Climate Humans

"We had no idea what the word activism was. It was just doing the right thing, at the right time, for the right reasons." Melati Wijsen was 12-years-old when she helped say “bye bye” to plastic bags in Bali. A decade on, she's channelling that same energy somewhere new: classrooms. In Season 3, Episode 2 of ‘Climate Humans: The Policy Edition’, Melati tells host Mauricio Porras why this isn’t a pivot; it’s a deepening. They dig into the overlooked realities of youth mobilization, the resilience it demands, and Melati’s vision for the future of the planet and education’s role in that. Climate Humans is brought to you by HERO, the platform for people-powered climate solutions. Produced by Josie Colter and edited by Ben Beheshty at Studio Goldstar. Hosted by Mauricio Porras. Learn more about Youthtopia. Show notes: 00:12 welcome to Climate Humans02:03 quickfire get to know Melati04:59 from plastic bags to systems change07:14 fixing education for changemaking09:50 writing 100 lessons book12:08 turning book into university program17:41 Youthtopia vision and platform20:11 climate education policy in Indonesia22:01 behind the scenes advocacy work25:41 defining success and teachers role28:25 ending chapters and passing the megaphone34:15 burnout and finding your lane37:29 staying grounded with big platforms40:58 heroes and future classrooms43:38 closing thanks and outro

“I'm taking the government to court. This is bonkers.” In 2021, environmental engineer and the founder of Fighting Dirty, Georgia Elliott-Smith, did something almost no private citizen had done before: she took the UK government to the High Court over its Emissions Trading Scheme – and won. The landmark ruling established that near-term government policy must account for the Paris Agreement, a precedent described as the most significant regulatory intervention to the UK waste industry in a generation.In episode one of Season Three, Climate Humans: The Policy Edition, Elliott-Smith speaks to host Mauricio Porras about the reality of citizen-led legal action, the unglamorous persistence it demands, and what her case might mean for environmental accountability elsewhere in the world.Learn more about ⁠Fighting Dirty⁠. Climate Humans is brought to you by HERO, the platform for people-powered climate solutions. Produced by Josie Colter. Edited by Ben Beheshty. Hosted by Mauricio Porras.Timestamps 00:10 Welcome to Climate Humans Season Three: The Policy Edition + today’s guest02:26 Quickfire warm-up: elevator pitch, comfort food & court theme song05:56 Advice that fuels the work: “Don’t let lack of money stop you”07:07 The 2019 wake-up call: when sustainability work stopped feeling enough10:17 Meaningful change vs. “fiddling while Rome burns”11:13 Greenwashing from the inside: how ESG language gets gamed13:36 From consultant to activist: joining Extinction Rebellion & dropping the ego15:47 The incinerator turning point: re-reading the science and changing sides17:13 Go after the system: law, policy, finance – and the legal challenge begins18:20 Crowdfunding courage: community support and the long-run win19:21 How legal action forces change: disclosures, consultation, and rewriting the rules21:05 ‘The Queen vs Me’: Seeing your name up against the government! 22:13 Why Elliott-Smith founded Fighting Dirty (and the legal dream team behind it)23:22 Carrot vs Stick: Why law beats voluntary corporate sustainability27:25 Fundraising without burning out: community, kindness & chocolate31:20 Case study: The UK waste tyre scandal and the ‘one-two punch’ strategy36:54 What’s next: PFAS, waste & holding iIndividuals accountable38:41 The Future Elliott-Smith is fighting for & final thanks

“Stepping up as a hero for me means collective redemption; this collective arc of solidarity and liberation,” says poet and activist Liba Ravindran on the Climate Humans podcast. In conversation with HERO’s Mauricio Porras, Liba shares how the 2004 boxing day tsunami in his homeland of Sri Lanka set him on his climate action path, how poetry helps him connect to his roots, and his experiences today living in a community project. References: Anti-Oppression Circle: https://linksta.cc/@antioppressioncircleFirebrand Poets: https://linksta.cc/@firebrandpoetsHempen: https://www.hempen.co.uk/Writing site: https://aestheticfiction.com/Ubuntu Village: https://linktr.ee/Nu.ubuntuvillageCredits: Climate Humans is brought to you by HERO, the first platform where you can directly fund people-powered climate solutions.Produced by Josie Colter and edited by Ben Beheshty at Studio Goldstar.Hosted by Mauricio Porras.

