Key Impact Points:
- Sophie Kim founded The Clean & Green Initiative, now a 700+ member global nonprofit in over 30 countries.
- Her activism was sparked by witnessing an oil spill near a protected salt marsh in 2021.
- She serves as co-chair of the U.S. Youth Advisory Council to the U.N. Ocean Decade and leads efforts in ocean policy and climate education.
From Local Disaster to Global Mission
At just 16, Sophie Kim is already a force in global climate advocacy. The U.S.-based youth leader’s journey began with a moment of crisis: witnessing an oil spill off her coastal hometown in 2021. “It made me realize that no one is immune to the impacts of pollution and climate change,” she said.
This moment catalyzed Sophie’s lifelong dedication to protecting the planet.
A Movement Born Online, Now Global
While still in 6th grade, Sophie launched The Clean & Green Initiative (TCAGI) as a safe online community to discuss environmental issues. That seed has since grown into an international nonprofit with:
- 700+ members in over 30 countries
- 20+ volunteers coordinating projects
- A youth-authored climate blog, YouTube series spotlighting activists like Saoirse Exton and Mitzi Jonelle Tan, and even a line of children’s books focused on environmental education
- A food waste audit and report tackling sustainability at the ground level
TCAGI’s work has been recognized by the Jane Goodall Institute, National Contribution Project, and DoSomething.org, and has been featured in platforms like Civics Unplugged and Blue Shield. “TCAGI is open for anyone to join,” Sophie encourages. “Just visit tcagi.org/join-our-team!”
Taking Youth Voices to Washington and the U.N.
Sophie’s leadership also extends to policy. She sits on the United States Youth Advisory Council to the U.N. Ocean Decade, where she helped lobby lawmakers in D.C. to support ocean-friendly legislation. This year, she returns to the Council as co-chair of the Movement Committee.
Building Bridges Through Activism
Most recently, Sophie has turned part of her energy toward voter registration and depolarization efforts ahead of the 2024 elections. Her goal: “To create a world where people can put their differences aside to work together on solving pressing issues.”
When she’s not mobilizing the next generation of ocean defenders, Sophie enjoys long, philosophical bike rides, stargazing, writing to pen pals, and learning new languages.
As a representative of the U.S. on the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council, Sophie Kim is shaping the future of ocean advocacy—one youth-led action at a time.
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