She Founded a Nonprofit at Twelve: Kehkashan Basu
Kehkashan Basu discusses youth-led climate action, the barriers young advocates face, and how grassroots projects can influence communities and policy.
Kehkashan BasuFounder-President of the Green Hope FoundationAbout this episode
What does it mean for young people to lead the global fight for climate justice and sustainability? Michelle speaks with Kehkashan Basu, Founder-President of the Green Hope Foundation and recipient of the International Children's Peace Prize.
Kehkashan began environmental advocacy as a child and went on to build an organization that helps young people act on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. She describes balancing school with activism, responding to criticism based on her age, and turning concern into practical community work.
Their conversation connects youth activism with climate justice and social equity while examining the barriers that sideline young leaders, the role schools can play, and the habits that help advocates continue when progress feels slow.
Topics covered
- ✦Beginning environmental activism as a child
- ✦Balancing school, public advocacy, and organizational work
- ✦Responding when adults dismiss young leaders
- ✦How education can better support climate action
- ✦Sustaining grassroots work through setbacks