“Now is the time to really double down on tackling equity and justice as part of climate work, rather than shying away,” says the CEO of Impatience Earth, Yasmin Ahammad, on the Climate Humans podcast. In conversation with HERO’s Mauricio Porras, Yasmin shares a 101 explainer on climate philanthropy and its role in climate action, explores the challenges of climate funding today and routes forward, and why the biggest risk is doing nothing. Climate Humans is brought to you by HERO, the first platform where you can directly fund people-powered climate solutions.Produced by Studio Goldstar and Josie Colter.Edited by Ben Beheshty.Hosted by Mauricio Porras.

“If there’s no shared understanding of what is true, we’re going to have a hard time organizing for real change,” says Germany’s Fridays for Future leader, Luisa Neubauer, on the Climate Humans podcast. In conversation with HERO’s Mauricio Porras, Luisa warns how far-right movements are derailing democracy and climate action, why courage and discomfort go hand in hand as an activist, and insights on best-in-class group organizing. Climate Humans is brought to you by HERO, the first platform where you can directly fund people-powered climate solutions.Produced by Josie Colter.Edited by Ben Beheshty.Hosted by Mauricio Porras.

“If somebody's really empowered, it's from within.” Former Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado joins the Climate Humans podcast to share why true climate leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about building movements. In this conversation with HERO’s Mauricio Porras, Carlos explores the risks great leaders must take, the power of coalition building and allyship, and why real change comes from both the top and the bottom.Climate Humans is brought to you by HERO, the first platform where you can directly fund people-powered climate solutions.Produced by Josie Colter.Edited by Ben Beheshty.Hosted by Mauricio Porras.

“I think many parents are everyday heroes,” says Our Kids’ Climate co-director and Mothers Rise Up co-founder, Maya Mailer, on the Climate Humans podcast. In conversation with HERO’s Mauricio Porras, Maya shares how parent-led campaigning style is rooted in intergenerational love, duty, and care, how it is expanding around the world, and memorable moments demonstrating with her daughter. Further resources Open Letter to World Leaders - ourkidsclimate.org Our Other Mother - ourkidsclimate.org Mothers from around the world demand action on fossil fuels, The Guardian India’s Warrior Moms demand right to clean air at Cop27, The Guardian Our Kids’ Climate Website Instagram LinkedIn Mothers Rise Up Website Instagram LinkedIn Climate Humans is brought to you by HERO, the first platform where you can directly fund people-powered climate solutions. Produced by Josie Colter. Edited by Ben Beheshty. Hosted by Mauricio Porras.

“If this work isn't valued now, what hope do we have as a humanity?” asks Lucy von Sturmer, the founder and director of Creatives for Climate, on the Climate Humans podcast. In conversation with HERO’s Mauricio Porras, Lucy shares how she’s mobilizing and upskilling the creative industry to drive solutions and not pollution, what it means to be an activist communicator, and why being a hero is all about “lifting while leading”. Visit the Creatives for Climate hub. 00:27 Meet Lucy von Sturmer, the founder and director of Creatives for Climate 02:21 Quick fire questions 05:01 Lucy's climate success stories 08:36 Lucy's journey into climate advocacy 21:30 Building Creatives for Climate 25:40 Funding and philanthropy in climate  26:23 The importance of stories and strategic narratives  27:32 Lessons learned becoming a non profit  30:02 Balancing idealism with practicality  33:28 The importance of funding and support 41:47 Supporting creative activism and creating "pockets of possibility" 43:56 Final thoughts  Climate Humans is brought to you by HERO, the first platform where you can directly fund people-powered climate solutions. Produced and edited by Ben Beheshty. Executive produced by Josie Colter. Hosted by Mauricio Porras.

