I spent half of my childhood in the Philippines, where I saw firsthand the wide and strong impacts of climate change. Then halfway through my childhood, my family moved to Canada, specifically Alberta, where I noticed how the economy heavily relies on sectors that produce greenhouse gases. This personal journey and the dichotomy of my childhood highlight the direct effects of climate change and why climate justice is so important to me. To me, climate justice is about making sure everyone, especially those most affected, has a say in conversations about climate change—from big global discussions down to our local communities.

In simple terms, climate justice means helping those who need it the most. In my work, we make sure that those who can’t easily speak up about climate change and sustainable development get a chance to have their voices heard.

• Start small. As the popular quote says, “Rome was not built in a day”. Identify a cause within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that resonates with your passion. Then, gradually learn new knowledge, expand your network, and gain experience related to that specific SDG. Strive to become a leader advocating for sustainable development within your chosen cause. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance when needed– doubting yourself is natural but use it as a prompt to ask for help and move forward. Reflect on your achievements, stay focused on your goal, and remind yourself of the reasons driving your commitment to improving the chosen cause.