Environmentalism & Circular Economics
Trust for Sustainable Living International Essay Competition and Debates
My environmental journey began in 2022 when I was selected as a representative of Trinidad and Tobago at the International TSL (Trust for Sustainable Living) Forum, following a competitive international selection process.The program centered on Climate Justice, with the specific focus:“How would addressing inequalities help to combat the climate crisis?”
I first engaged with this theme through an academic essay, which placed 6th overall among more than 1,100 entries from 59 countries. As one of the top two students selected nationally, I advanced to represent Trinidad and Tobago in the International Debates.
During the debates, I was placed on a multinational team with students from five different countries. Interestingly, we were assigned the opposition stance, arguing that addressing social inequalities does not directly impact climate change: a challenging position that required critical thinking, adaptability, and strong evidence-based argumentation.
Beyond debating, I also contributed creatively by producing our team’s introductory video, which was played at the opening of the international debate.
Despite the complexity of our assigned position, our team placed 1st overall, and I received the Judges’ Individual Commendation for Best Debater.
This experience was pivotal in shaping my understanding of environmental issues, not just as scientific or political challenges, but as deeply interconnected with social structures, equity, and global collaboration. I am deeply grateful to the Trust for Sustainable Living for empowering youth voices and creating a space for meaningful international dialogue.
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Best overall debating team
Judge's individual commendation as best debater
6th place essay
Climate Red TV Reporter Challenge (COP27) & Climate and Environment Innovation Challenge - IFRC Solferino Academy
In 2022, I participated in the Climate Red TV Reporter Challenge, an international initiative that encouraged young people to communicate climate solutions through short-form video storytelling.
Representing the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society, I submitted three original video presentations, all of which were accepted, branded as Climate Red TV content, and selected to be screened at the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) before an audience of international stakeholders and decision-makers.
My videos addressed climate action through accessible, community-focused perspectives:
The Importance of Growing Plants (Home gardening)
A call to action encouraging individuals to grow at least two plants at home to promote food security, reduce reliance on over-packaged goods, and foster environmental responsibility.
The Role of Mangroves in Carbon Absorption
An exploration of mangroves as powerful carbon sinks, absorbing up to four times more carbon than other tropical forests, and their critical role in protecting coastlines in Small Island Developing States such as Trinidad and Tobago.
Using Games for Climate and Environmental Education
A creative approach to climate education, highlighting how games can be used to engage children and teenagers with environmental issues from an early age.
The video on games for climate and environmental education became one of the top five most viewed Climate Red TV videos worldwide.
It also placed 6th internationally in the Climate and Environment Innovation Challenge, resulting in the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society receiving 5,000 Swiss francs in funding to support the idea.
This experience marked a significant step in my journey as a climate communicator, allowing me to present locally grounded ideas on a global platform and reinforcing the power of creative media in environmental advocacy.
1st place App: Girls Can Code App Building Workshop
In 2023, I was selected to participate in Girls Can Code, a 14-week coding workshop sponsored by the Embassy of the United States of America, with an acceptance rate of approximately 3%.
As part of the final project, participants were grouped into teams of three with students from different schools across Trinidad and Tobago and challenged to develop an application that addressed a real-world issue.
Motivated by our shared interest in environmental advocacy, my team focused on pollution awareness. We designed and developed an educational video game aimed at teaching children about the causes and impacts of pollution in an engaging and easily understandable way, using interactive gameplay to encourage learning through participation.
Our application placed First Overall in the Level 2 Age Division, highlighting the potential of technology and gamification as effective tools for environmental education and youth engagement.
Youth Gamification Club: Co-founder and President
I am the Co-founder and President of the Youth Gamification Club, an international, youth-led initiative that uses gamified education to promote climate awareness and environmental action.
The club was launched after I pitched the concept at COP27’s Climate Red TV Reporter Challenge, where it received international recognition. Since then, I have led its growth into a global initiative with a team spanning the Caribbean, North America, Asia, and Europe.
Under my leadership, the club has:
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Reached 5,000+ students across 25 schools, including 10 rural and near-rural schools impacting 50 villages
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Trained and mentored 100+ eco-ambassadors to lead sustainability initiatives in their own schools
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Delivered inclusive environmental education, including workshops conducted in Telugu
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Led fundraising efforts to provide recycling infrastructure to schools in underserved communities
The initiative has received international recognition and media coverage from outlets including The Times of India, Global Indian Magazine, and Navbharat Times.
To check out the Youth Gamification Club website:
First Place Nationally: Riverspeak Spoken Word Competition
In 2023, my team placed First Nationally at Riverspeak, a spoken word competition organised by WASA’s Adopt a River Programme.
The theme, “People’s Solutions to Plastic Pollution,” challenged students to creatively communicate environmental solutions.I co-wrote and performed the winning piece, “The River’s Woe,” which highlighted the impact of plastic pollution on rivers and communities.
Environmental responsibility was reflected not only in our message, but also in our performance, as we used repurposed and recycled materials for costumes and props to minimise waste.
Climate and Environmental Economics Writing Intern - Break the Bubble
As a Writing Intern at Break the Bubble, I produce research-based climate and sustainability content focused on environmental policy, climate economics, and youth-centered climate impacts in India.
My work includes published articles on Rajasthan’s Green Budget, climate-linked youth mental health, and grassroots sustainability initiatives. Each piece is supported by independent research, including survey design and analysis (55+ youth responses) and interviews with individuals engaged in local climate action.
I work closely with editors to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with environmental goals, and to pair written content with visuals that strengthen climate communication and public understanding.
This role contributes directly to climate awareness, policy literacy, and youth engagement by making environmental issues accessible and actionable.
Courses
Circular Economy: Sustainable Materials Management - Lund University (2025): Completed certified coursework focused on circular economy principles, resource efficiency, and sustainable materials management.
ESG Job Simulation - Tata Group (2025): Completed a virtual ESG micro-internship at Tata Consultancy Services, gaining practical exposure to corporate sustainability, environmental risk assessment, and ESG decision-making.