10 Gen Z Environmentalists Leading the Fight for a Greener Future in 2025

Climate change remains one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and in 2025, Gen Z is proving they’re ready to tackle it head-on. These young environmentalists are blending advocacy, education, and grassroots organizing to inspire change and demand accountability from leaders worldwide.

From Greta Thunberg’s global climate strikes to Sophia Kianni’s Climate Cardinals initiative, these eco-warriors aren’t just raising awareness—they’re driving action. They’re not afraid to call out inaction or push for systemic change, and their efforts have mobilized millions.

This article highlights 10 of the most influential Gen Z environmentalists making waves in 2025. Whether they’re fighting for clean water, inclusive climate policies, or renewable energy, their work is a testament to the power of youth-led movements. These activists are showing us that the fight for the planet isn’t just about protests—it’s about persistence, innovation, and a commitment to justice.

1. Greta Thunberg

When you think of Gen Z and environmental activism, Greta Thunberg is likely the first name that comes to mind. The Swedish teenager became a global icon in 2018 when she started skipping school every Friday to protest climate inaction outside the Swedish Parliament. What began as a one-person strike blossomed into the Fridays for Future movement, which has mobilized millions of students across the globe to demand urgent action on climate change.

Greta’s speeches, often directed at world leaders, are unflinchingly direct. At the United Nations Climate Action Summit in 2019, her “How dare you?” speech went viral, highlighting the frustration of a generation inheriting a climate crisis. Despite facing criticism and personal attacks, Greta remains steadfast in her mission, using her platform to advocate for policy changes, renewable energy, and reducing carbon emissions.

Beyond protests, Greta has written books and collaborated on documentaries to spread her message. Her influence has earned her numerous accolades, including being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize multiple times. Greta embodies the essence of youth-led activism: fearless, focused, and determined to create a better future for all.

2. Leah Thomas

Leah Thomas, often referred to as the "Intersectional Environmentalist," has reshaped how we think about climate activism. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Leah founded the Intersectional Environmentalist platform in 2020 to address the overlap between environmental issues and social justice. Her work emphasizes that environmental challenges disproportionately affect marginalized communities, and she fights to ensure these voices are included in the climate conversation.

Leah’s Instagram account and website are treasure troves of educational content, offering resources, guides, and advocacy tips. She’s known for her ability to simplify complex issues, making her a go-to source for young activists eager to make an impact. From workshops and panel discussions to written articles, Leah’s work spans multiple mediums, reflecting her versatile approach to advocacy.

Her efforts have garnered partnerships with major brands like Patagonia, and she has appeared in leading publications such as Vogue and The Washington Post. Leah’s work is not just about climate justice but also about creating a more inclusive and equitable environmental movement that leaves no one behind.

3. Autumn Peltier

Autumn Peltier is a force of nature in the truest sense. This Indigenous water protector from Canada has been an advocate for clean water since she was 8 years old. Now in her late teens, Autumn is a global figure, representing the Anishinaabe Nation and other Indigenous communities in the fight for water rights.

Dubbed the "Water Warrior," Autumn’s activism is deeply rooted in her culture, which sees water as sacred and life-giving. Her impassioned speeches, including those delivered at the United Nations, highlight the urgent need to protect water sources and respect Indigenous rights. She has called out governments and corporations for polluting waterways and failing to provide safe drinking water to Indigenous communities.

Autumn’s work extends beyond speeches; she has collaborated on educational campaigns and partnered with environmental organizations to amplify her message. Her commitment earned her multiple accolades, including being nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize. Autumn’s voice reminds the world that the fight for clean water is not just an environmental issue but a human rights one.

4. Xiuhtezcatl Martinez

Xiuhtezcatl Martinez is not just an environmental activist—he’s also a musician, poet, and youth leader. A proud Indigenous activist from the Aztec tradition, Xiuhtezcatl has been involved in climate advocacy since he was six years old. As the former youth director of Earth Guardians, he has led efforts to mobilize young people in combating climate change and advocating for renewable energy.

His work combines activism with art, using hip-hop as a medium to educate and inspire. Through his music, Xiuhtezcatl addresses topics like environmental degradation, social justice, and cultural heritage. His performances have taken him to global stages, including the United Nations and the Paris Climate Accord.

Beyond music, Xiuhtezcatl has been involved in legal battles, including a landmark lawsuit against the U.S. government for its role in contributing to climate change. His efforts aim to hold corporations and governments accountable for their actions. Xiuhtezcatl’s multifaceted approach to activism makes him a standout figure in the Gen Z movement, blending art, advocacy, and leadership.

5. Vanessa Nakate

Vanessa Nakate, a climate activist from Uganda, is a leading voice in the fight for climate justice in the Global South. She began her activism in 2019 with a solo climate strike outside the Ugandan Parliament, inspired by Greta Thunberg. However, Vanessa’s activism quickly evolved into something uniquely her own. She founded the Rise Up Movement to amplify African voices in the climate conversation, highlighting the disproportionate impacts of climate change on the continent.

