ARTTMODERNMIAMI GAZETTE: Who is Seren Anacoglu?
Seren Anacoglu: I am a 21-year-old Law student, environmental advocate, and climate activist from Turkey. Since 16, I have been dedicated to raising awareness about the climate crisis and advocating for systemic change. Growing up, I witnessed the impact of environmental degradation in Turkey and felt compelled to act. My journey started with organizing Turkey’s first high school-level climate conference and grew into leading global climate strikes, giving TEDx talks, and collaborating with political and environmental organizations. I’ve also served as an EU Climate Ambassador, where I worked on policies to combat the climate crisis and reduce plastic use in schools. Through my work, I strive to bridge the gap between environmental law and human rights, emphasizing climate justice. In addition, I’m studying law to better understand how legal frameworks can be used to address environmental issues.
ARTTMODERNMIAMI GAZETTE: Where do you live? Since when?
Seren Anacoglu: I live in Istanbul, Turkey. I was born in Balıkesir, a small city in western Turkey, and spent my childhood there. When I was accepted to Kabataş Erkek Lisesi, one of Turkey’s most prestigious high schools, I moved to Istanbul. The city became my home and the backdrop to many milestones in my climate activism. Since 16, I have been dedicated to raising awareness about the climate crisis and advocating for systemic change. Growing up, I witnessed the impact of environmental degradation in Turkey and felt compelled to act. My journey started with organizing Turkey’s first high school-level climate conference and grew into leading global climate strikes, giving TEDx talks, and collaborating with political and environmental organizations. I’ve also served as an EU Climate Ambassador, where I worked on policies to combat the climate crisis and reduce plastic use in schools. Through my work, I strive to bridge the gap between environmental law and human rights, emphasizing climate justice. In addition to my activism, I am pursuing a law degree to better address environmental challenges through a legal framework. From organizing climate conferences at my school to filing Turkey’s first climate lawsuit, Istanbul has been the center of my journey. It reminds me why the fight against the climate crisis is crucial. I continue to live here as I study law, hoping to create meaningful change both locally and globally.
ARTTMODERNMIAMI GAZETTE: Are you a student? Do you work?
Seren Anacoglu: Yes, I am currently a law student in Turkey. My studies focus on environmental law and human rights, as I believe these areas are deeply interconnected. Alongside my education, I have actively worked in the climate movement since my teenage years. I previously served as a Community Specialist at Ecording, where I focused on sustainability and strategic planning. Through this role, I contributed to projects that aimed to combat climate change with innovative solutions. Additionally, I’ve participated in youth panels, conferences, and media projects, such as hosting on Açık Radyo and organizing climate strikes. Balancing my education and activism has been challenging yet rewarding, as both roles feed into my overarching mission to promote climate justice. My work and studies complement each other, helping me build the skills needed to address global environmental challenges.
ARTTMODERNMIAMI GAZETTE: You are one of the youngest climate activists. How old are you?
Seren Anacoglu: I am 21 years old. I began my journey as a climate activist at 16 when I realized the urgency of the climate crisis and how it impacts not just the environment but also vulnerable communities and injustice. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible organizations, speaking at forums, and mobilizing people worldwide to join the fight against climate change. Being a young activist has its challenges, as it requires balancing education and activism, but I see my age as an advantage. It allows me to connect with youth and show them that they too can lead meaningful change. My work demonstrates that age is not a barrier to taking action on critical global issues. By starting young, I hope to inspire others to recognize their potential act boldly to secure a sustainable future, and inspire young people around the world.
ARTTMODERNMIAMI GAZETTE: How did you start? Why and how does a person decide to become an activist?
Seren Anacoglu: My activism began when I was 16 years old, inspired by the growing evidence of climate change’s impact on the planet and people. Living in Turkey, especially in İstanbul, I witnessed firsthand the environmental challenges, from pollution to the increasing frequency of natural disasters. This made me question the adequacy of our policies and inspired me to take action. My journey started in high school, where I led the environmental club and organized Turkey’s first high school climate conference. As I delved deeper, I realized activism is not just about protests; it’s about education, policy change, and inspiring others to act. A person decides to become an activist when they see a problem they cannot ignore and feel they have a role in solving it. For me, the urgency of the climate crisis left me no choice but to act. My activism has since become a lifelong commitment to environmental and social justice.
ARTTMODERNMIAMI GAZETTE: As a climate activist, you know many people. Greta is one of them. How did you come together?
Seren Anacoglu: I first connected with Greta Thunberg through the Fridays for Future movement, which she initiated. As a fellow climate activist, I admired her courage and ability to mobilize millions of people worldwide. Our paths crossed when we invited her to join us on Açık Radyo, a Turkish radio station where we hosted a special segment on climate activism. We discussed the climate crisis, youth engagement, and how we could amplify each other’s voices in this fight. Meeting her reinforced my belief in the power of collective action and youth-led initiatives.
ARTTMODERNMIAMI GAZETTE: What is your role at the EU Climate Commission? What were your speeches about there?
Seren Anacoglu: In 2021, I had the honor of serving as an EU Climate Commission Climate Ambassador, becoming the youngest ambassador in Europe. As part of my responsibilities, I represented Turkey in European discussions about climate policies and youth involvement. My role involved advocating for sustainable solutions to issues like plastic pollution and water crises while promoting the inclusion of youth voices in decision-making. One of the highlights of my ambassadorship was organizing Istanbul’s first climate-themed TEDx conference, which brought together environmental experts, activists, and young changemakers. This event provided a platform for discussing innovative ideas to combat the climate crisis and inspired attendees to take action. We invited important experts who are experts in climate and sustainability topics. During my speeches and workshops, I emphasized the interconnectedness of climate change and human rights, urging for equitable policies that protect vulnerable communities. My work as an ambassador allowed me to bridge grassroots activism with policymaking at a European level, fostering collaboration and inspiring action.
