Cool Earth Climate Activist

1755. Aleesha Gadhia

Aleesha has written hundreds of letters and emails to some of the UK’s largest companies and most influential people to encourage them to take climate action. She has also raised over £3,000 for ‘Cool Earth’, non-profit organisation that works alongside rainforest communities to halt deforestation and climate change, and set up a climate change club at school, encouraging others to look after the environment and include activities such as litter picking and planting trees.

In a personal letter to Aleesha, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

“I was inspired to learn how you are raising awareness of deforestation and the effects of climate change, writing hundreds of letters to organisations asking them to play their part. 

“I have been so impressed by the young people I have met in the run up to COP26. So I was delighted to learn of your climate change club at school, encouraging your classmates and friends to take part in litter picking and planting trees.”

Ruth Edwards, Aleesha’s local MP for Rushcliffe, said:

“I’m absolutely delighted to hear that Aleesha has been recognised as one of the Prime Minister’s Points of Light for all her amazing work to protect rainforests and raise awareness around climate change.

I have had the pleasure of meeting Aleesha, who is currently raising money for ‘Cool Earth’, last month and I think she is setting a great example of what we can all do to help our environment. This award is truly well-deserved, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for Aleesha and her campaign.”

Aleesha said:

“I feel really excited and happy to have won the award.

I am really grateful and honoured to have Prime Minister Boris Johnson to award and write a letter to me. I never thought I would receive such an award.

Climate change is a really important issue and I hope raising awareness will tackle this problem. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, including my teachers Mrs Heatlie and Mrs Wandand. Thank you also, to Cool Earth for making me their first youth ambassador.”

Aleesha’s parents Kiran and Pooja Gadhia added:

“We are so proud of Aleesha, she has done so much over the past year for someone so young. She has inspired us all and we hope she continues on this amazing journey.”