How Vanessa Nakate Mobilizes The Masses
Ugandan climate justice activist Vanessa Nakate describes her journey as a young Black woman leader in the fight for a healthier planet. Nakate’s involvement in the climate justice movement began in 2019 when she organized climate strikes and inspired other young people in her local community to join her efforts. After nearly a year of this, she created the Youth for Future group, which later became known as the Rise Up movement. This movement aims to lift up the voices of all people in the climate movement and supports various grassroots projects. Nakate advocates for climate solutions that hold the global North accountable for its role in the climate crisis, and she explains the voices of people on the frontlines of climate change must be centered in conversations about creating more sustainable, just futures. Climate finance must be made a priority, and fossil fuel projects must be stopped. If these actions take place, better futures are within reach. Photo credit: REUTERS / Alamy