At just 11 years old, Karen Wanjiru Kimani is making waves in the fight against climate change. Growing up in Kenya, she saw firsthand the damage caused by deforestation and water scarcity. Instead of waiting for someone else to act, she decided to do something about it.
Karen founded the Karen Forte Environmental Conservation Foundation. Through her foundation, she focuses on planting trees, providing clean water to schools, and teaching young people about the environment. Her goal is simple: to protect the planet for future generations.
Her passion for conservation has taken her to global stages. At just nine years old, she addressed world leaders at COP27 in Egypt. She stood before them, speaking about the importance of climate action. “I was the youngest delegate,” she remembers. “It was nerve-wracking, but I had to speak up.”
Despite her age, Karen’s message is clear and urgent. She knows the power of young voices in making real change. “Climate action isn’t just for adults,” she says. “It’s our future, and we have a responsibility to protect it.”
Karen’s efforts don’t stop at the borders of Kenya. She’s part of the Sister Ecosystems initiative, working with other young eco-activists from around the world. Together, they share ideas and find ways to solve the environmental problems facing their communities.
Through this initiative, she has connected with Yana from Russia and Jasmina from Uzbekistan. They may come from different countries, but their mission is the same: to protect the planet. Karen believes that when young people work together, they can create a global movement for change.
Back in Kenya, Karen’s focus is on reforestation. She has mobilized hundreds of young people to plant trees across the country. Deforestation is a major issue in Kenya, and she is determined to reverse the damage. “Trees aren’t just plants,” she says. “They give us clean air, water, and food.”
She knows that planting trees is only the first step. “It’s not enough to plant a tree; you have to make sure it grows,” Karen explains. Her foundation is committed to not only planting trees but nurturing them to maturity.
Beyond trees, Karen is tackling another pressing issue in Kenya: water scarcity. Many schools in Kenya lack access to clean water. Climate change has made droughts more frequent, making the situation even worse. Through her foundation, Karen has helped install water harvesting systems in schools, ensuring students have clean drinking water.
Access to clean water, she believes, is a basic right. “When students don’t have water, they can’t focus on learning,” she says. “Clean water should never be a privilege.”
Karen is also passionate about educating her peers. She travels to schools across Kenya, talking to students about the importance of protecting the environment. Her message is simple: small actions can make a big difference.
She encourages students to do what they can, whether it’s picking up litter or conserving water. “We all have a role to play,” she says. “If we start now, we can save our planet.”
For Karen, the future is hopeful. She believes her generation is capable of driving real change. “We may be young, but we have the energy and ideas to solve these problems,” she says.
Her foundation continues to grow, with more young people joining her cause every day. Together, they are planting trees, providing water, and inspiring others to take action.
Karen’s dream is simple: a world where people live in harmony with nature. She knows the challenges are great, but she’s determined to keep fighting. “I do this because it’s our home,” she says. “And we need to protect it for the future.”
As she continues her journey, Karen’s impact is growing. She is proof that no one is too young to make a difference.