Lily Yang Liu
Lily grew up in China, where rising temperatures, severe air pollution, and disastrous floods were the norm. She identified a critical gap in emerging climate solutions from the lack of accessible dialogue and education. In 2023, Lily created Young Environmental Leaders (YEL) — a 135-hour curriculum designed to teach students the fundamental concepts of climate science and the interconnectedness of Earth's systems and human behavior. The course was co-developed with educators, Indigenous leaders, and scientists, with contributions from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women scientists to weave diverse perspectives with scientific principles. YEL is more than a science course; the curriculum provides a hands-on learning experience that empowers students to take action toward a just and sustainable future.
Story
Beyond the classroom, Lily’s social media platform has become a trusted source of climate news for 70 million viewers and 100,000+ long-term subscribers. She ensures to post daily on WeChat, China’s primary video content platform, where young audiences often lack access to climate conversations. Her content emphasizes the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities.
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In 2024, she became Director of the Katija Hyoungjoo Neuber Institute, where she champions meaningful youth participation in decision-making spaces. Through the Institute, she supports young people to attend high-level events at the United Nations, helping them access opportunities often out of reach for underrepresented youth. As a nonprofit leader and UN World Ocean Day Youth Council member, Lily has collaborated in spaces including the UN, World Bank, and IMF. At COP29, Lily addressed an audience of ministers and global CEOs on the importance of climate education. Now based in British Columbia, Canada, she is advising her provincial government on integrating climate literacy initiatives into primary and secondary schools, centered on YEL’s framework.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and compelling opportunities. Let's connect: info@youthclimatecorps.com