Vanessa gained international attention in 2020 after being cropped out of a photo featuring prominent white climate activists. The incident shed light on the underrepresentation of African voices in global climate discussions, and Vanessa used the moment to call out systemic racism in the environmental movement.

Her advocacy includes addressing food insecurity, deforestation, and energy poverty in African nations. Vanessa has spoken at major global forums, including the United Nations and COP26, emphasizing the urgency of climate action for vulnerable communities. Her work exemplifies resilience and the power of using adversity to fuel meaningful change.

6. Isra Hirsi

Isra Hirsi, co-founder of the U.S. Youth Climate Strike, represents the intersection of environmental justice and social activism. The daughter of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, Isra has used her platform to address the racial and economic disparities linked to climate change. Her work focuses on making climate activism more inclusive and accessible, particularly for communities of color.

Isra has been instrumental in organizing nationwide climate strikes, bringing together thousands of young activists to demand systemic change. She is vocal about the connections between climate justice and other social issues, including immigration, healthcare, and education.

Her bold approach and candid discussions on social media have earned her both admiration and criticism, but Isra remains steadfast in her mission. She frequently calls out performative activism and emphasizes the need for genuine, actionable efforts to combat climate change. Isra’s leadership has inspired countless young people to join the fight for a sustainable and equitable future.

7. Kevin Patel

Growing up in Los Angeles, Kevin Patel witnessed firsthand the effects of air pollution on his community. Motivated by his experiences, he founded One Up Action, an organization dedicated to empowering youth to create sustainable solutions in their communities. Kevin’s work focuses on intersectionality, addressing how climate change disproportionately affects marginalized groups.

One Up Action provides resources, mentorship, and funding for youth-led environmental initiatives. Kevin’s activism extends beyond grassroots efforts; he’s also been involved in policy advocacy, pushing for stricter air quality regulations and renewable energy investments.

Kevin has spoken at numerous international conferences, sharing his story and inspiring others to take action. His work has been recognized with several awards, and he continues to emphasize the importance of inclusivity in the climate movement. Kevin’s journey shows how personal experiences can drive meaningful change and inspire others to take part in the fight for environmental justice.

8. Sophia Kianni

Sophia Kianni’s mission is to make climate science accessible to everyone. As the founder of Climate Cardinals, a nonprofit organization, Sophia leads a team of volunteers translating climate information into over 100 languages. Her goal is to break down language barriers that prevent non-English-speaking communities from accessing critical climate research.

Sophia’s work has gained global recognition, earning her a spot as the youngest member of the United Nations Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change. She uses her platform to advocate for increased diversity in the climate movement and push for policies that prioritize global inclusivity.

Sophia’s innovative approach to activism bridges the gap between science and accessibility. By ensuring that climate information reaches underserved communities, she’s empowering millions to take informed action against climate change. Her work highlights the importance of inclusivity and the power of education in driving global change.

9. Daphne Frias

Daphne Frias is a disability rights advocate and environmental activist who is redefining inclusivity in the climate movement. Living with cerebral palsy, Daphne uses a wheelchair and works tirelessly to ensure that climate activism is accessible to all, including people with disabilities.

Her work emphasizes the intersection of climate change and accessibility, shedding light on how environmental issues disproportionately affect disabled communities. Daphne has spoken at major events and collaborated with organizations to develop policies that prioritize inclusivity in climate initiatives.

Daphne’s activism isn’t limited to public speaking. She’s also involved in grassroots organizing, using her platform to mobilize young people for climate strikes and other initiatives. Her work reminds us that a truly effective climate movement must be inclusive of everyone, regardless of their abilities. Daphne’s leadership is a testament to the importance of diverse voices in the fight against climate change.

10. Jerome Foster II

At just 20 years old, Jerome Foster II has already made history as one of the youngest climate advisers to work in the White House. As the founder of One Million of Us, Jerome empowers young people to vote and advocate for climate-related policies. His work bridges the gap between grassroots activism and government policy, ensuring that youth voices are heard at the highest levels.

Jerome’s activism began with weekly climate strikes outside the U.S. Capitol, where he gained national attention for his passionate speeches. Since then, he’s been featured in major media outlets and spoken at international conferences, emphasizing the urgency of climate action.

Jerome’s dual focus on activism and policy makes him a unique force in the climate movement. He understands the importance of systemic change and works tirelessly to create pathways for young people to influence decision-making processes. Jerome’s dedication and impact exemplify the potential of Gen Z to drive meaningful change.

The 10 environmentalists featured here represent the heart of Gen Z’s fight for a sustainable future. Their efforts remind us that climate activism isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach—it’s a mosaic of voices, strategies, and passions.

From Greta Thunberg’s global influence to Jerome Foster II’s focus on policy, these young leaders are paving the way for meaningful change. Their work highlights the importance of inclusivity, education, and collective action in addressing the climate crisis.

As we move through 2025, their stories inspire us all to take action—whether it’s reducing our carbon footprint, supporting renewable energy, or amplifying marginalized voices. Gen Z isn’t waiting for the world to change—they’re leading the charge to create the future they want to see.

Now is the time to join them in the fight, because as these eco-warriors remind us: the planet’s future depends on what we do today. Together, we can make a difference.