At just 14 years old, Kenyan environmental activist Ellyanne Wanjiku Chlystun has emerged as a globally recognized advocate against climate change, inspired by the legacy of Wangari Maathai. She has personally planted over 250,000 trees and engaged in international climate discourse, emphasizing the interconnection between climate change and diseases like malaria. Founder of the non-profit Children With Nature, Ellyanne aims to plant one trillion trees by age 18 while continuing her innovative advocacy.
Ellyanne Wanjiku Chlystun, a 14-year-old environmental advocate from Kenya, has garnered international recognition for her commitment to combating climate change through tree planting. Inspired by the legacy of Nobel laureate Prof. Wangari Maathai, Ellyanne began her journey at the tender age of four, envisioning a world transformed by the simple act of planting trees. Despite her mother’s initial hesitance, Ellyanne persisted in her mission, founding the non-profit organization “Children With Nature” in 2017. By 2020, she had successfully planted over 250,000 trees personally, contributing to a global total exceeding 1.3 million trees planted by her community initiatives globally. Ellyanne’s engagements have expanded beyond tree planting. She participated in the 2023 climate summit in Dubai, where she raised awareness regarding the climate crisis’s linkage to the spread of malaria. Notably, she collaborated with notable figures, including Grammy award-winner Meji Alabi and former footballer David Beckham, while also featuring in a documentary produced by Sky News about the impact of climate change on wildlife. Despite a recent shift in focus from planting to filmmaking, her dedication to environmental advocacy remains steadfast, with aspirations to plant trees across Africa’s Green Belt and globally, aspiring to become a catalyst for planting one trillion trees by the age of 18. Ellyanne’s story exemplifies the impactful role of youth in voicing and addressing pressing global environmental issues.
Ellyanne Wanjiku Chlystun’s journey reflects the critical role young advocates play in contemporary climate change initiatives. Inspired by Prof. Wangari Maathai, a prominent environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Ellyanne has embraced her mission with fervor. Prof. Maathai is celebrated for her efforts in tree planting through the Green Belt Movement, which has established a groundbreaking legacy of environmental stewardship in Kenya. Ellyanne’s grassroots approach demonstrates a synthesis of education, community engagement, and global outreach, effectively positioning her as a leader among the younger generation in climate activism.
Ellyanne Wanjiku Chlystun’s story serves as a powerful testament to the potential of youth to effect change within the sphere of environmental conservation. Her dedication to tree planting and broader climate advocacy underscores the importance of grassroots movements in the fight against climate change. As she seeks to mobilize communities worldwide and champion initiatives for a sustainable future, Ellyanne represents hope and determination in addressing one of humanity’s most significant challenges.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
