The scene in Ipswich

Ever feel like the climate crisis is just too heavy to handle? Same. But a group of 16 young people in Ipswich just proved that even when the vibes are off, you can still channel that energy into actual change. They recently linked up at the Jerwood Dancehouse for a hackathon hosted by Seeds of Hope and Change, an org run by Soka Gakkai International and the UN Earth Charter.

Solving for the planet

Real talk: these students didn't just sit around talking about the issues. They split into teams to build legit creative solutions for major environmental problems, including ocean pollution, wildfires, water quality, and light pollution.

One team, featuring 17-year-old Baveen, focused on how light pollution impacts both people and local wildlife. Their fix? A plan for street lights using motion sensors and low-intensity bulbs so they aren't burning energy 24/7. Meanwhile, participants like 16-year-old Maryanne and her partner Hannah tackled the massive issue of ocean health, emphasizing the need to keep people aware of what’s happening beneath the surface.

More than a one-day event

The hackathon was facilitated by ambassadors from #iWill, a youth-led movement aiming to show young people that they have agency. As #iWill ambassador Alex Harrison put it, "The main purpose is reminding young people that in the face of something really scary like climate change, there's a lot that you can do personally to make a real change."

If you’re in the area, you can peep the broader Seeds of Hope and Change exhibition at the Jerwood Dancehouse, which runs for free until October 4. It features 24 pop-up panels packed with case studies on how climate change is hitting different corners of the globe.

Why it matters

With the Met Office reporting that this year's record-breaking UK summer heat was made 130 times more likely by human-induced climate change, the pressure is highkey on. Seeing young people step up to brainstorm solutions is a major W, proving that you don't need a PhD to start making a dent in these big-picture problems. Say less, let's get to work.