The ACE Blog

ACE INTERVIEW: Gregor Sharp on Youth Activism Online and Outside of the U.S.

Indy Howeth, Storytelling Intern

Gregor Sharp is a 17-year-old climate and environmental activist from both; Cambuslang, Scotland, and Lake Bluff, Illinois. He is currently an active member of the climate action organizations: Earth Uprising, Water Solutionaries, and Friday for Future – USA. Using social media platforms, like Tik Tok and Instagram, Gregor is passionate about spreading awareness and education about the climate emergency and its surplus of extreme issues.

Air Pollution and Climate Change 101

Victoria Whalen, Social Media Intern

Everyday the air we breathe becomes dirtier and more polluted than ever before. From vehicle emissions to the burning of fossil fuels, our air quality is filled with harmful compounds and particulates that not only affect our planet, but also our health. From acid rain, warming global temperatures, to difficulty breathing; air pollution has a chokehold on our lives and the future of the planet.

ACE INTERVIEW: Saoirse Exton on Activism in the Irish Climate Movement

Raquel Martinez

Saoirse Exton (she/her) is a 16-year-old climate activist based just outside of Limerick City, in Ireland. She began her journey in climate activism when she was 13, with the activist group Fridays for Future. She’s participated in the Global Climate Strike movement, taking part in weekly strikes outside of government buildings and leading Global Strikes in the city.

Storm Surge and Climate Change 101

Victoria Whalen, Social Media Intern

Over the years, hurricane season gets bigger and badder and when strong winds and rain appear, storm surges are to follow. Climate change has exacerbated these weather phenomena into climate change supervillains. As sea levels continue to rise, coastal zones are becoming increasingly more vulnerable to these disasters. Storm surges cause billions of dollars in damages to property, cause exponential loss of life, and are washing away some of our most important ecosystems.

5 Climate Wins of 2021

Indy Howeth, Storytelling Intern

Climate change is scary and it is sometimes difficult to find hope in such an often disheartening fight. However, there’s plenty to be hopeful about that happened this past year. Here’s a look back at five big climate wins of 2021 to bring some climate hope into the new year!

How can gen z support each other during the climate emergency?

Indy Howeth, Storytelling Intern

We’re the first generation to face the possibility of an uninhabitable planet within our lifetimes. Although my generation is the least responsible for the man-made pollution causing climate change, our jobs…our homes… our families… and our future are being impacted the most.

ACE INTERVIEW: Maureo on Queerness in Climate Activism

Raquel Martinez

Maureo Fernandez y Mora (he/they) is a youth activist based in Northampton, MA and Associate State Director of Clean Water Action Massachusetts.

HIGHLIGHT: Wisconsin Youth Activists

Jennifer Gonzalez, Associate Director of Storytelling

Wisconsin’s climate is changing. In the past century, most of the state has warmed about two degrees (F). Heavy rainstorms are becoming more frequent, and ice cover on the Great Lakes is forming later or melting sooner. In the coming decades, the state will have more extremely hot days, which may harm public health in urban areas and corn harvests in rural areas. We’d like to introduce you to some youth climate activists based in Wisconsin and what issues are most important to them and their community.

ACE INTERVIEW: Alex Silva on Influencer Power in Activism

Raquel Martinez

Alex Silva (he/him) is a recent high school graduate, climate content creator, and founder of the EcoTok collective. He uses his voice on social media to advocate for different environmental causes and previously led an environmental club at his school for three years. Alex also volunteers for Chispa NV, a grassroots climate organization that focuses on environmental justice.

A Tale of Two COPs

Cristina Jorda Kinney, Director of Institutional Philanthropy

Hear from ACE’s Director of Institutional Philanthropy, Cristina Jorda Kinney, as she reflects on her experience at COP26.