HIGHLIGHT: Wisconsin Youth Activists

Jennifer Gonzalez, Senior Director of Video

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, Chief Development and Communications Officer

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

ACE INTERVIEW: Philip Aiken on Being an Environmentalist in the Digital Space

Raquel Martinez

Philip Aiken hosts the eco podcast ‘just to save the world.’ He is an environmentalist, creative and a community organizer in Austin, Texas with a background in Engineering and a Masters degree in Renewable Energy. Phil is currently a videographer working with sustainable brands and environmental organizations, a prominent eco TikToker, and founding member and director of media production at Intersectional Environmentalist 501 (c)(3).

Wildfires and Climate Change 101

It’s natural for the occasional wildfire to blaze through the US – particularly in drought prone-areas like the Southwest. What is unusual is that these wildfires seem to be occurring more frequently, more ferociously and beyond the usual fire season. So why is this happening?

“We can’t let this moment become another powerless gesture!”

A panel featuring BIPOC leaders from the US ACE Coalition, was the first event I attended at this year’s United Nations Climate Change conference and proved to resonate with my entire COP26 experience. 

The Youth Climate Movement at COP26

Raquel Martinez

The chants reverberated and cycled through the crowd: A sea of young faces in a fight they’ve been practically thrown into. This isn’t the first – or certainly, the last – time young people have made their voices heard in this movement.

A Bittersweet COP: Reflections of a Young Climate Organizer

Aryaana Khan, Youth Fundraising Advisory Board

ACE Youth Reporter Aryaana Khan reflects on her experience speaking on a youth panel, striking, and attending COP26 in Glasgow.

Outrage and Hope at COP26

Rebecca Anderson, Chief Education and Research Officer

Hear from ACE’s Head of Education and Storytelling Rebecca Anderson as she reflects on her feelings of hope and outrage around the climate emergency.

COP26: Youth Activists You Should Know

Raquel Martinez

Youth are in a particularly daunting position within the the climate crisis. They are staring directly down the barrel of climate change at a future in which living conditions may only worsen unless leaders step up and take climate action. Youth activists attending the conference this year aim to remind and pressure these leaders to do just that.