Leena Joshi

Leena Joshi

Birth Date	September 27, 1999
Birth Place	New Delhi, India
Nationality	Indian
Occupation	Social Entrepreneur, Climate Activist, Author, Public Speaker, Poet
Known for	Public Speaking, Climate Activism, Books, Climate Conservancy, Philanthropy
Notable Work	The Climate Awakening, Climate Conservancy, Keynote Speeches
Website	https://www.leenajoshi.co
Social Media	LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leena-joshi-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leenajoshi1Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/leenajoshi111 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/leenajoshi1

Leena Joshi is a social entrepreneur, climate advocate and author. She is the founder and executive director of Climate Conservancy, an international nonprofit, with 9000 volunteers in 60+ countries. She has sat on boards and advisory councils for various organizations including World Ocean Day, National Science Foundation (NSF), The Climate Reality Project, The Resilience Project, Reserva: The Youth Land Trust, Rising Poets Community. She's the CEO and Chair of the Board at EcoVita.

Leena's work has been profiled by World Bank Group, United Nations Climate Change, United Nations Foundation, Climate Reality Project, Her Campus Media, Feminist, U.S. Department of State and Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation.

Leena is a prolific public speaker and has spoken at universities across the world including Harvard, Oxford and Cambridge. She's a TEDx Speaker and has also spoken at high-level global conferences. She has authored books including 'The Climate Awakening' and 'Ethereal' and writes poetry about social impact.

Leena Joshi has been named as one of the most influential eco-warriors in the country by multiple news outlets.

Early Life

Leena Joshi was born and raised in New Delhi, India. Her early exposure to environmental challenges began at the age of nine when she experienced the severe health impacts of air pollution. This led her to develop an acute awareness of the environmental disparities in different parts of the world. A visit to Switzerland during her childhood further heightened this contrast, as she witnessed pristine landscapes that sharply differed from the pollution of her hometown.

At the age of fourteen, Joshi had a turning point during a visit to a beach littered with plastic waste, an experience she described as “a moment of realization about humanity's impact on our planet.” This event propelled her to begin spreading awareness about climate change and sustainable living among her peers.

Joshi’s passion for climate education and activism grew during her teenage years. While still in high school, she founded Climate Conservancy, an international youth-led nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting climate education and conservation. Her efforts centered on empowering young people to become advocates for sustainability and on developing resources to make climate education accessible worldwide.

These formative experiences shaped Joshi’s commitment to addressing climate issues, inspiring her eventual leadership in global youth advocacy and sustainable development.

Writing and Speaking

Leena Joshi has been an influential voice in climate advocacy, contributing to numerous publications and speaking at prominent global events. In 2020, she published an article for Her Campus Media on the intersection of climate action and youth leadership, and another for Feminist about how women are disproportionately impacted by climate change. Her poetry, articles and work have been featured by organizations such as the United Nations Foundation and Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation, highlighting the human impact of climate change and the need for collective action.

Joshi is also the author of two books, The Climate Awakening and Ethereal, with a third in development. Her written work often focuses on inspiring a global audience to understand and engage with climate justice.

In 2023, Joshi wrote an op-ed for Connect4Climate, World Bank Group advocating for the inclusion of climate education in school curriculums. She has also contributed articles to Climate Reality Project on strategies for grassroots organizing and sustainable living.

In addition to her writing, Joshi is a prolific speaker who has delivered talks at universities and conferences worldwide, including Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge. She has been a panelist at high-profile events such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP), Asia-Pacific Climate Week, New York Climate Week and CAN International's Press Conference to name a few.

Joshi’s speeches often center on climate change, Gen Z, youth activism, gender equality, sustainable fashion, environmental justice and everything in between. In 2024, she spoke at TEDxVivekananda College, addressing the need for systemic change in the face of the climate crisis and talked about her journey in the climate space. Her speaking engagements have cemented her reputation as a leading voice in the global fight for environmental justice.

