May 2026 Young Planet Leader Lily YangLiu

Lily grew up in China, where rising temperatures, severe air pollution, and recurring floods were part of everyday life. Through these experiences, she recognized a critical gap in climate solutions: the lack of accessible education and dialogue. In 2023, she founded Young Environmental Leaders (YEL), a 135-hour curriculum designed to teach students the fundamentals of climate science and the interconnectedness of Earth’s systems and human behavior. Co-developed with educators, Indigenous leaders, and scientists—and shaped by contributions from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women scientists—YEL weaves diverse perspectives into scientific learning. More than a traditional course, it offers a hands-on, action-oriented approach that empowers students to build a just and sustainable future.

Beyond the classroom, Lily has built a social media platform reaching over 70 million viewers and 100,000+ long-term subscribers, sharing daily climate content on WeChat to engage young audiences who often lack access to these conversations. She is also the co-founder of DMUN Foundation, where she champions meaningful youth participation in decision-making spaces by supporting young people in accessing high-level opportunities at the United Nations. Appointed as the first child on Canada’s official delegation to the 2025 UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), she is also a dedicated advocate for children’s rights. Lily has worked across global institutions including the UN, World Bank, and IMF, and at COP29, she addressed ministers and global CEOs on the importance of climate education. Now based in British Columbia, Canada, she advises her provincial government on integrating climate literacy into primary and secondary schools, grounded in the YEL framework.