The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute’s fourth Youth Climate Summit returns in November, bringing together a committed group of students aged between 13 and 22 to tackle some of the most pressing climate issues affecting our community. This yearlong initiative provides these young leaders with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary to make a real difference in Bermuda’s fight against climate change.

Since last year’s summit, YCS attendees have continued to participate in a structured programme that helps them to develop their climate action projects, guided by educational sessions with experts, leadership training, project management, budgeting, finance and field trips to observe climate mitigation efforts first-hand.

In a significant first for the programme, students working on the three core YCS tracks — sustainability, conservation and climate justice — have joined forces for a collaborative summer social-media campaign. The aim of this campaign is to educate the wider community about environmental issues and to inspire people to take action through practical environmental tips and advice.

These high school students worked closely with BUEI’s marketing team interns to refine their message and create engaging content. Intern Kamilya Reid helped the students develop and record video scripts, while Shia Bean, an intern from the SkillCraft Bermuda programme, created stunning visuals that brought these messages to life. Together, this dynamic team of young activists and creatives also identified and enlisted the support of local influencers to help amplify their messages.

The campaign began with YCS alumna Dezirae Darrell. She launched the first phase by defining conservation as the safeguarding of existing resources for present and future generations. For three weeks, the campaign featured graphics highlighting the importance of Bermuda’s biodiversity, native and endemic species, and the threat posed by invasive species. Trina Paynter, known as @PowerGirlTrina on social media, generously shared these messages with her followers, significantly broadening the campaign's reach.

Next, YCS alumni Elyse Dej and Liam Figureido focused on sustainability, defining it as the responsible use of resources that meet today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Their segment of the campaign concentrated on waste reduction in Bermuda, offering practical tips on composting and recycling. Popular local comedian Shawn Simmons, known for his @MrFotogenik social-media persona, helped to spread their message, encouraging his followers to embrace sustainable practices.

The final phase of the campaign, presented by YCS alumna Akina Williams, addressed climate justice. This segment emphasised the importance of giving a voice to those most vulnerable to climate change’s negative impacts and ensuring they have a say in climate action. The group highlighted the significance of marine-protected areas and elements of the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme that are crucial to addressing climate-justice issues.

Bermudian Fae Sapsford, a member of the Sargasso Sea Commission, concluded the campaign by inviting her @SargassoGirl followers to participate in a coastal clean-up and tree-planting event at Eve’s Pond and Shelly Bay at 9am on October 19. Members of the public are also invited to participate, registering their interest on www.YCSBda.com.

This initiative is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when different generations come together with a shared goal. The collaboration among YCS participants, adults who offered their knowledge and insight, college student creatives who crafted engaging messages, and local influencers with a combined following of more than 30,000 people underscores the power of intergenerational advocacy.

Specific campaign outcomes, including community engagement and participation, will be shared by participants during the Youth Climate Summit in November.

As this campaign demonstrates, our young people are not just future leaders, they are leading right now. To follow their journey and support their efforts, join the conversation on social media by following @ycsbda. Let’s work together to build a sustainable and just future for Bermuda.

Registration for the fourth Youth Climate Summit will run from October 21 to November 3. The weeklong event prepares and empowers students to address climate on a local level and is the foundation for a year of youth-led sustainability, conservation and climate-justice initiatives. For more information, visit www.YCSBda.com.

• Karla Lacey is the chief executive of the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute. Established by a Private Act of the Bermuda Parliament in 1992 and officially opened in July 1997, BUEI is a registered non-profit (No 326) and does not receive any government funding. The organisation relies on the continued financial support of the community to deliver effective, high-quality educational programmes and initiatives including the Eco-Schools Bermuda programme, Young Reporters for the Environment and the Youth Climate Summit