Among the growing global movement of youth-led climate action, young voices are increasingly shaping conversations around sustainability.
Among them is Briton Moksha Roy, whose journey as a climate advocate began at just three years old when she volunteered for a microplastic pollution campaign, aimed at educating one billion children. In 2024, Moksha launched the #Books4Ourfuture campaign, to fight climate change by repurposing books that are otherwise destined for landfills.
Now aged ten, she has gone on to use her voice to champion water-related issues in the United Kingdom and beyond, including at UN Climate Change Conferences. She has written over 193 letters to global leaders calling for the Sustainable Development Goals to be added to national school curricula, and has even received an award from the UK’s prime minister for raising awareness about sustainability.
Moksha has also brought about changes in her local community. Many of her friends and family no longer ask for birthday gifts, but instead ask for donations to charity. Her school has stopped using plastic glitter, confetti or plastic art supplies.
To mark World Oceans Day 2026 on 8 June, we spoke to Moksha about what drives her to help other children learn about environmental awareness, and to encourage them to make a difference.
What does the ocean represent to you?
When I think about the ocean, it feels like a living, breathing system that connects every part of our planet. Water is a friend, a friend that supports us, helps us, cares for us. A place where life begins, where countless species depend on its balance, and where the actions of each of us are crucial to maintaining this balance. If the oceans are destroyed, the Earth would become hotter, more polluted, and far less able to support life as we know it, which is why protecting the oceans now is essential for the future of all life on Earth.
How did you become interested in advocating for access to water for all?
When I found out that so many people don’t have access to clean and safe water, which affects their lives so badly. Especially for girls and women, because they are the ones who have to bring water from far away places. As a consequence, their lives are badly affected. Girls can’t go to school, have the same education as boys, for example, and some women who have to go and collect water aren’t really allowed to do anything else apart from housework. I thought I should really try and make more people aware of this so that these people in need could be supported.
What role can each of us play in our daily lives in reducing water pollution that reaches the oceans?
Every single one of us can help reduce the pollution that reaches the oceans by cutting down on single‑use plastics, disposing of waste responsibly, choosing eco‑friendly household products, avoiding pouring oils or chemicals down the drain, and being mindful of how much water we use. We can also use our voices to protect our oceans by encouraging governments to take stronger action and by raising awareness about the many ways our oceans are polluted, including plastic waste, sewage releases, agricultural runoff, oil spills, abandoned fishing gear, and chemicals from industry. These pollutants harm marine life, damage coral reefs, disrupt food chains, and weaken the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon, which in turn intensifies climate change, affecting every organism on this planet including us.
What is your message for World Oceans Day?
My message for World Oceans Day is simple: the ocean is our lifeline, and we must be its defenders to protect our own future. Every drop of clean water, every breath of oxygen, and every stable season depends on a healthy ocean. Together we can build a more circular system where everything created is recycled back to something new and not disposed of to harm the planet. When we reduce pollution, campaign for stronger laws, and choose everyday actions that protect nature, can we help the oceans stay alive. And when the ocean thrives, the whole planet thrives with it.
What do you see yourself doing once you finish school?
Well, I’m still only 10, so I’m still exploring options, but I do know one thing. Whatever I do, I will ensure I keep protecting the planet and its people and inspiring others to do the same. So whether I become a dentist, engineer, or just carry on advocating, I will carry on protecting the planet and its people and inspiring other people to do so because that is just so important to me.
The interview text has been edited for brevity and clarity.