A year ago, you were on the Vaka, at the OKEANOS Foundation’s “Waves of Action” camp. What was your day on the catamaran like?
We usually set off in the morning. We were divided into different teams, which shared the night watches. The anchor was lifted depending on which team was on duty. Then we got up and did yoga or a workout. We often went for a swim in the morning before we set off. Sometimes we also went ashore to explore nature and go hiking.
What made you want to get more involved with the climate crisis and the ocean and ultimately take part in the “Waves of Action” camp?
I’m from Peru and I was surfing when I saw a bird with its head stuck in a plastic bag just a few meters away from me. It was so sudden. I was standing right next to it and could hardly believe it. This experience shocked me and made me sign up for the camp. It was as if I had seen the environmental disaster with my own eyes.
When you were on the Vaka, the ocean must have also awakened positive emotions in you. What was one of the most memorable moments?
My absolute highlight was an evening when we jumped into the water in the dark. Suddenly, the zoo plankton around us started to glow. It was magical – it sparkled everywhere as soon as we moved. With our snorkeling gear, we were able to experience the spectacle even more intensely.
When you think back on this experience, what insights do you take away from this time?
The animal observations were particularly impressive for me – we saw so many different creatures. I also learned that it’s important to inspire rather than just teaching facts.
What advice would you give to other people so that they don’t get overwhelmed by the scary facts of the climate crisis?
The ecological handprint comes to mind. Instead of just focusing on reducing individual consumption – as is often the case with the ecological footprint – it’s about driving structural change. If you start to change the systemic conditions, the individual conditions will also change. And also that you achieve much more through that than by simply consuming less.
Has your focus changed since you realized this?
Yes, I’ve become active – especially at school, in the environmental and gardening club. We’ve started a new project there: the “environmental heroes”. Two pupils from each class are to deal intensively with the climate crisis and pass on their knowledge to their classmates. The idea is that it’s not just a small group of active people who set topics, but that everyone gets involved.
Does it give you confidence to become active together with others?
Absolutely. Getting active with other people shows me that I’m not alone and it’s simply more fun together. It also gives me confirmation that I’m on the right track and can make a difference.
Does your activism make you feel less helpless?
Yes, definitely. Activism makes problems look less impossible. You feel like you can do something instead of just watching.
Many people your age don’t engage in activism, often because they think they can’t make a difference anyway. How do you perceive this in your surroundings?
I see it similar to what surveys show. In the EU elections, for example, voter turnout among young people was shockingly low – that affected me. But I also understand why many people think their vote has no influence. Nevertheless, I would always vote, express my opinion, and fight for change.
What would you say to these young people?
I would explain to them that a vote may seem small, but it can still have a huge impact. Especially in the EU elections, every vote influences how money is distributed – and many people are not even aware of that. It helps to imagine the future and actively participate in it. I myself used to know very little about marine ecosystems. It wasn’t until I started looking into it that I realized how important the topic is. You can’t change anything without knowledge.
Even if you look to the future with hope, are there things that scare you?
I don’t have fear in the traditional sense, but there are things that worry me. For example, the tipping points in the climate system. If we cross them, there’s no going back.
What would have to change to reduce these worries?
Well, a lot! Above all, more people need to truly experience and appreciate nature. Only those who know and love it will want to protect it. And politicians need to be more responsive to this and actively promote necessary changes.
When you think about the year 2050, what does a positive future look like to you?
I imagine a world where there are fewer crises, where the climate crisis still exists but is largely under control. A world where people show solidarity with one another and work together to create a future worth living.
