Transcript:

At a young age, Charlotte Madin of Oahu, Hawaii, saw the impacts of climate change firsthand, including wildfires that rained ash from the sky, and destruction to the beautiful coral reefs near her home.

Madin: “Seeing that happen in real time in front of me was really scary for me.”

Four years ago, as a young teenager, Charlotte and 12 other young people sued Hawaii’s Department of Transportation. They said the agency was not doing enough to cut climate pollution and protect children’s futures.

Charlotte testified in a deposition.

Madin: “It was very intimidating. I remember being really, really nervous for the days leading up to the deposition.”

But she says her efforts were worth it.

As part of a landmark settlement, the Department of Transportation agreed to create plans to decarbonize the transportation sector by 2045.

Madin: “And it was just so incredible to hear that all of our hard work … had paid off.”

Now in 11th grade, Charlotte serves on a youth council created by the settlement to advise on transportation planning.

So she’s still speaking up for a healthy climate – and wants other young people to know they can, too.

Madin: “Utilizing the power of democracy and utilizing the legal system, you can do big things with your voice.”

Reporting credit: Sarah Kennedy / ChavoBart Digital Media