#Next20: Climate Action

While forest fires rage in the west, destroying our ecosystems and increasing air pollution, and supercell storms batter the east and gulf coasts, a common reckoning has occurred: We only have one Earth and it needs our help now.

When we think of the future we often imagine our personal aspirations and revolutionary technology. In reality, there is no future without caring and investing in the health of our planet. Without a habitable environment, our hopes and dreams will be overshadowed by toxic air and water supply, rising sea levels, and increased natural disasters.

Tune in tomorrow

In the latest installment of #Next20, Build Series’ Matt Forte is joined by climate activists Helena Gualinga, Kevin J Patel, and Joy Youwakim for a discussion on our environment and what we can do to protect it.

For the panelists, environmentalism is more than “reduce, reuse, recycle” and each brings a distinct perspective that diversifies and deepens our understanding of the depth and breadth of what we need to change. You can’t just focus on air quality and not address clean water or the racial inequities that exist across the conservation spectrum.

Helena Gualinga, a voice for indigenous communities, speaks about what it means to be an activist for indigenous land that’s too often taken advantage of for profit. Kevin J. Patel, founder of OneUpAction International, was inspired to empower marginalized youth to take environmental action after developing a heart condition from exposure to Los Angeles’ air pollution. And Joy Youwakim’s unique approach to conservation centers on new and innovative ways to combat food insecurity.

At Verizon, climate protection and sustainability is integral to our role as a company and a key tenet of our responsible business plan, Citizen Verizon.  Tune in to the episode to learn how you can make a difference and help save the world.

What’s #Next20?

#Next20 is a new series of conversations about the top racial, social, environmental, technology and business issues that will define the next 20 years.

Each episode features the next generation of leaders and groundbreaking pioneers to explore the inspiration behind their activism and their ideas to build a better future. From this series, we hope to accelerate their calls for change and move the world forward for good.

Need to catch up on #Next20?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with the latest episodes:

Episode 1: Criminal Justice Reform

Episode 2: Making Every Vote Count

Episode 3: American History 101

Episode 4: Reimagining Small Businesses during COVID-19

Episode 5: We Have a Dream

Episode 6: Born Digital

Episode 7: Disability+Race

#Next20 brings together a diverse group of speakers to share their perspectives and experiences on key societal issues. The thoughts and beliefs expressed by the speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of Verizon.

V Teamers, click here to join the conversation on VZWeb.