In brief
Inspired by Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai, Ellyanne Chlystun from Kenya has planted over 1.3 million trees worldwide, while advocating for climate action alongside figures like King Charles, David Beckham, and Meji Alabi.
Ellyanne Chlystun, a 14-year-old climate activist from Kenya, has made a global impact with her dedication to tree planting and combating climate change. Inspired by Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, Chlystun began her environmental journey at just four years old after learning about Maathai's efforts in tree planting. Despite initial reservations from her mother, Ellyanne's passion persevered, and she founded the not-for-profit organization Children With Nature in 2017. Through her work, Ellyanne has personally planted around 250,000 trees, contributing to a global tally exceeding 1.3 million, with efforts spanning countries like Poland, the USA, and Zambia. Her initiatives have garnered international recognition, involving collaborations with former footballer David Beckham and director Meji Alabi in campaigns addressing climate issues like malaria's spread. Chlystun also starred in the documentary SaveOurWildlife, exploring climate change's effects on animals, particularly elephants. Despite her ventures into filming, she remains committed to tree planting and aims to spearhead the plantation of one trillion trees globally by age 18. As she balances her environmental endeavors with academic pursuits, Ellyanne envisions studying economics, aspiring to contribute further in fields other than politics. Her story exemplifies the power of youth in driving substantial environmental change, echoing the legacy of her inspiration, Prof Maathai.
