Levi Draheim is a seasoned environmental activist at the age of 12 and works closely with Our Children’s Trust, a non-profit organization that enables American youth to get involved in environmental advocacy and education. In the ultimate form of engagement, Draheim and 20 other young Americans, with support from Our Children’s Trust, filed a landmark lawsuit, Juliana v. the United States against the executive branch of the federal government.”The lawsuit claims, “…through the government’s affirmative actions that cause climate change, it has violated the youngest generation’s constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property, as well as failed to protect essential public trust resources.” Draheim is one of the plaintiffs in this case.
Draheim says he started his career in environmental activism around the age of seven, “I’ve always felt really connected to the environment,” he tells Parentology. “I love being outside. I’m the kid at the playground that used to roll around in the dirt when I was younger.”
It was a mention from his church minister about Our Children’s Trust that drew Draheim to the organization. After discussing it with his mom, Draheim decided he wanted to get involved.
But Draheim didn’t just want to join an organization, he wanted to affect change. “I wanted to be involved in the lawsuit because it felt like a way I could be taking action. I want to build awareness, but I want to make a difference.”
Draheim doesn’t feel alone in his efforts. He thinks kids his age are highly aware of climate change and its impact, “…because we see it happening around us, flooding, fires, hurricanes.”
When asked what he recommends for other kids wanting to advocate for climate change, Braheim suggests finding a local environmental group to join such as Zero Hour. He also encourages kids to form their own group if one doesn’t exist in their community. When asked about how kids can do something small to affect change,
Draheim has lots of suggestions about how kids and adults alike can help the environment. When asked what one thing people could do to make the biggest impact, Levi kept it simple, “Reuse, reduce, recycle, refuse.”
As for Draheim, he continues to find new ways to advocate on behalf of the environment. Currently, his sights are set on the Hip Hop Caucus, a climate change advocacy group that incorporates hip hop and advocacy.
What continues to drive Draheim? He feels the younger generation is more profoundly affected by climate
Climate Change Activist Levi Draheim: Sources
Levi Draheim
Our Children’s Trust