Words by Smiley Team
From the age of 10, Shannon Shoreman – pictured fourth from left – was already inspiring change. Now, aged 22, and studying political science and international relations at university, she's more deeply engaged than ever with issues such as climate change.
At primary school, Shannon was vocally lobbying her local MPs. At least once a month, she’d write to them about her top concern at that time - reforming the school system.
“Being autistic, school didn't really work for me,” she tells Smiley News. “I've always been very outspoken about issues and I’m strong in my convictions around what's right and wrong.”
At university, she met climate justice activist Dominique Palmer who inspired her to do even more. The pair developed a strong friendship, attending marches together and building campaigns.
[Read stories about exciting initiatives driving climate action to protect life on Earth]
Today, as an activist for UK Youth Climate Coalition, she aspires to tackle the climate crisis at its roots and push for systemic change.
She also believes ardently in inclusivity, diversity and equality. “The climate crisis is inherently systemic,” she says. “But it’s also important to remember there's always a role for everybody in the climate movement.”
For Shannon, this applies to people with disabilities, as well as those from disadvantaged places around the world. The banning of plastic straws, for example, was welcomed by many environmentalists but negatively affected some disabled people who relied on them to drink easily.
“Basically, people need to realise that not everybody can live sustainably and all we can do is try our best. Then it’s over to the policymakers,” she says.
[Discover more positive news from Smiley Movement about everyday heroes and campaigns]
To help the public understand how others relate differently to climate change, she hopes that the internet will serve as a positive tool to encourage international exchanges.
She has seen how social media offers activists like herself in the political North, the chance to connect with others in countries that are the worst affected by climate change. It gives her hope for her generation.
“Social media exchanges between people across the world give young activists the potential to become more empathetic,” she says. “And that empathy provides space to make the world more caring, welcoming and safe for everybody to live in.”
To support Shannon’s movement donate to or join the UK Youth Climate Coalition.
UKYCC's mission is to mobilise and empower young people to take positive action for global climate justice. It is a voluntary, consensus led, non-hierarchy, and non-profit organisation. Find out more.
