Embracing sustainable living

Youth climate action

In addition to adopting environmentally friendly lifestyles, what else can China's Generation Z do for sustainable development and environmental protection? Wen Yi, 20, a junior student at Hunan Normal University's School of Education Sciences, has an answer.

According to Wen, educating teenagers about climate change and fostering their awareness of sustainable development are the cornerstones of global efforts to address environmental issues.

Leveraging her expertise as an education major, Wen established the Environmental Protection Squad at the university last year. She also initiated Youth Low-Carbon Activity Day, organizing a variety of fun and informative environmental activities to educate teenagers on the scientific principles of waste sorting and encourage their participation in actions ranging from plastic reduction to sustainable design.

Wen's activity planning was selected for the 2022 China Eco Design Talent Grant Program, a cultural charity venture initiative hosted by the Beijing Contemporary Art Foundation (BCAF).

Thanks to this program, many young designers have garnered public attention, contributing additional possibilities for China's sustainable development.

"I encourage more youth to join in raising environmental awareness and contribute to our carbon goals," Wen said.

Cui Qiao, chairman of BCAF, explained that as a nonprofit public art foundation, BCAF has been dedicated to expanding public perspectives through artistic philanthropy, which benefits both public interests and industry dialogues.

Since 2019, the foundation has included sustainable design as one of its strategic areas, providing financial support and an extensive platform for communication and exhibition to young Chinese designers. The goal is to make the public aware of the close connection between sustainable environmental protection and individual lives.

"Chinese youth possess an active observation and exploration of society, coupled with strong individual creativity," Cui said. "I hope our young generation can freely experiment, explore the world around them, and listen to the practical needs within environmental communities. Through their actions, they can contribute to creating a greener future."