At just 14 years old, Ellyanne Wanjiku Chlystun from Kenya has made a significant mark in the fight against climate change. Motivated by Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai, she has planted over one million trees worldwide through her organization, Children With Nature, and engaged in various climate campaigns. With an ambition to be a catalyst for further environmental action, Ellyanne aspires to plant one trillion trees by her eighteenth birthday and pursue a career in economics, emphasizing the role of education in fostering environmental awareness among youth.
Ellyanne Wanjiku Chlystun, a 14-year-old Kenyan girl, has garnered international recognition for her tireless efforts in combating climate change through tree planting. Inspired at the tender age of four by the renowned Nobel laureate Prof. Wangari Maathai, Chlystun has since embarked on a mission that has seen her plant over a million trees worldwide, while also raising awareness about climate issues. Through her organization, Children With Nature, established in 2017, she educates children on how they can positively impact their environments. By 2020, she had personally planted approximately 250,000 trees and fostered a global community of tree advocates. Despite her achievements in tree planting, Ellyanne has also become involved in broader climate campaigns, collaborating with notable figures such as King Charles, David Beckham, and Grammy winner Meji Alabi. She has highlighted the connection between climate change and rising malaria cases during her speech at the climate summit in Dubai, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these intertwined crises. Ellyanne envisions continuing her tree planting initiatives while pursuing a career in economics, demonstrating her commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship for future generations.
Ellyanne Wanjiku Chlystun’s story is emblematic of the growing movement among youth to address climate change proactively. Her inspiration from Prof. Wangari Maathai underscores the impact of individual action on environmental conservation. Maathai’s legacy as a champion for tree planting in Kenya has influenced many, particularly women, in their efforts to improve their surroundings. Ellyanne’s work exemplifies this influence, merging educational outreach with tangible efforts in reforestation. The increasing visibility of young activists, like Chlystun, highlights an urgent call to address global environmental challenges and the significant role that education and community engagement play in fostering a sustainable future.
Ellyanne Wanjiku Chlystun represents the power of youth-led initiatives in the fight against climate change. Her journey, from planting her first seed inspired by Wangari Maathai to collaborating with global influencers, illustrates her commitment to environmental stewardship. With plans to plant a trillion trees and broaden her impact through education in economics, Ellyanne’s vision carries the promise of a greener future. Her story encourages others to recognize their potential to enact change in their communities and around the world.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