“I had that rebellious understanding that nobody was going to come and solve this for us,” shares Lauren MacDonald, on the Climate Humans podcast. In conversation with HERO’s Mauricio Porras, Lauren shares their experiences as part of the #StopRosebank and #StopCambo campaigns to stop new oil projects in the UK, why it’s important for activists to take rest, and processing the reality of growing up as a young climate activist in the media.  Introduction and welcome (1m) Quickfire questions (2m) Lauren's personal journey into climate activism (5m) Early lessons and burnout (2m) Daily routines and avoiding burnout (2m) Professional achievements and campaigns (1m) The Stop Rosebank campaign (14m) Behind the scenes of activism (10m) The importance of funding climate activism (8m) Final thoughts (5m) Climate Humans is brought to you by HERO, the first platform where you can directly fund people-powered climate solutions. Produced and edited by Ben Beheshty. Executive produced by Josie Colter. Hosted by Mauricio Porras.

“No one is going to hold your hand through the process. So you need to figure out things for yourself,” shares Juanita Silva Mir, a Chilean sociologist and climate storyteller, on the Climate Humans podcast. In conversation with HERO’s Mauricio Porras, Juanita shares how she was thrown into the deep end of climate action at COP25 and the career insights she learnt along the way, why we must expand our understanding of climate activists as value creators, and how to reduce the divides in the climate movement. Climate Humans is brought to you by HERO, the first platform where you can directly fund people-powered climate solutions. Edited, mixed and mastered by Ben Beheshty. Produced by Josie Colter. Hosted by Mauricio Porras.

“Activism quite literally changed my life,” says Futerra chief solutionist and co-founder Solitaire Townsend, on the Climate Humans podcast. In conversation with HERO’s Mauricio Porras, Solitaire shares her story of climate mobilization, from getting started protesting nuclear waste being dumped in her neighborhood, to transitioning her climate activism skills from the frontlines to the boardroom of global businesses, and why accessibility is key to improving the success of the movement.   Climate Humans is brought to you by HERO, the first platform where you can directly fund people-powered climate solutions. Edited, mixed and mastered by Ben Beheshty. Produced by Josie Colter. Hosted by Mauricio Porras.

“It's really a process of continuing to believe that what we are doing is actually bringing about change. Sometimes it may be slow, but it eventually comes,” says climate activist Vanessa Nakate, on the Climate Humans podcast. In conversation with HERO’s Mauricio Porras, Vanessa shares personal stories from her early activism days, the importance of sustaining activists within the movement, and why we must redefine what it means to be a hero today. 00:23 Quickfire questions  03:21 Vanessa's journey into early activism  07:27 Overcoming fear and finding purpose 15:33 Challenges and realities of climate activism 19:36 The need for sustainable support for activists 23:38 Final thoughts Climate Humans is brought to you by HERO, the first platform where you can directly fund people-powered climate solutions. Edited, mixed and mastered by Ben Beheshty. Produced by Josie Colter. Hosted by Mauricio Porras.

“We need new ways of storytelling,” says founder and CEO of Kibbo Kift Agency, Sam Narr, on the Climate Humans podcast. In conversation with HERO’s Mauricio Porras, Sam shares why growing up in a single parent household on a council estate got him into climate, why standing out and daring to be different is central to his creative approach, and the Tuvalu digital nation campaign that captured his imagination.  Climate Humans is brought to you by HERO, the first platform where you can directly fund people-powered climate solutions. Edited, mixed and mastered by Ben Beheshty. Produced by Josie Colter.Hosted by Mauricio Porras.

“No one can accomplish anything on their own in this movement,” says co-founder and editor-in-chief of Atmos, Willow Defebaugh, on the Climate Humans podcast. In conversation with HERO’s Mauricio Porras, Willow shares how she’s bringing a fresh approach to climate storytelling and media, why passion alone is not a sustainable energy source for those working in climate, and why Fridays for Future is her favourite climate success story.   Show notes:  01:15 Meet Willow: A climate storyteller 01:27 Quickfire questions 02:38 Willow's early inspirations 05:00 Early career as an NYC fashion journalist  07:31 The vision for Atmos: science and spirituality  13:51 The power of nature in storytelling and healing 21:02 Symbiosis in climate action and the importance of paying people  24:49 Defining heroism  26:24 Thank you Climate Humans is brought to you by HERO, the first platform where you can directly fund people-powered climate solutions. Edited, mixed and mastered by Ben Beheshty. Produced by Josie Colter. Hosted by Mauricio Porras.

