To celebrate Earth Month, Planeteer Alliance funded 15 youth-led Meetup Events across the globe. These meetups spanned four different countries, gathering over 150 young people and engaging them in efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change through community engagement.
For over eight years, Planeteer Alliance has given young people the tools and resources to turn their impatience for change into action for the climate and planet. The program supports Planeteers hosting Meetups four times a year. These four opportunities focus on different components of climate based on the original Planeteer elements; WIND, FIRE, WATER, and EARTH.
This month’s meetups focused on the EARTH element. Planeteer Meetup Hosts discussed EARTH Element issues such as deforestation, soil degradation, and food ways. These conversations resulted in plans to empower community members to take action. Though every meetup was hosted in a different region, they were united in their goal of engaging the community in meaningful climate action.
One host, Solomon E., held his meetup on the campus of Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria on 6 April 2024. Solomon identified improperly discarded waste as the focus of his event, leading a clean up which resulted in 18 bags of collected litter.
Solomon used his Meetup to lead meaningful discussions on deforestation, which is a major issue in his community. He strives to educate community members on the importance of protecting trees as they are necessary not only for the local ecosystem, but also to combat climate change through carbon sequestration. Solomon hopes that by educating people about these realities, they will be empowered to take action to protect the environment.
Another Planeteer, Stephania R., hosted an Earth Meetup in Marcabelí, El Oro Province, Ecuador on 26 April 2024. This event brought young people together to create artwork that celebrated the planet.
Stephania explained that organized events are not common in her town, so the girls she invited to her Meetup, which she named Encuentro Por La Tierra, were immediately excited about the opportunity. While creating art inspired by the natural world, the group engaged in conversation about their personal relationship with the earth.
She realized that each of the girls had a unique connection to the earth, as each of their families lived on land where they grew crops or raised animals. Through this connection, she was able to open a discussion about how earth resources are necessary not only for their livelihood, but also for the economy.
Planeteer Alliance Element Meetups allow young people the opportunity to join together to celebrate the planet. Though these Planeteers are making a difference in their local communities, their real impact can be felt far and wide. Whether leading a clean up or initiating discussions on climate issues, their action has a ripple effect that encourages everyone to work together for a climate positive future.