The Climate and Ecological Crisis: In Conversation with our Delegate Speakers
- 18:22 - 18:52, 19 September
This session will follow the Plenary Challenge on the Presentation Stage, giving attendees the opportunity to participate in a Q and A session with Delegate Speakers covering The Climate and Ecological Crisis.
Speakers
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Emma OliverEnvironmental Conservationist and Tutor
Emma Oliver
Environmental Conservationist and Tutor
I am Emma Oliver, a dedicated environmental conservationist from Papua New Guinea, with a profound commitment to conserving our natural heritage. Growing up in a coastal village, I developed an early appreciation for the intricate balance of marine and terrestrial ecosystems that surround us. This deep connection with nature inspired me to pursue a career in marine biology and environmental science.
My academic journey provided a solid foundation in understanding the complexities of biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable practices. Currently, I tutor at the Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources and Environment. In this role, I have the privilege to teach tourism students blending theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, offering students a comprehensive understanding of eco and wildlife tourism. The lessons are enriched with real-world examples, field trips, and hands-on activities that bring the subject to life. Students learn not only the principles of sustainable tourism but also the importance of conservation and community engagement. Beyond the classroom, I am a dedicated advocate for local communities. My work involves rigorous data collection, analysis, and community engagement, aimed at promoting sustainable environmental practices.
Beyond my professional responsibilities, I founded a marine conservation organization called ENB Sea Keepers to instill a sense of environmental stewardship among local communities. I believe that empowering people with knowledge is key to fostering a culture of conservation.
And I am driven by the belief that our collective efforts can make a significant difference in preserving the beauty and biodiversity of Papua New Guinea. -
Annie LuCo-Founder and CEO of H2OK Innovations
Annie Lu
Co-Founder and CEO of H2OK Innovations
Annie Lu is the CEO and Co-Founder of H2Ok Innovations. She studied Economics and Computer Science at Harvard University and is now leading business development, strategy, and sales at H2Ok Innovations. She has a background in data science, consulting, and venture capital. Along with her co-founder David–– her brother–– Annie comes from a generational manufacturing family. Growing up on the factory floor, she noticed the inefficiencies surrounding manufacturing operations, especially critical liquid systems. This prompted her to become passionate about making the world a more efficient place, especially surrounding society's most fundamental industries. Annie and David were named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 list for Manufacturing & Industry and Top 100 leaders in digital infrastructure, and in 2023, H2Ok Innovations was named Unilever's "Startup of the Year."
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Gabriel NagelInaugural Chairperson of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's National Environmental Youth Advisory Council
Gabriel Nagel
Inaugural Chairperson of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's National Environmental Youth Advisory Council
Gabriel Nagel is a Filipino-American climate justice activist and community organizer. He is the Global Goal Ambassador for Climate Action at the United Nations Association (UNA-USA) and the inaugural Chairperson of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's National Environmental Youth Advisory Council (NEYAC). At Stanford, he researches marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) policy and studies International Relations, Economics, and Earth Systems.
As the founder and CEO of the nonprofit Light CO2, Gabriel launched a carbon footprint tracking app, curated a collection of youth-written articles, and planted over 10,000 trees. As the founder and co-leader of DPS Students for Climate Action, Gabriel developed an environmental justice policy passed across 200 schools, impacting 92,000 students. The policy is one of the first among all U.S. school districts to address social and climate justice.
Through the NEYAC, Gabriel leads 15 American climate activists, selected from over 1,600 applicants, to advise the U.S. EPA on environmental justice and youth engagement. NEYAC is the only federal advisory council entirely led by youth, making Gabriel the youngest Chairperson in U.S. history. Through UNA-USA, he organized the Local Conference of Youth, which hosted over 150 delegates to prepare climate recommendations for the U.S. State Department, and drafted the first U.N. Youth Declaration of Human Rights.
Alongside being featured on NPR twice, Gabriel's engagements extend to the United Nations, Harvard Climate Week, and meetings with Vice-President Kamala Harris to discuss climate anxiety. He is honored with the International Climate Cadet Award and the President's Environmental Youth Award. As BMW Group's Engage Billions Scholar, Gabriel aspires to empower democratic and representational climate justice organizing.
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Sue WhiskyCEO and Founder of Environmental Network MalawiSue Whisky
CEO and Founder of Environmental Network Malawi
Sue is a passionate environmentalist from Malawi, whose journey began at 14 when she witnessed the devastating impacts of climate change in her village. As a pioneer in agro technology and environmental conservation, she has spearheaded innovative projects like solar-powered irrigation systems that significantly improve water efficiency for rural farmers, reducing their reliance on rain-fed agriculture. Her work in transforming agricultural waste into eco-friendly briquettes also promotes sustainability and economic empowerment. In 2019, Sue’s activism earned her the title of One Young World Ambassador. She founded the Environmental Network Malawi, leading efforts in environmental development, conservation, and education. Collaborating with local and national authorities, she has electrified rural areas with solar power, planted over 5 million trees, and significantly increased food harvests. Her water projects have improved access to clean water for numerous communities, ensuring sustainable water management practices. Sue’s work has provided jobs for thousands of women, sent children to school, and generated economic opportunities for farmers. Her vision is a brighter, greener future for Malawi and the world.
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Adenike OladosuClimate Justice Leader
Adenike Oladosu
Climate Justice Leader
Adenike is a first-class graduate in Agriculture Economics; an ecofeminist, and climate justice leader. In 2019, I was invited to the first-ever United Nations Youth Summit in New York, same year I was awarded the Ambassador of Conscience Award by Amnesty International for my fight for climate justice and human rights. I have been a Nigerian youth delegate to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change's Conference of Parties since COP25 in Spain, and Madrid including COP26, COP27, and COP28. I have a blogspot called www.womenandcrisis.com where I have written over 60 articles with more than 100,000 readers worldwide since 2018. I have published articles in several international newspapers. I was the first African climate justice activist to join the Fridays for Future movement in Africa to mobilize millions of people globally for climate action. I am leading a pan-Africa movement called “I Lead Climate Action Initiative.” A past fellow at The New Institute, Hamburg-Germany on black feminism and poly crises spotlighting a novel link between the polycrisis and carbon coloniality. Recently appointed by Education Cannot Wait as its Climate Champion. I have also been showcased as a UNICEF young advocate in Nigeria. A past fellow of the Panel on Planetary Thinking at Justus Liebig University. Adenike was awarded the International Climate Protection award by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation on the Lake Chad peace and conflict resolution pathway. I have used remote sensing as a technological tool to restore Lake Chad which has shrunk by 90% since the 1960s.