“In order to fight for justice, you need to be nourished and not burnt out,” says climate justice advocate and educator, Samia Dumbuya, on the Climate Humans podcast. In conversation with HERO’s Mauricio Porras, Samia shares why it’s important to remember that change doesn't happen overnight, why community is the only real antidote to burnout, and why she centres her work around joy, peace and serenity. 

Intergenerational activism can drive change from inside the world’s biggest companies, says Force of Nature’s Kat Hamilton, on the Climate Humans podcast. In conversation with HERO’s Mauricio Porras, Kat shares why being a hero is about acting from a place of love, why the not-for-profit business model doesn’t work in a capitalist world, and what it’s really like working for your high school friend.  Climate Humans is brought to you by HERO, the first platform where you can directly fund people-powered climate solutions. Edited, mixed and mastered by Ben Beheshty. Produced by Josie Colter. Hosted by Mauricio Porras.

Welcome to Climate Humans – a podcast by HERO. Stories about why climate mobilizers are more than heroes; they're humans, just like you and me. HERO's Mauricio Porras explains more.

“I think certain climate activists can be fantastic politicians,” says the co-founder and CEO of the Apolitical Foundation and ex-public servant, Lisa Witter, on the Climate Humans podcast. In conversation with HERO’s Mauricio Porras, Lisa shares what Barack Obama, AOC and Arnold Schwarzenegger all have in common, why she’s passionate about helping climate mobilizers transition into politics to drive change from inside the system, and why she believes superheroes are just people who dare and dream to do extraordinary things. Climate Humans is brought to you by HERO, the first platform where you can directly fund people-powered climate solutions. Edited, mixed and mastered by Ben Beheshty. Produced by Josie Colter. Hosted by Mauricio Porras.

Welcome to another episode of the HERO Podcast! Join the HERO movement at https://herocircle.app/ to support the crucial policy work of climate mobilizers for as little as €6 a month. In this episode, joining us is Pia Carazo, co-founder of Quantum Leap, an NGO working on advancing holistic solutions for climate change, to shift from old systems and mind frames to regenerative ones. Throughout this episode, we'll explore Pia's transformative path, from lawyer to environmental champion. Discover the challenges and lessons learned along the way. Get ready to be inspired as we uncover the remarkable story of Pia, empowering you to make a difference! NOTES AND RESOURCES HERO App Subscribe to HERO Links Pía Carazo | Quantum Leap | CR Libre de Perforación | Change Clubs Follow us LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

Join the HERO movement at https://herocircle.app/ to support the crucial policy work of climate mobilizers for as little as €6 a month. Welcome to another episode of the HERO Podcast! In this episode, we join Emiliana and Sofía from the LATAM Feminist Circle on their journey to secure the ratification of the Escazu Agreement—the first regional treaty defending environmental defenders' rights and access to environmental information. They share their experiences as mobilizers, emphasizing the vital connection between the climate crisis and social issues. The LATAM Feminist Circle works tirelessly across eight countries to ensure gender equality in climate negotiations and protect environmental defenders. Get ready for an inspiring episode as Emiliana and Sofía guide us through the behind the scenes of the work of mobilizers in LATAM. NOTES AND RESOURCES HERO App Subscribe to the LATAM Feminist Circle LinkedIn Emiliana Rickenmann | Sofía Luna Follow us LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

