Climate Guardians
In Maldives, a group of young people are helping to enact climate and environmental actions
In a small island nation scattered across 90,000 square kilometres of the Indian Ocean, young people feel the effects of the climate and environmental crisis in their daily lives: Waves spill into schoolyards; plastics wash ashore; storms damage homes.
For many young people, the climate and environmental crisis is a call to action.
UNICEF Maldives has responded by establishing Climate Guardians – a platform for young people to learn skills, get involved and make a difference.
Who are the Climate Guardians?
They are young people aged 15–24 from 10 islands in Maldives – with the goal of adding more islands to the cadre.
They are a self-governing group that develops and enacts climate and environmental actions including:
- Tree planting
- Beach clean-ups
- Coral restoration projects
- Advocacy efforts including participation in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP)
Voices of Climate Guardians
Zarah, a 17-year-old student who wants to use her artistic talents to raise awareness about the environment and inspire change.
Aash, 18, who is concerned that “plastic pollution is destroying natural habitations and eventually ending up on people’s dinner plates.”
Rua, 19, a diver who is witnessing, in real time, the demise of coral reefs but says: “Always fight for your rights and never get discouraged by anybody.”
Raaia, 21, is concerned about the impact of climate change in her community – “The impacts of climate change go far beyond economic loss and damage. It has stolen the air we breathe, the food and water we consume, and the beautiful islands our ancestors protected and nurtured for their children and generations to come.”
Get involved
The goal is to grow the ranks of the Climate Guardians and expand their engagement into efforts that help their communities bolster their resilience and respond to disasters.
If you are interested in becoming a Climate Guardian, apply here.
