Haven Coleman (born March 29, 2006)[2] is an American climate and environmental activist.[3] She is the co-founder and co-executive director of U.S. Youth Climate Strike with youth activists Alexandria Villaseñor and Isra Hirsi.[4][5] an organization dedicated to raising awareness and catalyzing change concerning the climate crisis.[6]
Coleman first felt the pull towards environmentalism when she was ten years old: after learning that her favorite animal, sloths, are diminishing due to deforestation. She then made significant lifestyle changes inspired by sustainable living.[8] Her training at Climate Reality Project educated her further.[9]
After seeing the bold environmental activism of Greta Thunberg and youth climate strikes in Europe, she was inspired to do the same. Thus, since January 2019,[6] at 13 years old, she began protesting in front of businesses or government buildings,[10] such as the Colorado State Capitol.[11] Every Friday she goes on strike to demand political action regarding air quality, coal plant retirement, renewable energy, etc. She also e-mailed elected officials concerning the issue. She was massively bullied by peers in school who thought her stark activism was strange.[8]
Coleman would protest alone until she was able to establish the US Youth Climate Strike together with Isra Hirsi and Alexandria Villasenor.[12] Since then, climate strikes have been conducted across many states in the USA.[13] On March 15, an international youth protest with over 120+ countries involved was held.[14]
Coleman went viral after speaking to state Senator Cory Gardner about carbon polluters on a public forum at the town hall. She implored him to take action and offered to organize a grassroots movement to facilitate, however, Gardner refused.[10]