Welcome to another episode of the HERO podcast, where we feature the inspiring voices of those who are pushing for the most effective solutions to the climate crisis. HERO is the first subscription platform providing a stable income for climate mobilizers working on climate policy change. Subscribe today for just 6 euros a month at https://herocircle.app/ and join the journey of the most effective climate campaigners around the world. This podcast episode features Saskia Bruysten, Co-founder of Yunus Social Business. Saskia talks about how she combined social and environmental topics with business, a concept that was not very common when she started her journey 14 years ago. Saskia also talks about the role of mobilizers, consumers, employees, and big investors in driving the change towards socially and environmentally conscious business models. Finally, she discusses the work of HERO in supporting climate mobilizers and creating a new kind of purpose economy, where solving social and environmental problems should not just a hobby, but a well-supported profession. For Saskia, a HERO is someone that decides to solve a social problem or an environmental problem and just goes for it. NOTES AND RESOURCES Saskia Bruysten | Yunus Social Business Follow us LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

Welcome to another episode of the HERO podcast, where we feature the inspiring voices of those who are pushing for the most effective solutions to the climate crisis. HERO is the first subscription platform providing a stable income for climate mobilizers working on climate policy change. Subscribe today for just 6 euros a month at https://herocircle.app/ and join the journey of the most effective climate campaigners around the world. This podcast episode features Anna Alex, a climate tech entrepreneur, discussing her journey in the climate space and the evolution of the industry. She emphasizes the importance of purpose and scale in creating impactful businesses and the role of mobilizers in pushing for policy change. She also touches on the need to professionalize the work of mobilizers and the importance of shifting values towards the good of the collective. For Anna, a HERO is someone who acts on what they believe is right, even if it's not popular. NOTES AND RESOURCES Anna Alex LinkedIn Become a HERO Member Follow us LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

En este episodio, grabado en 2021, nuestra invitada es Catalina Santelices, activista ecofeminista chilena. Ella es parte de organizaciones como Fridays For Future Chile y Tremendas, además es co fundadora de la red internacional Latinas for Climate. Conversamos acerca de los principales retos que ha enfrentado para construir una plataforma regional de impacto, de la importancia de exigirle a los gobiernos acciones inmediatas que pongan en el centro a las poblaciones más vulnerables antes los efectos del cambio climático. También hablamos de la importancia de dirigir recursos económicos a los y las activistas en el mundo para que su trabajo sea sostenible en el tiempo y que así puedan incrementar el impacto de sus acciones. ¡Gracias por escuchar este episodio, esperamos que lo disfruten!

In this episode, recorded back in 2021, our guest is Dominique Palmer, a climate justice activist based in the UK. She is an organizer for Fridays For Future International and member of the Bad Activist Collective. We talked about some of her key learnings as an activist, about the Police, Crime and Sentencing Bill in the UK and the Withdraw the Cap campaign. About the importance of amplifying diverse voices in the climate movement. About how compensation can help activists around the world accelerate change and the ongoing challenge we have to reach more people outside the movements to join this fight. Thank you for listening and we hope you enjoy it! Join the HERO Community at heroactivism.com 

In this episode, our guest is mental health advocate Olivia Miller from Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. We talked about her personal journey, about how she started Bridges of Hope, a safe space to start conversations around the topic of mental health in different communities. She shared some advice on how to deal with the negative effects of social media. Also about the importance of finding time apart from activism to take care of our wellbeing and about many more projects she is leading to create safe spaces for people to connect around empathy. We hope you enjoy it! -Remember to subscribe to our podcast and invite fellow activists to join the waiting list at heroactivism.com to gain early access to our products and platforms - #ActionIsYourPower

In this episode our guest is climate activist and photojournalist Talia Woodin from the UK. We talked about the importance of building community and having a support system as an activist. About some of the biggest challenges she has faced while doing her work. We also talked about the power of photography in activism in the era of social media and the importance of compensation to make the work sustainable over time. - Remember to subscribe and to follow us on Instagram and Twitter as @heroactivism -

In this episode recorded back in March 2021, we had a conversation with Jessica Kleczka, a climate and social justice activist based in Whales in the UK. We talked about her first steps in activism, about the details of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill in the UK, about how digital activism has helped to decentralize social movements and move more people towards action. Jessica also shared some key insights on how to accelerate social and environmental change and great advice on how to avoid burnout. - Remember to subscribe and to follow us on Instagram and Twitter as @heroactivism -

En este episodio tenemos como invitada a Daniela Balaguera, activista colombiana de la comunidad Arhuaca. Conversamos acerca de cómo inició su camino en el activismo, de la importancia de trabajar por la justicia climática desde una perspectiva interseccional, algunos de los principales retos del activismo latinoamericano, del poder de la colectividad para incrementar el alcance de las acciones y de cómo compensar económicamente a los activistas cambiaría la manera de tomar acción. ¡Esperamos que lo disfruten!

