Empower Change: Young Activist Licypriya Kangujam from Manipur Declares Climate Education as the Key to Our Future
In an inspiring address at the Indian Green Building Council’s first student conference at the Cochin University of Science and Technology, 13-year-old climate activist Licypriya Kangujam from Manipur emphasized the critical role of climate education in addressing environmental challenges. Speaking on March 15, 2025, in Kochi, Ms. Kangujam asserted, “There is no climate solution without climate education,” advocating for mandatory climate change education and resilience training in schools.
A passionate advocate for sustainable development, Kangujam highlighted the positive response her call to action has received from Indian state governments. Notably, Gujarat and Rajasthan have implemented climate education in schools following her advocacy. Despite her youth, Kangujam remains undeterred by skeptics, stating, “Age does not matter when it comes to making a change.”
Kangujam’s journey as a climate activist began in the aftermath of two devastating cyclones that struck Odisha, where she was then residing, in 2018 and 2019. These events motivated her to fight for climate action and justice, driven by the vision of ending the suffering of vulnerable populations, especially children and women. She emphasized the urgent need for a national climate change law to curb carbon emissions and promote responsible environmental practices, highlighting the importance of individual and collective action.
Her initiatives have gone beyond education. Kangujam has mobilized efforts across educational institutions in India, planting 3.5 lakh trees with a goal to reach one million. She encouraged students at Cochin University to participate in this tree-planting campaign. Additionally, she called for a production-level ban on single-use plastics, criticizing the environmental damage caused by improper disposal and overuse.
Kangujam stressed the crucial role of wealthy nations in supporting climate finance, stating, “The rich nations must provide climate funds for mitigation, and there is no climate justice without climate finance.” According to her, these countries cannot evade responsibility in the global fight against climate change.
Despite the challenges, Kangujam noted Kerala’s commendable efforts in tackling environmental issues, as the state grapples with climate-induced disasters such as floods, landslides, and heatwaves. She recalled her contribution to the Kerala Chief Minister’s relief fund during the 2018 floods, a testament to her commitment to disaster resilience and support.
In her closing remarks, Kangujam emphasized the duty of political leaders to act responsibly, warning that her generation has already suffered from past negligence. “My generation is already a victim of irresponsible actions in the past. The next generation cannot be left to suffer,” she said, urging profound changes at every societal level. Her message was clear: transformation is needed—from individuals to families, communities, and nations—to secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Published on March 15, 2025, this event underscores the significance of youth-led climate advocacy, reinforcing the idea that education and actionable change are essential in combating climate change. Through her efforts, Licypriya Kangujam continues to inspire a global audience to rethink their environmental responsibilities.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/no-climate-solution-without-climate-education-says-young-climate-activist-licypriya-kangujam-of-manipur/article69332991.ece
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Publish Date: 2025-03-15 12:49:00
