Championing Changemakers: Empowering the Next Generation

The environment is for everybody. And the reasons that people have for being an environmentalist are as numbered as they are.” -Nathaniel Rodefer

The future belongs to those who shape it. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s environmental leaders, and the choices we make now will determine the world they inherit. That’s why one of our new categories for this year’s Earth Month Ecochallenge is Empowering the Next Generation—because supported, inspired youth can change the world.

The Power of Youth-Led Solutions

When young people are encouraged, supported, and given the tools to act, they don’t just participate in sustainability efforts—they lead them. Youth involvement in civic and environmental action leads to long-term engagement and innovative solutions. Whether through grassroots activism, technological innovation, or policy advocacy, young changemakers are already transforming the world around us.

A powerful example of youth leadership in climate activism and social justice comes from Nathaniel Rodefer, an emerging leader working locally for change in northeast Florida. Their work exemplifies how young changemakers can influence decisions, mobilize communities, and advocate for environmental justice. In our interview with Nathaniel, we explore their journey, the challenges he’s faced, and what keeps them motivated.

Nathaniel’s passion for sustainability and justice started in high school, where an environmental studies course opened their eyes to the self-regulating beauty of natural systems and the threats posed by climate change to these systems. Their work now focuses on behavior change, community engagement, and institutional advocacy. They’ve worked on initiatives such as reducing single-use plastics on campus, improving climate communication, and advocating for accessible public transportation to serve both environmental and social needs.

“These issues…can mix with each other and compound and create new issues altogether. The environment is the backdrop where everything else happens. Even if they're not directly related, [these issues] still play into each other.”

But young leaders can’t do it alone. Intergenerational collaboration is key—mentors, educators, families, and communities all play a role in providing guidance and support so that youth can step into their power. Investing in the next generation is one of the most effective ways to ensure a thriving future for people and the planet.

Nathaniel highlights that a sense of belonging is one of the most significant factors in keeping young people engaged in sustainability efforts.

“So, being the youngest person in the room is by no means a bad thing. But it is something that has to be navigated. So just having that kind of protectiveness about the presence of young people…always taking a step forward, is something that is always appreciated, creates a welcoming feeling. Try to focus on how you can politely foster someone's involvement in belongingness to an organization. I think belongingness is really what it comes down to.”

Check out the full interview! (22:27 minutes)

• Listen here
• Watch here

Building Bridges Between Generations

Young people are already doing the work, but they need allies. Explore the Empowering the Next Generation category in the Earth Month Ecochallenge to see how you can support youth-led initiatives, amplify young voices, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

How can you help uplift the next generation? Whether it’s mentoring a young activist, supporting youth-led projects, or amplifying emerging leaders’ voices in your community, your actions can have a lasting impact. Think back—what kind of support would have helped you when you were younger? What opportunities or encouragement made a difference in your journey?

“When it comes to how people can support young leaders, I think there is something to be said for understanding the environmental movement and its successes and its failures over the past, taking stock of that, and really trying to put yourselves in the shoes of the circumstances that young environmental leaders find themselves in.”

Now, take a moment to explore the Empowering the Next Generation category in the Earth Month Ecochallenge and discover how you can pay it forward. Empowering young people isn’t just an investment in their future—it’s an investment in our shared future.

Share your thoughts and experiences in the Ecochallenge feed! How have young changemakers inspired you? Did someone support you in taking action for the planet or your community when you were younger? Tell us about it!