Reflections from Climate Conversations
A collaborative workshop empowering youth to engage in climate action.
Climate Conversations is an educational workshop series led by Mviringo Africa to empower young people to participate actively in addressing the climate crisis. Recognizing that climate change disproportionately affects youth, this initiative seeks to bridge the gap. Many young people want to engage in climate discussions but struggle to find the right platform or make an impactful contribution. This workshop creates an open, judgment-free space where youth can discuss, share knowledge, and take action on climate change.
The first session brought together 30 young Fellows, the Mviringo team, and the African Environmental Youth Advisory at the Ubunifu Hub, a space hosted by Planet One—a Greenpeace initiative supporting the global youth climate movement. The event marked a decisive step forward in driving youth-led climate action.
"Climate Conversations aims to simplify climate change information, making it easy to understand and engaging to learn, with the ultimate goal of turning knowledge into action. Taking the form of conversations, we hope to create a non-judgmental space to allow for learning and unlearning."
- Natalie Bullut, Co-founder, Mviringo Africa
Key Discussions & Insights
Guest speaker Nyasaina Kwamboka led the session, delivering a compelling presentation on climate change and environmental justice. The discussion covered:
- The causes and impacts of climate change
- Climate finance and transnational issues
- The global waste trade and its effects on the Global South
- The lack of sufficient disaster response systems
- The need for more inclusive global environmental education
Nyasaina emphasized the value of Leah Thomas’s book, The Intersectional Environmentalist, in dismantling oppression for both people and the planet. "It provides us with a framework to focus on intentional solutions for the challenges intersectional communities face," she noted.
Main Deliberations
🔹 Gender Disparity in Climate Action
Grace Kiarie, a UNESCO member and founder of Eco-vibes Revolution, shared her experience in Laikipia County, where women endure extreme hardships in accessing clean water. "It’s 2024—why are we normalizing people drinking the same water as wild animals?" she asked passionately.
🔹 Are Small Actions Enough?
The discussion explored whether significant climate action relies more on systemic government changes or individual responsibility. The consensus? A balance between grassroots activism and institutional reform is key to meaningful progress.
Personal Takeaways from Participants
"I was struck by how government actions can cause marginalized communities to face a disproportionate share of climate impacts. Indigenous knowledge is a valuable approach to tackling these challenges."
- Chebet Ropkoy
Climate Dialogue Specialist
"I now understand the global waste trade better—how 90% of waste meant for recycling is dumped in the Global South. It raises crucial questions about environmental justice."
- Tamika Mugenya
Lawyer specializing in Energy & Climate
"Seeing young people as the driving force behind change should cause a chain reaction leading to drastic policy shifts."
- Phillip Mboya
Strathmore Law Student & Red Cross Volunteer
"Participating in Climate Conversations made me more aware of how climate change affects us at a personal level and how we can collectively work toward solutions."
- Ivy Mideva
3rd Year Law Student & Mviringo Fellow
"Understanding the concept of environmental justice helped me realize the depth of inequalities within the climate crisis. The discussions were eye-opening."
- Maxwell Omondi
Environmental Activist
"The conversation opened my mind to indigenous African solutions in climate action, with insights from theorists like Okoth Ogendo providing valuable perspectives."
- Florence Waluse
International Studies Graduate
"It was powerful to discuss climate justice in a space where everyone could openly share ideas and propose solutions that are practical and achievable."
- Hidaya Obwa Oduor
Climate Policy Analyst
"Hearing different perspectives from fellow young leaders helped me understand the importance of collaboration in climate action."
- Olivanta Mwenda
Green Economy Specialist
"The importance of grassroots activism cannot be overstated. Being in a room filled with passionate climate advocates made me more optimistic about the future."
- Faith Boiyo
Environmental Scientist"I learned that climate justice is deeply connected to social justice. Addressing climate change must go hand in hand with protecting vulnerable communities."
- Ivans Mwongera
Community OrganizerMoving Forward
Mviringo Africa plans to continue Climate Conversations with new cohorts of Fellows every year, fostering a network of informed climate advocates. This project aims to cultivate a generation of informed and engaged climate leaders. Stay on the lookout on their socials for more opportunities to engage and become part of the conversation!