A Reflection by Lindsay Zilly, Senior Program Strategist, Take Action Global 

On November 7, 2024, I attended Climate Action Day, reflecting on the impact of one day on the vast challenges we face. But as speakers shared stories of resilience and innovation, my own hope was reignited. Hearing about young people in Nigeria turning plastic waste into hygiene products, a “Plastic Free Wave” movement uniting youth in Brazil, and even a speaker working on quantum algorithms to optimize waste management showed me that even the smallest steps can create ripple effects.

I am continually moved by the energy that Climate Action Day brings to educators, students, and visionaries worldwide. This year’s event was a testament to the power of collective hope, storytelling, and action in addressing the climate crisis. Climate Action Day was filled with reminders of why we’re committed to this work.

Embracing Hope with Awa Ndiaye the Poet

One of the most powerful voices of the day was Awa, a spoken word poet who brought hope to life—not as wishful thinking but as an active, resilient force. Through her poems, Awa showed that hope is a catalyst for action, even in the face of immense challenges. Listening to her reminded me that we’re building something bigger and better together.

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Classroom Connection: Awa’s poetry serves as a lesson in the power of storytelling to inspire action. Just as poetry engages and connects us, storytelling in the classroom can make climate issues feel personal and urgent, empowering students to become active participants in climate solutions.

Student Projects from Across the Globe

Climate Action Day also showcased the ingenuity of young people. Students from Vietnam presented solutions to air pollution through recycling initiatives, while fifth-graders from Pakistan shared how their school garden project contributes to biodiversity and sustainable food sources on their campus. These students aren’t just learning about climate change—they’re leading change in their communities, a powerful testament to why climate education matters.

Classroom Connection: The initiatives led by students highlight the role of climate education in empowering young people to address local issues with practical, hands-on solutions. Projects like the school garden in Pakistan show that climate learning can inspire students to use STEM knowledge to improve biodiversity, emphasizing the real-world impact of education on community resilience.

Learning Through Food and Play

A highlight for me was Chef Priyanka Naik’s zero-waste pizza demo, where she transformed leftovers into a delicious meal, showing kids that sustainability can begin right in the kitchen. And when the LEGO Group challenged students to build solutions to protect frogs from climate change, we saw the magic of learning through play. Through hands-on projects, children see themselves as part of the solution.

Pharrell Williams was among many inspiring speakers, advocating for inclusive learning environments that empower students to innovate for sustainability. His message reinforced the link between equity and environmental solutions, reminding us that change is hard, but it’s essential.

Classroom Connection: Interactive experiences like the zero-waste cooking demo show that climate education doesn’t need to be confined to the classroom. Learning sustainability skills through everyday activities can help students develop habits that support a sustainable future, reinforcing that small actions at home contribute to larger environmental change.

Lessons from Leaders: Education, Partnerships, and Justice

Special guests like Dr. Priya Joshi, Vivek Venkatram, Meredith McDermott, and President Mary Robinson shared insights on the role of education in climate action. Dr. Joshi emphasized experiential learning and cross-sector partnerships, while Mary Robinson reminded us that youth and women play critical roles in the climate justice movement. Her call for global collaboration underscored the importance of inclusivity in creating meaningful change.

Climate Action Day isn’t just a day on the calendar—it’s a movement. As someone balancing many roles, I understand the energy, passion, and responsibility that come with pushing for change. Seeing students light up with ideas and hope fuels me for the work ahead. Education and climate action are inseparable, and every small step matters.

Classroom Connection: The message of justice and inclusivity in climate action emphasizes the role of education in preparing students to address the social aspects of environmental challenges. Teaching students to value partnerships and equity can lead to a more comprehensive approach to climate action, helping build the foundation for climate solutions that benefit everyone.

The Power of Storytelling in Climate Action

Jeff Berardelli and Katherine Niemczyk emphasized that storytelling is vital to climate action. Katherine referenced a statement from the American Public Health Association, illustrating how stories connect climate change to our daily lives and make the challenges—and solutions—more relatable. Climate change coverage has grown, with science now linking extreme weather to climate trends, but there is still work to do to make the message resonate widely.

