Idea to Action: Youth-lead Climate Innovation

Arisa Thongtang
6 days ago
2 min read

COP30, Belém — 19 November 2025

Representing Thailand’s Below the Tides initiative at COP30, Arisa Thongtang highlighted the organization’s mission to cultivate youth leadership through hands-on marine and coastal conservation. She shared the impact of Magic Big Blue, a signature project where Below the Tides introduced more than 1,590 land-locked students to the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems and climate change. Many of these students later launched their own environmental projects—proof that when young people are empowered with knowledge, meaningful action follows.

Arisa emphasized that conservation begins with participation. Through canal cleanups, mangrove planting, and community workshops, Below the Tides works to build a culture of shared responsibility, demonstrating how simple, local actions can create ripple effects for the climate. She also underscored the organization’s commitment to inclusivity: from social-media outreach to open volunteer calls and youth competitions, Below the Tides ensures that young people of all backgrounds have opportunities to learn, contribute, and lead.

During the session, Arisa linked the organization’s work to wider conversations sparked by fellow panelists. One presented Glitch, a biodiversity-driven mobile gardening app transforming grey city spaces into green ones. Another, from RIFFAI, showcased how AI-powered satellite intelligence can strengthen environmental monitoring and support clean-energy development—while also acknowledging the barriers the Global South faces in accessing advanced technology.

Reflecting on these global perspectives, Arisa stressed that youth remain essential across every dimension of climate action, from community-level efforts to emerging technological innovations. When asked to share one message with world leaders at COP30, she chose the word hope—not as a cliché, but as the driving force behind why young people continue to show up, learn, collaborate, and push for a more sustainable future. She reminded participants that with collective support and belief in one another, youth-driven initiatives—no matter their scale—can spark widespread climate impact.

By bringing Thailand’s marine conservation story to a global platform, Arisa demonstrated how local action contributes to a worldwide movement—one that challenges climate inaction, strengthens intergenerational collaboration, and shows that powerful climate leadership can emerge from young people and communities of every size.

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Koh Phi Phi

Paradise lost

In recent years, there has been a remarkable resurgence of sea life around the Phi Phi Islands, situated in Thailand. Notably, the return of sea creatures such as reef sharks and ghost crabs to the area has been a cause for celebration among marine enthusiasts and conservationists. This resurgence can be attributed in part to the dedicated efforts of marine officials who planted an impressive 23,000 corals in the region in 2021.

The Phi Phi Islands have long been a popular destination for tourists, and their fame received an extra boost from the 2000 movie 'The Beach,' starring Leonardo DiCaprio. This film showcased the islands' stunning natural beauty and unique landscapes, capturing the imagination of travelers from around the world. As a result, it ignited a spark of interest in the Phi Phi Islands, making them a must-visit destination for those seeking a picturesque and adventure-filled escape.

To a certain extent, the thriving tourism industry in the Phi Phi Islands has encountered sustainability challenges stemming from the very visitors it attracts. The sheer volume of tourists frequenting the islands has led to a concerning environmental impact. On a daily basis, these visitors generate a staggering 25 to 40 tonnes of waste, which is often inadequately managed and ends up polluting the pristine landscapes of the islands.

The pollution problem extends beyond just waste disposal. The coral reefs, which are critical to the ecological health of the region and are being actively restored through coral planting initiatives, face damage from various sources. The propellers of boat motors, often driven too close to the fragile coral ecosystems, can cause physical harm. Similarly, tourists themselves, while swimming or snorkeling, can inadvertently harm the corals through physical contact or by standing on them.

Furthermore, a concerning practice seen in some cases is the burning of trash or the disposal of garbage directly into the water. Such actions not only mar the natural beauty of the Phi Phi Islands but also threaten the marine life that inhabits the surrounding waters.

Addressing these sustainability challenges is a crucial task for both local authorities and the tourism industry. Sustainable tourism practices, responsible waste management, and heightened environmental awareness among tourists are essential steps toward preserving the delicate ecosystems of the Phi Phi Islands and ensuring they remain a breathtaking destination for generations to come.

Koh Phi Phi

Climate Change

UUn

From Polar Ice Melting to Human Impact

Climate change is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon characterized by a long-term shift in the Earth's average temperature and climate patterns. It is primarily driven by a variety of factors, including natural processes and human activities.

One significant aspect of climate change is the decrease in sea ice in polar regions. The Earth's polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at an accelerated rate, primarily due to the increase in global temperatures. This melting ice contributes to rising sea levels, which can result in coastal erosion, increased flooding, and the displacement of communities living in vulnerable coastal areas.

Human activities play a major role in exacerbating climate change. The expansion of factories and industrialization has led to the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a greenhouse effect that raises global temperatures. The burning of fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and manufacturing processes is a significant source of these emissions.

Dense populations in urban areas also contribute to climate change. Concentrated populations require more resources and energy to support their daily needs, leading to higher emissions of greenhouse gases. This includes the energy required for heating, cooling, transportation, and the production of goods and services for a large number of people.

Wasteful energy practices further exacerbate climate change. Inefficient use of energy resources not only increases greenhouse gas emissions but also puts additional strain on natural resources. Energy conservation and the transition to renewable and sustainable energy sources are crucial steps in mitigating the effects of climate change.

In summary, climate change is a long-term shift in the Earth's average temperature and climate patterns, driven by various factors, including human activities such as industrialization, the burning of fossil fuels, and inefficient energy use.

Understanding and addressing these factors are critical for mitigating the impacts of climate change and working towards a more sustainable and resilient future.