“I thought I was the only one worried about the planet and then, suddenly, there are other kids taking the chance to change things -- and I am sure it will empower other kids to do the same.” -Anna Taylor, organizer, "Youth for Climate" movement UK
This week is all about youth and ocean protection! For this episode, I have a lovely chat with 18-year-old Summer Benjamin, an Antiguan-American student, ocean leader, pilot, and climate activist, based in the US Virgin Island of St Thomas. Summer has participated in several initiatives related to youth climate work, founding the Earth Warriors at Tahoe Expedition Academy and has participated in several international events including speaking at the POP International Conference and Festival in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico, COY 15, the World Sustainable Development Forum in Durango, Mexico, the POP Ocean Virtual Summit, WAAS Global Leadership in the 21st Century e-conference and POP Ocean Youth-Led Action and Advocacy Workshop. Recently, she has started the Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Virgin Islands Hub and continues her activism through beach clean-ups and ocean awareness initiatives.
Our conversation focuses on the role that young people can play in protecting the Caribbean Sea as well as overcoming challenges youth face when it comes to being an effective agent of change. To learn more about Summer you can check out her Instagram and SOA’s US Virgin Island Hub Instagram!
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