
As the world grapples with unprecedented climate hazards and continues to stare helplessly at an even more uncertain future ahead, the big question facing us today is what can we do to protect our planet?
The answer lies in the YOUTHCAN (Climate Action Now) initiative of the POP Movement, which seeks to mobilize youth crusaders from every nook and corner of the world across educational institutions, communities and regions for concerted effort through different individual and community-led initiatives to arrest climate change.
Spirited participation of the youth will ensure scalable activities with massive impact in tackling key areas of climate change including carbon emissions, global warming, environmental management and hydro disturbance.
YOUTHCAN not only fosters greater sense of responsibility and accountability but also inculcates a sense of determination and belongingness towards urgent climate action through innovative ideas and activities including campaigns, nature schools, plantation drives, group discussions, awareness building, conferences, conclaves and adopting sustainable practices. The POP Movement is leading YOUTHCAN through various activities like photo campaigns, advocacy, climate challenge, climate aid, cinema planeta festival, environmental dialogues, mentorship programs and motivating youth through international recognition and rewards.

Community Actions

Concerts / Virtual Music Events

Marches / Marathons / Half Marathons

Local clean-up drives

Virtual Events

Theatre/Street theatre Performances

Marches / Marathons / Half Marathons
Individual Actions
Stories That Inspire
Zero Plastic, Infinite Impact: From Enugu to Global Climate Action
My journey as a climate advocate began in Enugu Ezike, where I worked with rural farmers to bridge the gap between climate education and sustainable agriculture. Through seminars, I empowered farmers with knowledge on climate adaptation and mitigation, teaching practices such as crop diversification, water conservation, and soil health management to help them respond to unpredictable weather patterns. These initiatives not only strengthened community resilience but also sparked a ripple effect, as farmers began sharing these practices with neighboring villages.
Building on this foundation, I participated in programs with the Equity Watch Initiative and the POP Movement, where we emphasized actionable steps for youth: from planting trees and reducing greenhouse gas footprints to advocating for policy changes. These programs reinforced a key message: individual actions drive collective impact.
Currently, I am channeling my energy into tackling plastic pollution at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, through my Zero Plastic-Waste Campus campaign. This initiative engages students in creative and practical ways, organizing plastic waste drives, separating biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, installing recycling bins in hostels, and hosting upcycling workshops where discarded plastics are transformed into art or reusable items. In doing so, we are redefining waste as a resource and fostering a culture of responsibility.
To me, climate action isn’t just about grand gestures, it’s about consistent, localized efforts that grow into global change. Whether it’s educating farmers, inspiring school children, or mobilizing youth, every step counts. Together, we are not only dreaming of a greener future, we are building it, one community at a time.
Leading with Action: A Climate Justice Journey from Malawi
Born and raised in Malawi, my climate leadership journey took shape in 2019, shortly after graduating from university. Returning to my village, I was confronted by a range of pressing challenges, climate-induced hunger, poor sanitation, climate shocks, and a degraded environment. Determined to create change, I founded the TIWALE Youth Organization, a reputable youth-led movement advancing climate justice.
Under my leadership, the organization has carried out impactful projects, including agroecology initiatives, public clean-up campaigns, climate education programs, and tree-planting drives. These efforts have not only improved local conditions but also inspired greater youth participation in building a sustainable future.
My work has been recognized internationally by several organizations, including Act Ubumbano, SAFCEI, Access Agriculture, African Climate Alliance, and the Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement. With their support, we continue to expand our reach and strengthen our impact.
Currently, I am leading projects such as mass tree-planting programs, a local chicken pass-on scheme, and climate education for out-of-school youth. Each of these initiatives is rooted in the belief that practical, community-based solutions can address immediate needs while building long-term resilience.
My greatest motivation comes from my unwavering belief in the power of youth. I firmly believe that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the leaders of today. With empowerment and the right resources, young people can drive meaningful change and improve the world around them.
From Backyard Gardens to Global Action: Levy’s Journey of Climate Leadership
A proud Zambian Youth Mentor for the POP Zambia initiative, my journey into environmental sustainability began in 2015, when I started as a simple backyard gardener at my parents’ house in Lusaka. This passion deepened in 2016, when I joined the Natural Resources Development College, where I became an active advocate for backyard gardens and local food production.
In 2018, I was recommended to join the U.N. Major Group for Children and Youth as a member, and by 2020, I was honored to serve as one of the Regional Focal Points for East and Southern Africa in its Humanitarian Affairs Working Group. That same year, I also joined the POP Movement as a member and mentee in the mentorship program, an experience that eventually shaped me into a mentor myself.
Through the POP Movement, I have been involved in several climate education and tree-planting projects in Lusaka and Mumbwa districts, carried out both virtually and physically. We have also collaborated with the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment in Zambia and partnered with like-minded NGOs and educational institutions in Lusaka to expand the reach of our efforts.
POP has given me the opportunity to participate in international platforms, including the POP Conference and Festival in India (2024), UNCCD COP16 in Saudi Arabia, and the AFS Intercultural Program in New York (2025).
During the POP Conference in India, together with a fellow mentor from India, we co-created the SALEVS Agroforestry Initiative in Zambia. This initiative focuses on agroforestry activities and bio-farming projects, and it was even featured as part of the side events at the U.N. High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2024. We are especially proud that this project has been adopted by the Kuvuna Foundation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), signaling its potential to expand and create meaningful change across borders.
This journey, which began with a small backyard garden, has grown into a movement of youth-led climate action, mentorship, and innovation, a testament to how small beginnings can inspire global change.
Working with the team in Zambia, to have SALEVY Agroforestry Initiative registered and secure land for its operations.
Projects

KISS4KIDS
This project introduces the concept of climate friendly travel to schools around the world. The younger generation understands why tourism has to be climate friendly…
Read MoreKISS4KIDS
This project introduces the concept of climate friendly travel to schools around the world. The younger generation understands why tourism has to be climate friendly and the necessity for youth to travel in a climate friendly way. Furthermore, the project aims at promoting climate friendly travel clubs, hotels on climate friendly travel registry, convincing parents to follow suit on periodic surveys and promoting advocacy for a cleaner environment for all while delivering on local level.

Community-Led Afforestation And Reforestation
The aim of the project is to involve local communities in actions to face the climatic impacts that affect their communities by involving them in…
Read MoreCommunity-Led Afforestation And Reforestation
The aim of the project is to involve local communities in actions to face the climatic impacts that affect their communities by involving them in afforestation or reforestation programs, climate campaigns and environmental protection frameworks. This will improve the harnessing of wildlife, soil conservation and air quality, hydrological systems conservation, carbon sinks, reduction of hunger through fruit production and improved agriculture systems.

Climate Education and Tree Planting
The Project aims at education on the impact and consequences of Climate change and restoration of forests in Zambia. Based on the leave no one…
Read MoreClimate Education and Tree Planting
The Project aims at education on the impact and consequences of Climate change and restoration of forests in Zambia. Based on the leave no one behind (LNOB) motto of POP Movement, the project is accessible to all age grades and groups across communities like Gmelaina, Tamarindo, Sena and the Julbernadia while working with Ministry of the Green Economy and Environment, forest officers, youth-led entities. As the project takes its next step, parts are put in place to forge partnership with like-minded NGO, education institutions and different government bodies to continue sensitization and awareness program in schools, different institutions and the local community and leverage the power of technology and social media, to expand the message of environmental protection and protecting our beloved planet.


















