Shaping a New Era of Climate Leadership
The Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement is a global initiative that empowers young people to take the lead in combating climate change and advancing sustainable development. Co-founded by Dr. R.K. Pachauri, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and former Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the POP Movement has evolved into a transformative force for climate action, uniting youth from over 100 countries with the resources, mentorship, and tools needed to make an impact.
This initiative stands out not just because of its vast reach but because it empowers youth with agency, mentorship, and a platform to drive real-world climate solutions. It is an organization built on purpose, resilience, and global change, designed to place young people at the forefront of addressing one of the most urgent crises of our time.
From Legacy to Leadership: The Ash Pachauri Vision
Ash Pachauri, the son of the late Dr. R.K. Pachauri, has carried forward his father’s commitment to climate science and advocacy. With his expertise in public health and behavioral sciences, Ash has focused not only on fostering climate action but also on addressing the mental health toll the climate crisis takes on young people. Under his leadership, the POP Movement has expanded to engage youth not only in solving climate issues but in finding emotional resilience to combat eco-anxiety and despair.
His journey—from growing up under the mentorship of one of the world’s foremost climate scientists to becoming a global voice for climate action—reflects the power of intergenerational collaboration. Through his work, Ash has partnered with institutions, schools, and governments across over 90 countries, with a focus on turning eco-anxiety into agency. The result is a movement that equips young people to become leaders of today, not tomorrow.
Youth-Led Action: Empowering a Global Network of Changemakers
At the core of the POP Movement is the belief that youth should be the agents of change. Unlike many other climate-focused organizations that direct their efforts towards educating or mobilizing youth, POP places them in leadership roles. The movement doesn’t just speak to young people—it gives them the tools and support to speak for themselves and take action.
Through a variety of initiatives, from climate academies and local projects to international events like the POP Festival, thousands of youth-led projects have taken shape across the globe. From grassroots conservation efforts in rural communities to clean energy projects in urban centers, the POP Movement is empowering youth to drive tangible climate solutions. The movement’s initiatives are rooted in the belief that local solutions to global problems are essential, allowing young people to make a difference within their own communities while contributing to a global shift toward sustainability.
Addressing Eco-Anxiety: Turning Fear Into Empowered Action
The mental health crisis exacerbated by climate change is one of the defining issues of our time. With anxiety and despair rising among youth, the POP Movement stands apart by actively addressing the emotional toll that climate change takes on the next generation. Rather than ignore the anxiety that many young people face, the POP Movement integrates mental health into its core mission, offering tools to transform eco-anxiety into motivation, hope, and knowledge-inspired action.
Through educational workshops, storytelling, and emotional resilience tools, the POP Movement provides a holistic approach to climate leadership that includes mental well-being. This unique combination of climate action and emotional intelligence makes the POP Movement an invaluable resource for today’s youth, turning eco-anxiety into a catalyst for personal empowerment and collective action.
Global Reach, Local Roots: Scaling Solutions Across Borders
Despite being a global movement, the POP Movement places a heavy emphasis on local solutions tailored to unique regional challenges. Operating in over 100 countries, the POP Movement’s decentralized model allows young people to adapt climate action initiatives to their own environments. Whether it’s in a small village in India or a bustling city in Mexico, the movement’s flexible framework enables youth to address climate issues that are most pressing in their own communities.
The movement’s international influence is matched by its deep-rooted local impact. With support from global institutions like UNESCO, WHO, and the World Sustainable Development Forum, the POP Movement has cultivated partnerships that bridge generations and sectors to create more sustainable, resilient communities.
Innovation and Leadership: The POP Movement’s Digital Transformation
The POP Movement continues to innovate in its approach to climate action, integrating cutting-edge technology to reach and engage a wider audience. One of its upcoming initiatives, the AI-powered “Pocket Planet Mentor” app, exemplifies this forward-thinking approach. This tool will provide personalized climate mentorship and mental health support to youth, helping them develop their own climate action plans, learn about sustainability, and access emotional resilience resources. Through this digital innovation, the POP Movement is creating a scalable, accessible platform for global youth to engage in climate leadership, making it easier for young people to find and implement solutions in their own lives.
By combining technology, education, and action, the POP Movement is redefining what it means to be a climate leader in the 21st century.
Recognized Leadership and Awards
Ash Pachauri has received numerous awards for his leadership in climate action, including the United Nations’ Portraits of Commitment, the GlobalMindED Inclusive Leadership Award for Energy and Sustainability, and the Best International Speaker award. These recognitions reflect his dedication to fostering a more sustainable and equitable world for future generations. Similarly, the POP Movement’s global initiatives have earned recognition from institutions such as UNESCO and WHO, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in youth-driven climate action.
POP Movement Recognized as Best Youth-Led Climate Initiative in New York of 2025
The POP Movement has been honored as the Best Youth-Led Climate Initiative in New York of 2025, a prestigious recognition of its commitment to empowering young people in the fight against climate change while addressing eco-anxiety. This award celebrates the movement’s unique approach to climate leadership, combining education, local action, and emotional resilience to foster a new generation of climate leaders.
About the Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement
The Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement is a global youth-led initiative dedicated to addressing climate change and advancing sustainable development. Co-founded by Dr. R.K. Pachauri, the movement has become a platform for young people in over 100 countries to take on leadership roles in climate action. With a focus on education, innovation, and mental well-being, the POP Movement equips youth to turn eco-anxiety into empowered leadership and to implement local climate solutions that drive global change.
Media Contact
Ash Pachauri
Co-Founder and Director
POP Movement
Email: outreach@thepopmovement.org