The next POV in our Young Climate Leaders series comes from Tasha Sabapathy, whose background in marketing is shaping the way waste management is being communicated in Malaysia.
The Climate Youth Leadership Programme during Earthshot Week 2024 was delivered in partnership with Common Purpose.
I’m Tasha Sabapathy from Johor, Malaysia, and I’m excited to share my experience of the Climate Youth Leadership Programme in Cape Town. Currently, I work for a local non-profit, NGO called Zero Waste Malaysia (ZWM) as their Senior Programme & Communications Officer.
I came into this industry with little knowledge about climate change. A lot of the time, people simply aren’t aware that their actions have influence, I was one of those people. If we can influence those people who were once like me, there’s a huge group of untapped potential we can rally to the side of Mother Nature before it really is too late.
At ZWM, we’re on a mission to revolutionise waste management in Malaysia. Our focus is on educating people about zero waste solutions and empowering them to adopt low waste behaviours. My passion lies in communicating climate solutions in simple, accessible ways to those who might not typically engage with environmental issues.
From overseeing social media content to collaborating on low-waste campaigns with brands, I’ve found a way to channel my business and marketing background into purposeful action. Our work addresses critical issues like overflowing landfills, pollution, and environmental injustice faced by vulnerable communities.
While we’ve faced challenges in scaling our impact and convincing others of the importance of zero waste solutions, seeing initiatives like GAYO win The Earthshot Prize is incredibly motivating. It’s shown us what’s possible when ethical, environmental solutions are both scalable and profitable.
2024 Earthshot Prize Winners, GAYO, help communities clean up waste, create jobs and support circular waste management across Africa.
GAYO employs and trains people from every part of the community, including women, young people, waste collectors, and waste pickers.
From the moment we arrived – despite the initial nerves and jetlag – we were enveloped in an atmosphere of excitement and possibility.
Over four intense days, we immersed ourselves in skill-building workshops, connected with leading experts in sustainability, and gained insider knowledge of the environmental sector. The programme was designed to elevate our impact through essential skills in storytelling, networking, and creative problem-solving.
One of the most empowering moments was when I participated in a panel alongside Robert Irwin and Natalie Mangondo. Robert has been a role model that young innovators look up to; we grew up with him and learned to love the animals around us because of his family. Natalie was a showstopper on the very first day. The way she stood up for young people and encouraged the Environment Minister of Cape Town to rally alongside us was empowering and a big highlight of the week.
Having young climate leaders on that panel during Earthshot+ was a big motivation that told the world: “youths belong on the stage too”. We hope for more opportunities like this for our peers in the future.
Tasha in Cape Town for Earthshot Week 2024
Tasha visiting Table Mountain during Earthshot Week 2024
Tasha with other Young Climate Leaders during Earthshot Week 2024
Tasha with Desmond Alugnoa, GAYO, and fellow Young Climate Leader Natalie Mangondo
Tasha with Earthshot Prize Ambassador, Robert Irwin, and fellow Young Climate Leader Natalie Mangondo
Tasha with fellow Young Climate Leader Xolile Mabuza
Since my return to Malaysia, I’ve been filled with renewed optimism and determination. The Earthshot Prize Youth Programme has reinforced my belief that youth-led climate solutions are not to be underestimated.
My message to the world is: Don’t sleep on youth-led solutions.
There’s a reason The Earthshot Prize and Common Purpose teams build these youth programmes; there’s potential for something greater to emerge from us leveraging on one another and I’m excited to see that unfold!
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.
