They are passionate optimists who believe that their efforts can make a difference, and they are addressing every conceivable “environmental” issue around, from energy use to overfishing, food distribution and hunger to waste management, green jobs to the disappearance of indigenous cultures and rainforest. And they are using every path and tactic they can think of.
In this collection, 22 of these young eco-warriors tell the stories of their own green revolutions — and incite you to start your own. Enei Begaye, a Dine activist, is bringing green jobs to the reservation; Jamie Henn, co-founder of 350.org (350 parts per million is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere — we are currently at 389), is building a global movement to solve the climate crisis; Tanya Fields, an African American woman, is fighting poverty in her community through guerilla farming in New York City; David Nickarz, a Canadian cancer survivor, engages in direct action to end the use of dangerous pesticides; Wen Bo, a Chinese student, dared to become an eco-activist just after the Tiananmen Square massacre; Kevin Ochieng, a young Kenyan, is leading a climate movement with underprivileged youth across Africa. In all their stories, one common theme emerges clearly: anyone can be an eco-warrior. Just identify the issues you are passionate about and get out there and do something for change.