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Team Climate & Climate Change 2013

The task of Millennium Youth Camp’s Climate & Climate Change team is to put together a package to suggest to Future Earth as practical, feasible regional project towards sustainable development.

Future Earth is a new 10-year international research initiative that will develop the knowledge for responding effectively to the risks and opportunities of global environmental change and for supporting transformation towards global sustainability in the coming decades.

Here are the members of the team:

Leah Davidson, Canada

“I am most interested in global warming and the protection of the polar regions. In 12th grade, I received a scholarship to travel to Antarctica on an educational expedition. There I learned a lot of interesting information about how the melting of ice is affecting penguin and seal populations,” says 18-year-old Leah Davidson from Canada. She studies for Bachelor of Science in Economics at the University of Pennsylvania.

“I would like to eventually pursue a career in business, perhaps in the field of technology. Although many people view large corporations as enemies of the environment, I believe that businesses need to be on the forefront of the transition to sustainability.”

In addition, Leah wants to continue to be involved in environmental activism. Currently, she is coordinating an international polar outreach campaign called Act for Antarctica to encourage youth from around the world to learn about the polar regions and modify their lifestyles to reduce their carbon footprint.

During MY Camp, Leah expects to meet people from a wide variety of personal and academic backgrounds, who are interested in using science to solve global problems. “I expect to forge great friendships, experience the culture of Finland, and learn how to work in a multinational team.”

Anamarija Skrt, Slovenia
“As a little girl I’d explore my house and the forest. Different animals and plants, their structures and way of life interested me and still does. It absolutely fascinates me how life has developed since the beginning,” says 16-year-old Anamarija Skrt from Slovenia.

Anamarija likes mathematics. “I always find coming up with new ways to solve mathematical or logical problems challenging. And I love challenges.”

She is also interested in finding ways to care for the environment. “I’m very concerned over the environment, which is being polluted more and more nowadays. That’s why I chose this group. I want to make a change in the world.”

In the future, Anamarija hopes to work for a research institute, and contribute to the new discoveries and development. “When I reach the point where my knowledge is sufficient, I would like to work for NASA. My goal is to reach the unthinkable.”

Anamarija considers MY Camp as an experience of a lifetime. “I’m looking forward to meeting top scientists and future great minds. This June the world will come to one place. It takes my breath away when I think of all the brilliant ideas.”

Daniel Crisóstomo Wainstock, Brazil

“Actually, I love all the fields of knowledge and I love learning. What interest me the most in science is the idea of trying to explain why nature is like that”, says 16-year-old Daniel Crisóstomo Wainstock from Brazil.

In the future, Daniel would like to build a career as a researcher. In addition to science, also technology and humanities interest him and he has not yet made up his mind on the field he will study. “What I know is that I will be dedicated to the career I’ll choose.”

In addition, Daniel likes travelling and discovering new cultures. “I’m very excited for the camp. I’m sure it will be one of the most important moments of my life. Being in a different country and talking about subjects that I love with people of my age and from different cultures will be fantastic.”

Jingjing Zhang, China

“I believe that science is a tool for the people to solve problems, and to improve the world and society. I love all theories and science that directly relate to human beings. That is the exact aspect that I regard the most magical,” says 15-year-old Jingjing Zhang from China.

Jingjing is interested in physics, economics, international relations, and psychology, among other things. “I hope to determine a focus soon and strive for my passion,” she says.

“My theme song must be Miley Cyrus’s The Climb. ‘Life’s a climb, but the view is great’ is from that song and it’s also my motto. I’ll never stop climbing, my goal is not getting to the top, but to enjoy the scenery and experiences all the way.”

Jingjing considers MY Camp as a start of something new. “I strongly expect that we can create something remarkable or some revolutionary ideas. Our common dream is to use science to make a difference.”

Gibson Momo Tulay Jr., Liberia

“What interests me the most in science are the environmental sciences because I have come to realize over the years that without sustainable environment, life cannot and will not exist on the planet earth,” says 18-year-old Gibson Momo Tulay Jr. He studies at the University of Liberia.

“I’m committed and dedicated to positive change,” Gibson adds. His plans for the future involve environmentalism, and he hopes to study abroad to pursue his dreams and passion towards the field. “I think that Finland is a pretty good country that provides quality education, so I might even love to go there.”

Gibson considers MY Camp as an “opportunity to meet young science geeks with bright minds.”

“And above all, establish a functional unit after the camp that will enable all campers to contribute to global change positively in their own small ways in every sector of life.”

Piyawat Lertsiripatarajit, Thailand

“For me, Meteorology is the most interesting subject. The first time I learned about this subject was when I joined Thailand Earth Science Camp that prepares Thai students for competing in International Earth Science Olympiad,” says 18-year-old Piyawat Lertsiripatarajit or Mate from Thailand. He won the silver medal in the 5th International Earth Science Olympiad.

Piyawat heard about MY Camp from 2012 camper Yossathorn Tawabutr. “I wanted to join this camp so much. Now that I have the chance, I expect to meet friends that are interested in the same things, and teachers and researchers of climate and climate change. I’m quite sure this will help advance my knowledge.”

In the future, Piyawat wants to work as a teacher. “I will help to increase awareness about climate change among people in order to control climate change more effectively.”

The main organisers of Millennium Youth Camp are Finland’s Science Education Centre LUMA and Technology Academy Finland.

MyScience will introduce each of the 10 theme groups during the spring, and like during previous years offer news, photos, and videos from the Camp in June.

Elisa Lautala works as web editor for University of Helsinki's Faculty of Science. Elisa likes all kinds of cultural events, good books, warm weather, and aqua-jogging.