Climate Conservancy

Leena Joshi founded Climate Conservancy, an international youth-led nonprofit organization, to address the pressing need for accessible climate education and conservation advocacy. Established as a global platform, Climate Conservancy empowers young people to become climate educators and conservationists in their own communities, equipping them with resources and knowledge to drive local and global change.

The organization’s flagship initiative, the Chapters Program, spans multiple countries, creating community-based environmental action. Through workshops, campaigns, and educational materials, Climate Conservancy promotes awareness about pressing climate issues, such as sustainable living, conservation practices, and the importance of reducing carbon footprints.

Under Joshi’s leadership, Climate Conservancy has prioritized climate conservation education, offering tools to help communities transition to greener, more sustainable practices. The organization has been recognized for its emphasis on fostering collaboration among youth, governments, and private entities to tackle the climate crisis.

In addition to its grassroots initiatives, Climate Conservancy actively participates in global discussions on climate action. It has represented youth voices at high-level events, including the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP). The nonprofit also champions the integration of climate education into school curriculums worldwide, advocating for systemic changes to ensure future generations are equipped to address environmental challenges.

Joshi’s vision for Climate Conservancy is to create a world where climate literacy and actionable conservation efforts are integral to every community, inspiring a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

Recognition

Leena Joshi has been recognized internationally for her impactful work in climate education, activism, and sustainable development.

Her work has been profiled by prominent organizations and platforms, including the United Nations, Climate Reality Project, and Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation. Joshi’s efforts to empower youth and create systemic change have also earned accolades from global entities like the World Bank Group and the U.S. Department of State.

Leena has been honored for her contributions to ocean conservation and climate advocacy, notably serving as a speaker and advisor to events such as World Ocean Day and the United Nations Climate Change Conferences (COP). Her leadership and commitment to environmental education have solidified her as a prominent voice in global climate action.

Personal Life

Leena Joshi resides in New Delhi, India, with her family. Her journey as an environmental advocate began early in life, influenced by her experiences with air pollution and her passion for protecting the planet.

Leena attended high school in New Delhi, where her interest in climate education and activism took root. Her academic excellence and dedication to sustainability led her to participate in global leadership programs, such as the Global Leadership Challenge at Oxford University. She also became a member of the Harvard Business Review Ascend Select program, contributing insights to research projects and editorial initiatives.

In her free time, Leena enjoys writing poetry, a talent that has complemented her climate advocacy efforts. She is also an accomplished author, having penned two books—The Climate Awakening and Ethereal—and is working on her third. Beyond her environmental work, she finds solace in creative pursuits like art and storytelling, which often reflect her deep connection to nature.

Leena’s life is a blend of impactful advocacy, intellectual pursuits, and creative expression, underscoring her commitment to creating a sustainable and inclusive future.

References

• https://www.channelkindness.org/ethereal/
• https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/55548
• https://www.thehansindia.com/featured/women/meet-four-trailblazing-women-striving-tirelessly-to-protect-the-planet-924093
• https://english.hindusthansamachar.in/Encyc/2024/11/23/Amanda-Sanghvi-Sayesha-Dogra-Leena-Joshi-and-Son.php
• https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9SH15YM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_NRWY4N2EXD2DA3SHTB2C
• https://www.amazon.com/Ethereal-Leena-Joshi-ebook/dp/B0B8K1BC8L?ref_=ast_author_mpb
• https://climateconservancy.wixsite.com/climateconservancy
• https://unfccc.int/documents/636004
• https://www.climaterealityproject.org/blog/meet-women-leading-climate-fight-india-and-south-asia
• https://www.connect4climate.org/initiative/education-is-a-superpower
• https://www.instagram.com/worldoceanday/reel/C76mcxVRWaK/
• https://www.youth4nature.org/stories/breathing-change
• https://www.unsw.edu.au/arts-design-architecture/engage-with-us/innovation-hub/earth-day-poetry-slam#https://globalchoices.org/art-action-and-education-leena-joshi-on-climate-education/

External Links

Climate Conservancy