The youth are not just the future—they're the now, and they're rewriting the rules of climate resilience. In a world grappling with rising temperatures and extreme weather, young innovators are stepping up, turning climate risks into opportunities for everyday resilience. And the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is shining a spotlight on their groundbreaking work.
On November 3, 2025, the GCA announced the winners of the My Adaptation Solution video competition, a centerpiece of Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day. This year’s contest wasn’t just about ideas—it was a testament to the power of youth-led action. With 79 entries from 23 countries, 22,000+ public votes, and 3 million social media views, the competition proved that adaptation is no longer a niche concern—it’s a global movement.
But here’s where it gets even more inspiring: the winning projects aren’t just theoretical; they’re practical, scalable, and already making a difference. Let’s dive into the three ideas that are cooling cities, protecting water, and safeguarding livelihoods.
The Winners: Turning Vision into Action
1. Cooling Cities with Nature in the DRC
Linda Tatiana Balagizi from the Democratic Republic of Congo is transforming Kinshasa’s urban landscape. By scaling green roofs and green belts, she’s cutting urban heat, capturing rainfall, and boosting biodiversity. Her project turns concrete jungles into living, breathing ecosystems. “This isn’t just about cooling cities,” Linda says, “it’s about reimagining what urban spaces can be.” Watch her solution here: https://woobox.com/ayakfm/gallery/FQY9oFW6PLw.
2. Youth Power for Water-Smart Landscapes in Rwanda
Benjamin Habintwali is mobilizing students and farmers in Rwanda to plant climate-resilient trees and adopt water-saving practices. His project bridges classrooms and fields, restoring degraded land while protecting incomes. “We’re not just planting trees,” Benjamin explains, “we’re planting hope for future generations.” His work is a powerful reminder that adaptation starts with community. Watch his solution here: https://woobox.com/ayakfm/gallery/qockT3micck.
3. From Classrooms to Communities in Cameroon
Sunday Queeniver Ngwangung is tackling drought and heat through environmental education. By mobilizing 7,000 students to plant 300 trees, she’s created a ripple effect, spreading awareness and action from schools to families and neighborhoods. “Adaptation starts with knowledge,” Sunday says, “but it thrives with action.” Her Climate Change and Innovation Club is proof that small steps can lead to big change. Watch her solution here: https://woobox.com/ayakfm/gallery/DEGIe8BK1hM.
And this is the part most people miss: These projects aren’t just about solving local problems—they’re challenging the status quo. They’re asking: What if youth-led solutions became the norm, not the exception?
Patrick V. Verkooijen, President and CEO of GCA, puts it bluntly: “Adaptation is about leadership, and these young people are showing what that means. From green roofs to resilient trees, they’re not waiting for change—they’re leading it.”
But here’s the controversial question: Are governments and institutions doing enough to support these young leaders? While initiatives like the My Adaptation Solution competition amplify their voices, systemic barriers often hinder their impact. Shouldn’t we be integrating youth-led solutions into national climate policies?
The My Adaptation Solution competition is part of GCA’s broader mission to empower young people as drivers of climate adaptation. By ensuring their voices, creativity, and ingenuity shape tangible solutions, we’re building a resilient future—together.
Want to see more? Check out all the shortlisted submissions here: https://woobox.com/ayakfm/gallery/FQY9oFW6PLw.
Now, we want to hear from you: What role do you think youth should play in climate adaptation? Are we doing enough to support their initiatives? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going!
