re essentially glued to our smartphones, what better way to educate yourself day to day than to follow individuals who know their stuff?
According to Statista, the average Brit spends four hours and fourteen minutes a day on their mobiles. Think about it—how many times have you seen a dinner dish on TikTok only to replicate it at home? Or bookmarked capsule wardrobe ideas from your favorite fashion influencer to recreate for date night? The more eco-friendly and sustainable living tips you see popping up on your timeline, the more accessible living sustainably will feel.
That’s where Gen Z climate activists come in, promising to flood your feed with statistics, tips, and tricks for reducing your plastic waste, lowering your carbon footprint, and generally protecting the planet we live on. We don’t have long to reverse the damage climate change has caused, but we can do it—if we all do our bit. Here are eight Gen Z activists to follow to make it that bit easier.
1. Vanessa Nakate
Who is she? A 29-year-old author and activist from Uganda, Nakate has seen firsthand how devastating the impact of climate change can be. Despite Africa producing only a small fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions, climate change could expose 118 million Africans to “droughts, floods, and extreme heat by 2030,” according to the UN.
Nakate’s “Rise Up” initiative works to spread awareness about how the climate crisis is impacting Africa and shares the realities of living in a country bearing the brunt of the worst climate damage.
“Climate change is more than statistics, data points, and net-zero targets. It’s about the people who are being impacted right now,” she said in a UN interview.
Follow her for regular climate change updates to her 169k followers.
2. Mya-Rose Craig
Who is she? A 23-year-old British-Bangladeshi born in Bristol, Craig is a jack of all trades. Not only is she an ornithology student, but she’s also an environmentalist, diversity activist, and broadcaster.
In February 2020, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Bristol, making her the youngest British person ever to receive such an award. Passionate about the planet, she has been building her following with her blog, Birdgirl, since she was just eleven years old.
Craig is vocally against the use of palm oil, GMOs, and oil and plastic pollution, and educates her followers on biodiversity loss and more.
3. Mari Copeny
Who is she? An 18-year-old from Michigan, Copeny is a philanthropist who first gained attention when she penned a letter to then-President Barack Obama, prompting him to take action to stop Flint’s ongoing water crisis.
Her efforts led to a $100 million allocation to tackle the issue, as the drinking water in Flint was contaminated with lead and bacteria, causing serious health issues. Copeny is a National Youth Ambassador for the Washington Women’s March and a member of the Flint Youth Justice League, using her platform to challenge environmental racism and raise money for charity.
4. Autumn Peltier
Who is she? Raised in the Wiikwemkoong First Nation on Manitoulin Island, Canada, Peltier has long been an advocate for protecting natural bodies of water. Her journey began at age eight when she noticed signs warning locals to boil their water or risk getting sick.
Now 18 years old, she’s known globally as “the water protector” and serves as the Chief Water Commissioner for the Anishinabek Nation. Peltier continues to share her Indigenous belief that water is one of the most sacred elements with her over 200k followers.
5. Ou Hongyi (Howey Ou)
Who is she? A Chinese climate activist, Ou has organized protests for climate action since 2019. Despite not being as active on social media, she has made significant strides in advocating for a safer tomorrow.
Ou organized a school strike in Guilin, urging her peers to protest against greenhouse gas emissions. She has also participated in a silent protest and a hunger strike, emphasizing the urgency of the climate emergency.
“The climate emergency is the biggest threat to the survival of mankind. I feel anxious every day about the climate and the extinction of animal species,” she said.
6. Ziuhtexcati Martinez (X)
Who is he? Born in Colorado and raised in Mexico, Martinez has been campaigning against climate change since he was nine years old. He was the Director of the climate organization Earth Guardians until 2019 and uses hip-hop music to spread awareness.
Martinez has published a book, We Rise – The Earth Guardians Guide to Building a Movement that Restores the Planet, and has been involved in lawsuits against the U.S. government for failing to act on climate change.
7. Nyombi Morris
Who is he? A Ugandan environmental activist, Morris’s journey began when climate disasters destroyed his family’s farm in 2008. Now 24, he has founded the non-profit organization Earth Volunteers and serves as a UN Ambassador.
Morris has taken matters into his own hands by planting trees in his community and continues to share his story to inspire others to take action.
8. Lesein Mutunkei
Who is he? A student from Kenya, Mutunkei started his activism after learning about the impact of pollution and deforestation. His non-profit, Trees4Goals, encourages footballers to plant a tree for every goal they score.
His dream is for world-famous football teams to mark their success by the size of the forests they’ve planted rather than trophies in awards cabinets.
By following these inspiring activists, you can stay informed and engaged with the pressing issues of climate change and environmental justice. They not only provide valuable insights but also empower you to take action in your own life.
