25 Apr 2024
Salah Bounouh talks about the power of persistence, the need for clean energy, and his eye-opening experiences at the Climate Youth Leadership Programme during Earthshot Week 2024, which was delivered in partnership with Common Purpose.
If you missed any of the other POV pieces, you can read them here.
My name is Salah Bounouh, a 24-year-old renewable energy engineer based in Algeria. I am deeply passionate about sustainability and clean technologies. With a background in mechanical engineering, I work in the solar energy sector, designing solar solutions and promoting sustainable practices in various regions.
Being part of Earthshot Week was an unforgettable experience. I participated in a series of workshops and masterclasses, gaining invaluable insights and practical knowledge from some of the leading voices in sustainability. The most impactful part of the week was the site visits to organisations and companies across Cape Town, where I had the chance to see the incredible work being done on the ground. It was fulfilling to not only contribute but to also connect with people who share a passion for creating a more sustainable future. It truly felt like we were all working toward the same goal.
On a scale from one to incredibly, I would rate my optimism about the future as highly optimistic. However, my hope sometimes dims when I see decisions made at higher levels that contradict the urgent efforts needed to combat climate change. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to our cause, continuing to advocate and ensuring our voices are heard as we push forward in the right direction.
At the core of my ambition is the desire to advocate for the transition to clean energy and educate others about its importance. Through social media and in-person engagement, I aim to share knowledge about the urgent need to shift to renewable power sources. Additionally, I am dedicated to implementing simple solar solutions for rural communities, ensuring they gain access to one of the most crucial resources: energy.
The planet is facing severe challenges due to the escalating impacts of climate change. Human actions have driven greenhouse gas emissions to unprecedented levels, which in turn have triggered devastating effects like floods, droughts, wildfires, and extreme weather conditions. These challenges are being felt every day, with some regions suffering more than others. Unfortunately, the people who are most affected by climate change are often the ones who have contributed the least to the problem.
My dream is to see governments and decision-makers give more attention to these pressing climate issues and take decisive actions to expand sustainable initiatives in the regions they influence. I believe I can make an even greater impact by considering the establishment of a non-profit organization. This would allow me to reach a wider audience and create a bigger impact than what social media alone can achieve.
By uniting efforts and focusing on grassroots solutions, I am confident we can contribute to a better, greener world for all.
2024 Earthshot Prize Finalists, d.light, bring clean and affordable power to rural African communities.
Throughout the week, I had the opportunity to meet several remarkable people, each with their own inspiring stories and innovative ideas. One of the things that stood out to me the most was the talent and creativity within the group. Whether through workshops, discussions, or just casual conversations, I engaged with individuals who were all driven by the shared vision of a more sustainable and greener world.
One of the most empowering moments came during a conversation with Prince William. We discussed the challenges of overcoming political barriers, especially when it feels like progress is slow. His words were both reassuring and motivating. Despite facing obstacles, we must keep pushing forward, stay focused, and make our voices heard. He shared that even he encounters political barriers at times. His advice reminded me that, in the pursuit of change, persistence is key. It was a moment that reaffirmed my belief that our efforts will pay off if we keep advocating for what we believe in.
Another encounter that profoundly impacted me was the visit to a school for blind children.
This inspiring institution focuses on providing food security for children from a young age, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to thrive in their education. A powerful statement I took away from this visit was: “A hungry child won’t be able to learn much. When they know they’ll have something to eat at lunch and dinner, they’ll be more willing to focus and learn.” It made me realise how essential basic needs are in creating an environment where children can truly excel and unlock their potential.
Salah Bounouh with Prince William and other Climate Youth Leaders during Earthshot Week 2024
Salah Bounouh on stage before The Earthshot Prize Awards in Cape Town
Reflecting on my time at Earthshot Week, I am filled with hope and determination.
I’ve met incredible people, learned valuable lessons, and witnessed firsthand the kind of change that’s happening in communities and organisations worldwide.
The journey doesn’t end here – I’m more committed than ever to continue advocating for a sustainable future and to play my part in ensuring that we create a greener, more equitable world for generations to come.
Partners from across the Earthshot network came together to make the inaugural Climate Youth Leadership Programme possible, including DP World, Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Temasek Foundation, and Tsao Pao Chee.