The event celebrated youth-led initiatives, including Susie Hicks’ children’s show Climate Chick, which will teach kids about climate solutions. Students and educators shared their projects using hashtags like #ClimateActionDay, #ClimateActionProject, #ClimateActionEdu, and #TakeActionEdu, creating a global digital network of stories and action. Through partnerships with initiatives like the Stevens Initiative for virtual exchanges, we’re building a cross-border community of young climate activists.

Key Takeaways:

• Harness storytelling to make climate issues relatable, highlighting both challenges and solutions.
• Engage in global virtual exchanges to connect youth from different regions in climate action.
• Track eco-friendly actions through tools like the Earth Project app.
• Use social media to amplify climate projects, creating a global movement.
• Support climate-focused media like Climate Chick to engage young audiences.

Living as Crewmates on Our Planetary Spaceship

NASA also joined with fascinating perspectives from astronauts and scientists, drawing parallels between life on Mars and the need to protect our own planet. Their reminder that Earth is our “spaceship” hit home: we all share a responsibility to protect it.

Astronaut Nicole Stott shared a profound perspective on our shared responsibility for Earth, drawing from her experiences aboard the International Space Station. She highlighted that the space station is designed to mimic Earth’s life-support systems, providing clean air, water, and protection—much like Earth’s own atmosphere does for us. Stott emphasized the importance of daily maintenance and checks to ensure survival in space, underscoring how astronauts work together for the “greater good mission off the Earth for the Earth.”

Reflecting on the view of Earth from space, she noted that this perspective reminds us of our interconnectedness. She resonated with a student’s poetic observation, saying, “the only border that really, truly matters is that thin blue line of atmosphere that blankets and protects us all.” Stott concluded by urging everyone to adopt the mindset of “crewmates, not passengers” on this “planetary spaceship”—calling for global cooperation to preserve and protect our shared home.

Mayor Brandon Johnson Inspires Climate Action with a Call for Unity

As a proud Illinois resident, I was particularly excited to hear Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson speak at Climate Action Day. His message of support for the students and young people driving change was both inspiring and affirming. Mayor Johnson expressed his deep pride in the creativity, passion, and actions of young climate leaders, acknowledging how their efforts are contributing to a cleaner environment. He also shared Chicago’s bold vision for tackling climate change through the city’s Climate Action Plan, which aims to reduce Chicago’s carbon footprint by 62%. This plan is built on the core values of economic inclusion and empowerment, ensuring that all Chicagoans, no matter their community, have the opportunity to thrive in clean, sustainable spaces. His words were a powerful reminder of the importance of local leadership and collective action in building a brighter, more resilient future for everyone.

Classroom Connection: Mayor Johnson’s commitment to inclusivity in climate action speaks to the essential role of community leadership in advancing climate education. When students see their local leaders championing climate goals, it reinforces the message that they, too, can drive change at all levels of society.

Moving Forward: Action Items for All of Us

As Climate Action Day wrapped up, we left with clear next steps. We’re encouraging students to take small, impactful actions and tell their story. For us adults, this day was a reminder to support young leaders in any way we can. Here are some concrete actions we can take to keep the momentum going:

• Encourage Student Action: Help students identify simple, achievable ways they can make a difference in their communities, from reducing waste to advocating for sustainable practices.
• Share Stories: Create spaces for students to share their climate action stories, whether through social media, school presentations, or local community events.
• Promote Climate Projects: Support youth-led projects, whether through mentorship, providing resources, or using platforms to showcase their work.
• Collaborate on Global Initiatives: Explore opportunities for students to participate in global virtual exchanges, where they can collaborate with peers from other regions to share insights and work on joint projects.
• Track and Celebrate Progress: Use tools like the Earth Project app to track and celebrate the collective eco-friendly actions taken by students, families, and schools.

Climate Action Day 2024 was a powerful reminder of why we need to keep pushing forward. In a world that can feel overwhelming, days like this fuel us for the journey, reminding us that we’re part of a global community working for a sustainable, just future. Here’s to the next generation of climate leaders and the continued work of bringing ideas, creativity, and hope to the forefront.

The full recording of Climate Action Day 2024 is available for viewing: