Ellyanne Wanjiku Chlystun, a 14-year-old Kenyan environmentalist, has made significant strides in tree planting and climate change advocacy, inspired by Wangari Maathai. Through her non-profit, Children With Nature, she has planted over 1.3 million trees globally. Ellyanne engages in educational outreach and collaborates with prominent figures to raise awareness about the link between climate change and public health. She aspires to plant one trillion trees by age eighteen and focuses on academic achievement to further her environmental impact.
Ellyanne Wanjiku Chlystun, a 14-year-old from Kenya, has garnered international attention for her tireless efforts in combating climate change through tree planting. Inspired at a young age by the legacy of Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai, who emphasized the critical role of tree planting in environmental conservation, Ellyanne started her journey by planting seeds at home. Although initially discouraged by her mother, who was aware of the challenges faced by activists like Maathai, Ellyanne’s passion propelled her to establish a non-profit organization named Children With Nature in 2017, aiming to educate children about ecological stewardship. By 2020, Ellyanne had personally planted approximately 250,000 trees, contributing to a total of over 1.3 million trees planted collectively with her supporters. Her mission transcended national borders, as she engaged in planting trees in various countries including Uganda, Poland, and the United States. Despite facing obstacles in recent years due to her commitment to other climate initiatives, Ellyanne remains steadfast in her mission. Her advocacy efforts have included prominent appearances at global events, such as the climate summit in Dubai in 2023, where she directly linked climate change to the increase in malaria in newly affected regions of Kenya. In collaboration with notable figures like David Beckham and Grammy-winner Meji Alabi, she has participated in various campaigns highlighting the detrimental effects of climate change on disease spread and wildlife, underscoring her deep commitment to environmental activism. Ellyanne’s determination is reflected in her aspiration to aid in planting one trillion trees globally before her eighteenth birthday and to contribute significantly to Africa’s Green Belt initiative, aimed at restoring the environment of the Sahara Desert region. Although she does not foresee a political career akin to that of her hero, she does express a desire to excel academically, particularly in economics, aiming to make a substantial impact in environmental issues through informed policy-making.
Climate change poses a significant global threat, with severe consequences for biodiversity, public health, and community livelihoods. The need for grassroots activism is becoming increasingly critical as young leaders like Ellyanne Wanjiku Chlystun emerge, taking inspiration from historical figures such as Wangari Maathai. Maathai’s Green Belt Movement was pivotal in raising awareness about environmental degradation caused by deforestation and its disproportionate impact on women and rural communities. Ellyanne’s initiatives represent a continuation of this legacy, harnessing youth empowerment and education to tackle ecological challenges head-on.
Ellyanne Wanjiku Chlystun illustrates the profound impact that youth activism can have on environmental conservation efforts. Her journey from a curious child inspired by nature to a global advocate demonstrates that passionate individuals can drive change on an international scale. Ellyanne’s vision for a greener future, rooted in her dedication to tree planting and education, not only honors the work of her predecessor Wangari Maathai, but also sets a hopeful precedent for future generations to follow in addressing climate change.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
