Climate Pods is a virtual initiative organized by FXB-USA Climate Advocates and Youth Climate Leaders in the months of July and August 2020. Focusing on the themes Livable Cities, Water, Food and Fashion, this informative training program seeks to employ narrative and storytelling practices, along with special guest talks from thought and action leaders to reimagine and personalize key themes of the climate crisis. Climate Pod intends to be a space where individuals can reflect and unpack their own climate narrative while connecting with others to reimagine and retell a collective vision for the changing world around us.

On July 31, 2020, the POP Movement in partnership with FXB-USA Climate Advocates and Youth Climate Leaders organized a Climate Pod on Water through a panel discussion titled, “Youth water activists – What tools do young people need to take action?” wherein 6 young leaders from different parts of the world shared their narrative and experience of water-related activism in an attempt to inspire and motivate the young audience towards the cause of water.

As great leaders and inspiration to the youth of the world, the young panelists collectively echoed that no matter who we are or where we come from, every single individual on this planet has the capacity to contribute and support one another in achieving the future we want. The panel sought to address the issue of water crisis through youth-led action and activism, ensuring the availability of potable water for all, and tools young people need to take actions, promote sustainable innovations, and effect change. Through the 75-minute panel, the action leaders left an imprint on the audience, motivating them towards innovation, advocacy, and action for the rising water concerns and to demand government measures on investment in the long term for water management. The event was anchored by a young trainee mentor, Nitya Dhingra from the POP Movement.

After the keynote addresses, a Q/A session was moderated by Dr. Ash Pachauri who put forth the following questions:

1. What is your take to address the issue of water crisis and ensure the availability of potable water for all populations? What tools do young people need to take action?

2. Given the prolific nature of your engagement in this area, how do you manage between school/work and other responsibilities like formal education, and strike a healthy balance?

3. With the increasing number of sustainable innovations being developed in different parts of the world, what do you think can be done to scale-up these initiatives and adapted to suit different contexts around the world?

Highlights from the Speakers:

“The need for a convenient living has taken over conscious living, which needs to change. Nations can no longer put people, planet, and natural resources on a backseat and give a front seat to profit.”

– Haaziq Kazi, Founder, Ervis Foundation

“Everything is made by little steps.  Don’t be afraid to approach people who are already involved.  Don’t look away from things that make you uncomfortable, act on them.”

– Ana Hanhausen, POP Ocean, Plastic Oceans Mexico

“Have conviction in what you want to do and never doubt that you are not doing something.  Never let someone tell you that you are too young to do something.”

– Luciana Verástegui,Youth State Coordinator, UN SDG

“It is important to understand the environment you live in so you can seek the best way to acquire water.”

– Journey Higgs, Student Activist from Hope Town, Bahamas

“I feel a lot of people are complacent.  It is hard to tell people about issues they cannot see happening.  All of us have to work together.”

– Jamilla Sealy, Assistant Project Coordinator, Barbados Ministry of Environment and National Beautification

“We must educate, innovate, and ensure our survival.”

– Daniela Gomez, POP Ocean, Co-Founder theColourBook

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