18 July 2022 | STORY | YOUTH, EDUCATION & ENVIRONMENT

The Tide Turners Challenge, which focuses on plastic pollution from source to sea, is the UN’s largest youth-lead global plastic initiative to date – with over  half a million young people in 32 countries taking action around the globe.  

Coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and funded by the United Kingdom, Norway and the Global Environment Facility, the campaign seeks to educate young people about single-use plastics and the need for circular solutions. Participants engage with local communities and work through several activities, including an advocacy-oriented “hero-level impact campaign”, to achieve the Tide Turners Badge.

Get inspired by some of the achievements of just six of the roughly 3,000 amazing “hero-level” young leaders who are determined to turn the tide on plastic pollution by acting local and thinking global. 

Further Resources

• In India’s Bihar state, one campaigner takes on plastic pollution
• Plastic clean-up brings crocodiles back to life in Indian river
• Historic day in the campaign to beat plastic pollution: Nations commit to develop a legally binding agreement
• Plastic pollution
• Clean Seas
• Young Champions of the Earth
• Youth Programmes & Initiatives

The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030, led by the United Nations Environment Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and partners, covers terrestrial as well as coastal and marine ecosystems. A global call to action, it will draw together political support, scientific research and financial muscle to massively scale up restoration. Find out how you can contribute to the UN Decade.

For more information, please contact Sam Barratt: sam.barratt@un.org