Victor Xu, a 16-year-old environmental activist and advocate for youth empowerment from North York, Ontario has been awarded an Honorable Mention in the 13-16 year old category of the prestigious Action for Nature (AFN) International Young Eco-Hero Award for his exceptional work with The Green Society.
AFN is an international non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young people to take action for the environment. Through its awards programs and educational initiatives, AFN recognizes and supports the next generation of environmental leaders.
The Green Society is an international non-profit organization founded by Xu with the mission of driving environmental change through education and advocacy.
Victor Xu, age 16, founder of the The Green Society. Credit: AFN.
The organization hosts an annual environmental and climate fiction-writing contest, workshops, and webinars, engaging individuals worldwide in discussions about environmental challenges and solutions. Under Xu’s leadership, The Green Society has achieved significant milestones in empowering youth to become environmental stewards in their communities.
Through collaborations with schools and community groups, the organization promotes environmental education and sustainability. Xu and his team have plans to organize tree-planting drives, beach clean-ups, and recycling campaigns, further contributing to the betterment of local ecosystems.
Xu’s dedication to environmental activism extends beyond The Green Society. He actively participates in scientific research projects, advocates for sustainable practices in industries, and engages in extracurricular activities related to environmental advocacy, leadership, and STEM education. His work has garnered recognition and awards for his contributions to environmental conservation and youth engagement.
“Running this NPO has allowed me to realize the importance of educating younger generations to ensure a more sustainable future,” says Xu. “This has also sparked inspiration in me to pursue numerous other projects aimed at environmental betterment.”
Beryl Kay, president of Action for Nature, commends Victor’s achievements, stating: “Victor’s leadership and commitment to empowering young people to take action on environmental issues are truly remarkable. He is a shining example of the positive impact that youth can have on the world.”
The award ceremony will be available virtually on August 24, 2024 at 10 am PST here.
Featured image credit: Getty Images
