By now, we have all heard about Greta Thunberg and her contribution to the conversation of climate change. But there are many more young, fired-up individuals fighting for the planet that the rest of the youth, as well as adults, can take inspiration from to take actions themselves. Autumn Peltier (age 15), Leah Namugerwa (age 15), Xiye Bastida (age 17), and Isra Hirsi (age 16) are just a few names that come to mind when thinking of the youth making significant changes to the environment.

In this blog, we will take inspiration from our own country! 11-year-old Ridhima Pandey witnessed the Kedarnath flood in 2013 when she was only 5 years old. This seemed to have left an impact on her growing mind as she went on to join hands with Greta Thunberg as the only young activist from India, together to protest at the UN Climate Action Summit against the backfoot that governments have taken when it comes to sustaining the planet.

Ridhima grew up in a home where the conservation of the planet was the number one priority. Both her parents are working for forest and wildlife conservation. She has also noticed the media's insufficient coverage on the planet's decline. Nevertheless, due to the advent of the internet, the youth has become aware of the current state of our planet and has begun raising their voices against its unfair treatment.

Ridhima believes that the best way to help our planet is by reducing our carbon footprint. An individual's carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide that is emitted as a result of their activities. She has actively made the change in her lifestyle by not wasting paper, water, electricity or food and by completely eliminating the use of single-use plastic. She also encourages everyone to travel more by public transport rather than private cars.

Ridhima first gained fame for her petition in the National Green Tribunal against the government for their lack of action in response to climate change, emphasizing on pollution and environmental degradation. Unfortunately, the NGT disposed of her plea and it is still said to be pending in the Supreme Court. When asked about her motivation to take such a step as a then 9-year-old, she said, "I wanted to do something to save our future and asked my father what I should do. After that, my father consulted with our lawyer and they decided to file a petition in NGT in my name."

It is a matter of pride for all of us Indians that our country houses such brilliant and proactive young individuals and we can all take note of how much we could be doing for the planet!

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