ARTTMODERNMIAMI GAZETTE: What would you like to say about your mission? Do you have any projects?
Seren Anacoglu: My mission is to promote climate justice by addressing the systemic issues that contribute to the climate crisis while ensuring that the solutions prioritize equity and sustainability. I view the climate crisis as a human rights issue, as its effects are felt most by vulnerable populations. To address this, I have led various projects, including organizing six global climate strikes and creating platforms for youth engagement in Turkey. One of my proudest achievements was filing Turkey’s first climate lawsuit against the President and the Ministry of Climate Change, challenging the country’s environmental policies and their failure to act on the Paris Agreement. I’ve also collaborated on reducing plastic use in public schools and worked with policymakers to improve climate and gender policies. My ongoing projects focus on bridging environmental law and human rights to create long-lasting change.
ARTTMODERNMIAMI GAZETTE: You recently received an award at the SheInspires Awards in England. What was the subject of your award?
Seren Anacoglu: I was honored to receive recognition in the “Young Achievers” category at the SheInspires Awards in Manchester, England. This award celebrates young women who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to their causes and inspired others through their work. For me, the award was a recognition of my efforts in climate activism, human rights advocacy, and leadership as a young woman representing Turkey on global platforms. Winning this award was particularly meaningful because it validated the importance of youth voices in addressing global challenges. It also gave me a platform to inspire young people from around the world, showing them that they, too, can create change regardless of their age or background. I hope my journey encourages others to find their passion, take action, and persist in their efforts to make the world a better place.
ARTTMODERNMIAMI GAZETTE: What paths should our readers who want to join you go through? What do you recommend in terms of education and experience?
Seren Anacoglu: To join the fight against the climate crisis, readers should start by educating themselves about the issues and understanding the science behind climate change. Education doesn’t necessarily mean formal degrees; attending workshops, webinars, and conferences can be just as valuable. Experience can be gained through volunteering with local environmental organizations, participating in climate strikes, or organizing awareness campaigns in their communities. For those pursuing higher education, fields like environmental science, law, engineering, and public policy are excellent pathways to address systemic challenges. Networking is also crucial—connecting with like-minded individuals, activists, and organizations to share ideas and collaborate. Lastly, persistence and passion are key. Also, all people should know their rights and advocate for them. Activism requires resilience, as change often comes slowly, but every small effort matters. My advice is to stay informed, take action, and never underestimate the power of collective effort in creating a sustainable future.
ARTTMODERNMIAMI GAZETTE: What are your thoughts on the Paris Agreement?
Seren Anacoglu: The Paris Agreement represents a critical step toward addressing the climate crisis by uniting nearly all nations under a common goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C. However, the challenges of implementation and the urgency of action remain significant. The recent devastating wildfires in California are a stark reminder of how climate change exacerbates extreme weather events. I want to extend my deepest sympathies to those affected by these fires. These events emphasize the pressing need for stronger climate policies globally.
In Turkey, our activism played a role in pushing the government to ratify the Paris Agreement in 2021 after years of delay. Through nationwide climate strikes, campaigns, and collaborations with other activists, we amplified public pressure, showing that citizens demand action. While the ratification was a victory, the real challenge lies in enforcing policies that align with its goals. The Agreement is a symbol of hope, but its success depends on collective and sustained efforts.
ARTTMODERNMIAMI GAZETTE: What are your goals? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Seren Anacoglu: In five years, I see myself as an environmental lawyer, dedicated to holding governments and corporations accountable for their environmental actions. One of my key goals is to achieve a positive outcome in the climate lawsuit I initiated against Turkey’s government. This case, which challenges the inadequacies in implementing the Paris Agreement and environmental protections, is a significant step toward legal climate advocacy in the country. A favorable decision would set a historic precedent and encourage further action on environmental justice.
Beyond legal advocacy, I aim to expand my impact internationally, working with organizations and parliamentary to address systemic issues in climate policy. I also envision creating platforms to empower young activists by providing them with tools and mentorship to lead their movements. Ultimately, my dream is to see a world where sustainable policies and human rights are at the forefront of every decision, creating a future that is just and equitable for all.
ARTTMODERNMIAMI GAZETTE: Do you have an unforgettable memory?
Seren Anacoglu: One of the most unforgettable memories in my activism journey was the opportunity to meet Dr. Jane Goodall, a renowned British primatologist, ethologist, and environmentalist. She is best known for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees in Tanzania, which transformed the way we understand animal behavior. Beyond her scientific achievements, Dr. Goodall has dedicated her life to environmental and conservation efforts, becoming a global advocate for wildlife protection and climate change.
Our conversation was incredibly inspiring. Dr.Goodall shared her insights on the interconnectedness of human behavior and environmental destruction, emphasizing the importance of conservation and the impact of climate change on biodiversity. She spoke about young people’s crucial role in activism and hope’s power in overcoming global challenges. Her words reinforced my determination to continue pushing for change, knowing that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to a greater movement for a sustainable world. This meeting deeply impacted me, reaffirming my commitment to climate advocacy and strengthening my resolve to continue fighting for a better future.
ARTTMODERNMIAMI NEWSPAPER: We greatly thank dear Seren and wish her continued success.
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