“The Green Rising: Young Storytellers Call for Climate Action Through Powerful Imagery”
The ‘Green Rising: Through a Fresh Lens’ photo book and exhibit were unveiled today at the FotoZA gallery in Johannesburg, marking World Environment Day with a call to action from young storytellers to address the urgent climate and environmental challenges impacting children and young people.
The project, led by twelve talented individuals aged 15 to 24, was a culmination of a four-month journey guided by EPA Images Senior Visual Correspondent, Kim Ludbrook. Through photography and writing, the participants captured the specific effects of the climate crisis on youth and their communities.
One participant, Karabo Chauke, a student from Pretoria, highlighted the impact of air pollution on individuals living near factories and smokestacks. Chauke emphasized the detrimental effects on those with respiratory issues and called for greater awareness of the issue.
The collaboration between young climate advocates from four provinces in South Africa received support from UNICEF South Africa, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Regional Office for Southern Africa, Maverick Citizen, and EPA Images.
UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli, praised the project for giving young people a platform to share their experiences and drive tailored action to address their specific needs in the face of the climate crisis.
Abigail Noko, Regional Representative for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, commended the initiative for empowering young people to advocate for a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
Kim Ludbrook, EPA Images Senior Visual Correspondent, expressed pride in the growth and commitment shown by the participants throughout the project, hoping they continue to spread their inspiring messages to a wider audience.
Zukiswa Pikoli, Managing Editor of Maverick Citizen, emphasized the importance of young people sharing their perspectives on climate change to drive urgent action from policymakers and society as a whole.
The ‘Green Rising: Through a Fresh Lens’ project was made possible by the generous support of UNICEF South Africa’s climate and environment partners, including the Governments of Denmark and Japan, and Accenture.