Interview with Lily Liu | ECF Earth Week 25
Tell us about yourself and what you do.
Hello! My name is Lily, I’m 16 years old, and most of the work I do involves climate literacy and education. I’m a member of the Global Coordination Team in YOUNGO (the youth constituency for UNFCCC) and had the opportunity to represent them at COP29. Most recently, I was invited to work with the BC government to implement climate education in the Grades 4-8 curriculum.
How did you get into this line of work?
I have asthma and grew up in Beijing, and growing up, it wasn’t too difficult to connect the dots between pollution and health issues. It made the intersectional nature of climate change and how unaware people were very evident.
What’s your favourite thing you’ve done?
I LOVE workshopping and working with kids. I’ve led a series of different elementary school workshops, and it always makes me so happy to see the hope that young students have in the questions they ask.
What’s a misconception you think people have about the climate space?
That climate activists are all loud people who shout at things and never come up with innovative ideas. What most people don’t realize is that activists are working towards tangible impacts. I’d say around 80% of climate activism works towards solutions.
Is this something you want to do in the future?
Yes! I’d love to pursue a public policy concentration in the environmental sphere at university.
What’s something new you want to do in the future?
Write and make a picture book for kids. Something like Dr. Seuss and The Lorax → engaging, entertaining, and educational all in one.
What are three values you have in the work that you do?
- Community.
- Hope.
- Action.
Something you want other youth to know?
Join a program or a workshop on an issue you care about. It’s a great way to meet incredible people and take action.
A message you’d like to leave our readers this Earth Week?
If you don’t know what Earth Week is, read up on it. Educating yourself is the best thing you could do. And if you’re able to, make sure to make your vote count in the federal election.