In this episode our guest is Anuna De Wever. We talked about how she became a human rights activist and began the climate strikes in Belgium. About the climate crisis and the lack of action from political leaders. About the strategies to stay below 1,5 degrees and the global climate strike to demand #NoMoreEmptyPromises. About the importance of passing the mic and amplifying diverse voices in the climate movement and compensating activists around the world to accelerate change. We hope you enjoy it! - Remember to subscribe to our podcast and share it with fellow activists - #ActionIsYourPower

In this episode our guest is Cindy Trinh, a photojournalist based in New York. She is also the founder of Activist NYC. We talked about the process that led her to become an activism photojournalist and create Activist NYC. About the power of photography to tell stories, raise awareness and create an impact. About the evolution of activism and protests in recent years, from the Black Lives Matter movement to the Climate Strikes. She also gave very valuable advice for creative activists who want to follow their passion and great insights on what it means to be a HERO in these times. We hope you enjoy it!

In this episode we had an amazing conversation with Howey Ou, a climate activist from China. We talked about how she began the Fridays For Future movement in China and the struggles of being a climate activist in her country. About how other activists around the world can support their work and some advice for people who want to start taking action. Also, about the importance of going out the activism bubble to reach for new people to join this fight. We hope you enjoy it! - Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share it with fellow activists - #ActionIsYourPower

En este episodio tenemos como invitada a Jude Pereira, activista de Costa Rica. Conversamos acerca de como inicio su camino en el activismo, de la importancia de la colectividad para compartir ideas y fortalecer los movimientos, de como sobrepasar la incomodidad  inicial que muchas veces sentimos cuando profundizamos en las causas que queremos defender, del privilegio y la empatía, de romper las expectativa de perfección que se espera del activismo, de liderazgo, reconocimiento y de la necesidad de amplificar las voces latinoamericanas en los medios globales. ¡Que lo disfruten!

En este episodio tenemos como invitado a Juan Sierra, activista climático de Bogotá, Colombia. Conversamos acerca de cómo inició su camino en el activismo climático, acerca de la importancia de fortalecer redes, del reto de adaptar el movimiento global a un contexto latinoamericano, de la importancia de modificar el mensaje de mitigación a uno de adaptación para que responda a los retos de la región, de la relación entre la justicia social y la justicia climática y de algunas ideas para que las personas puedan tomar acción y convertirse en activistas. ¡Que lo disfruten!

In this episode we had an amazing conversation with Hania Imran, a 17 year old climate activist from Pakistan. We talked about the process of acknowledging that every voice has power, about how she started the Youth Climate movement in Pakistan, about the importance of holding people in power accountable, her learnings as an activist, about looking at the goodness in the world, about having the courage to stand up for a cause even where there is fear, understanding activism in both a local and global context and the need to amplify diverse voices in the climate movement. We hope you feel as inspired as we did.

En este episodio tenemos como invitada a Maria Fernanda Fuentes, ingeniera ambiental y activista colombiana. Conversamos acerca de como inició su camino como activista, ideas de acciones individuales que pueden tomar las personas para construir un mundo más sostenible, de cómo una campaña digital la llevó a emprender y algunos consejos de como utilizar las redes sociales como herramienta para cambio social y ambiental. ¡Que lo disfruten!

In this episode our guest is Elijah Mckenzie, a 17 year old climate activist from London. We talked about how to start your activism journey, how to find your voice as an activist, finding a balance to take care of your wellbeing to avoid burn out and the power of collective effort.

My guest for this episode is Ariela Kader, artist, educator and socio-environmental activist from Costa Rica. We talked about how she is using trash to raise awareness about climate change and waste. You’ll learn about her creative process and how she sees opportunities where other people see problems. Make sure to follow her work at arielakader.com Hope you enjoy it!