Xiye Bastida: A Young Climate Activist from Mexico Who Gained Global Recognition
Xiye Bastida Patrick, born on April 18, 2002, in San Pedro Tultepec, Mexico, is a prominent
youth climate activist of Mexican and Chilean heritage. She belongs to the indigenous Otomi-
Toltec community and carries deep cultural ties to the environment. Currently pursuing her
education at the University of Pennsylvania, Xiye has become widely known through her
involvement with international organizations like Fridays for Future and the Re-Earth Initiative.
Her remarkable work in environmental activism has earned her global recognition, including the
Spirit of the UN Award in 2018 and inclusion in TIME’s “100 Next” list in 2023.
Xiye’s journey began in a community where nature is not just a resource but a sacred part
of life. Her parents—both environmentalists—instilled in her the values of ecological
responsibility and indigenous wisdom. When she was 13, her hometown experienced severe
flooding due to climate change. The natural disaster forced her family to relocate to New York
City, a transition that made her more aware of how climate change disproportionately affects
marginalized and indigenous communities.
In New York, Xiye became actively involved in climate justice. Inspired by Greta Thunberg’s
Fridays for Future movement, she began organizing school climate strikes and speaking publicly
about environmental issues. Her leadership quickly gained traction, and she became one of the
most visible youth activists in the United States. In 2020, she co-founded the Re-Earth Initiative,
a youth-led organization advocating for climate solutions that include voices from different
cultures, backgrounds, and communities.
What sets Xiye apart is her ability to connect climate activism with indigenous
perspectives. She argues that environmental justice must include ancestral knowledge, cultural
values, and the protection of indigenous land. Her activism emphasizes not just reducing carbon
emissions but addressing systemic inequalities that amplify environmental harm.
Xiye has spoken at high-profile platforms such as the United Nations and the Global
Futures Conference, where she advocates for inclusive and culturally aware climate policies. She
is passionate about inspiring young people worldwide, encouraging them to use their own skills—
whether in science, art, education, or organizing—for the good of the planet. Her message is
clear: everyone has a role to play in the fight against climate change.
One of her most quoted statements is: “We are not just demanding change. We are the
change.” This phrase captures her belief that today’s youth are not only asking for a better world
but are actively shaping it.
In conclusion, Xiye Bastida is more than just a climate activist—she is a global voice for
indigenous rights, intergenerational justice, and cultural respect. Through her work, she bridges
the gap between tradition and innovation, proving that climate action must be inclusive, diverse,
and deeply rooted in compassion.
