Honoring Climate Heroes: Reflections on Bow Seat’s 2023 Ocean Awareness Contest
July 26, 2023By Jayashabari Shankar, 2023 Future Blue Youth Council member
Featured Image: “Cultural Heritage of the 21st Century” by Yulia Khaver (Ukraine)
The 2023 Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest, Climate Heroes in Action, drew to a close in June. With a staggering 4,272 submissions from 54 U.S. states and territories and 82 countries, this year’s Contest has unveiled a tapestry of inspiring narratives. As representatives of Bow Seat through the Future Blue Youth Council, we are humbled to acknowledge the extraordinary contributions of these students who have dedicated themselves to confronting the climate crisis head-on through their creative voices. In line with the theme, we wanted to highlight a few climate heroes from each of the six continents (barring Antarctica, of course). We hope this will help you broaden your horizons and be inspired to contribute your own skills to the fight against climate change!
Our World of Waste by Olivia Zirbel (Minnesota)
In North America, Dr. Sylvia Earle, a marine biologist, oceanographer, and explorer, stands as a beacon of hope and knowledge. Her groundbreaking research and record-breaking dives have awakened generations to the urgency of protecting and restoring our precious oceans. Dr. Earle holds the record for the deepest walk on the ocean floor, and she is the first woman to lead the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.
In South America, Tino Aucca Chutas, a biologist and descendant of the Incas, exemplifies the power of local action and community-led initiatives. Through his organization, Acción Andina, Tino has worked tirelessly to restore degraded ecosystems in the Andes, planting millions of trees and securing water supplies for local communities. His dedication and perseverance demonstrate the profound impact that individuals can have on preserving our natural heritage.
In Europe, Dr. Tero Mustonen, head of the village of Selkie in Finland and President of the Snowchange Cooperative, embodies the synergy between traditional knowledge and modern approaches to conservation. By preserving indigenous wisdom, cultural activities, and local biodiversity as the key person to coordinate the Festivals of Northern Fishing Traditions to connect the traditional and Indigenous fishermen of Eurasia together every two years. His work serves as a testament to the resilience of indigenous communities and their vital role in environmental preservation.
In Asia, we turn our attention to Eunbin Kang, a passionate advocate for climate action from Seoul, South Korea. Eunbin’s awakening came in September 2019 when she participated in the Climate Crisis Emergency Action Parade in Seoul. The rallying cry of “Climate Crisis, Not Global Warming” resonated deeply and served as a powerful reminder that the challenges demand collective action from ordinary people, experts, and those in positions of power alike. In 2020, Eunbin took a significant step forward by co-founding the Youth Climate Emergency Action group, igniting a flame of change within their community. In the following year, she courageously led direct legal action against Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction, a prominent Korean company involved in constructing coal power plants across Asia.
In Africa, we must recognize Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, a climate hero from the traditionally nomadic Mbororo community in Chad. As the founder of the Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad, Hindou utilizes 3D mapping tools to showcase the benefits of integrating indigenous knowledge into climate solutions. Her invaluable contributions, coupled with her advocacy for women’s rights and the recognition of their indispensable role in society, inspire us all to amplify marginalized voices and uplift those on the frontlines of climate change.
Down in Oceania, we honor Amelia Telford, the National Co-Director of the Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network in Australia. Hailing from Bundjalung country in Northern New South Wales, Amelia, a young Aboriginal and South Sea Islander woman, has emerged as a passionate advocate for climate justice and a sustainable future driven by renewable energy. Through the Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network, a grassroots movement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, Amelia embodies the spirit of collective action and empowers marginalized communities to fight for their rights and the preservation of our planet.
Amidst the remarkable achievements of these climate heroes, it is important to acknowledge the countless other champions who work tirelessly, often unrecognized, in their communities. Their actions demonstrate that real change can arise from the dedication of individuals who refuse to accept the status quo.
As we reflect on the immense success of the 2023 Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest, let us celebrate and amplify the voices of these climate heroes. Their unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, innovation, and social justice inspires us to recognize our own power to effect change. We can’t wait to be introduced to more climate heroes when the Contest winners are announced in November!