Celebrating World Environment Day 2025: Inspiring Young Climate Entrepreneurs Under 25 Who Are Shaping Our Planet’s Future

June 5th marks World Environment Day, a time to reflect on our planet’s challenges and the innovators trying to tackle them. Among these innovators are young climate entrepreneurs, especially in the Global South, where climate issues are hitting hard. They’re stepping up in unique ways, leading local efforts to combat climate change.

One standout is Mohamed Salam, a 23-year-old Sahrawi from the Smara refugee camp in Algeria. After a major flood in 2015 disrupted life in his community, he proposed a groundbreaking solution: a sandoponic farming system. This innovative method uses fish and animal waste to enrich water, giving life to plants in a harsh desert environment.

Salam recently won the “Young Climate Prize,” awarded by The World Around, a global design non-profit. This prize connects young innovators with mentors and vast networks to help scale their ideas. He presented his project at the 2025 World Around Summit at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

In 2023, 25 recipients joined Salam, all artists, inventors, and activists committed to making a difference. They gather under the Young Climate Prize umbrella to share ideas and elevate their initiatives.

Among the winners is Bolivian activist Dayana Blanco Quiroga, who is working to restore wetlands near Uru Uru Lake using traditional Aymara practices. Her team addresses environmental degradation caused by mining, working to rebuild the ecosystem and support local wildlife.

Other finalists are tackling different aspects of climate change. Nigerian designer Blossom Eromosele has developed solar-powered homes from recycled materials for just $120, aimed at housing refugees. Meanwhile, Kenyan Lawrence Kosgei turns marine waste into school furniture, fighting plastic pollution while creating jobs and improving education for young people.

These initiatives might seem small in the face of the global climate crisis, but experts like Henk Ovink, UN Water Commissioner, believe they play a crucial role. He highlights the importance of supporting grassroots solutions, saying, “Climate action is a business opportunity to invest in new technologies.” He believes that these young projects could spark wider policies and financial support if given proper backing.

The Young Climate Prize shines a spotlight on innovative youth, helping to turn their bright ideas into scalable projects. Together, they represent hope for a more sustainable future.

To learn about these climate entrepreneurs and their projects, visit the Young Climate Prize website.

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