Look out, Greta Thunberg. Another young eco-warrior is making waves. Anna Hursey, 14, gained fame three years ago as the youngest-ever participant in Commonwealth Games senior events. Representing Wales, Hursey is ranked #14 in the world among cadet (under 15) girls. While she is well on her way to making her mark on the world of sport, Hursey is more concerned about the mark she is leaving on the world itself. "I'm carbon-neutral," says Hursey, "so every month I invest into a project that offsets my carbon footprint." Suffering from asthma, the dual Chinese-Welsh citizen is keenly aware of her environment. "When I go to China, it makes my asthma much worse." Experiencing the effects of pollution first-hand, Hursey knows that it is much more than a personal inconvenience. The Welsh wonder understands that our actions have created an existential threat to humanity. "I think that some people just don't want to think it's true that humans are causing this damage, and we're responsible for what has happened and what will happen," says Hursey, demonstrating a grasp of reality which mysteriously eludes many. In February 2020, the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) nominated Hursey to join their task force. As a UNFCCC Young Champion, Hursey uses her public platform to promote environmental awareness and positive change. "I am proud to be a Young Champion and am looking forward to working with UN Climate Change to help set sports on a path to a low-carbon future," said Hursey. This week, Hursey received a surprise phone call from the US Embassy. The young leader has been recruited by President Joe Biden to join an international team fighting climate change. "President Biden's climate change agenda is very bold," says Hursey. "To achieve zero emissions in America by 2050 is incredible. "Climate change is about caring for your family and friends," she continues. "Everyone is affected by climate change, and sport can definitely influence change." Of course, Anna Hursey is not a rival to Greta Thunberg, but in fact a powerful new ally in the growing international coalition combatting climate change. We would be wise to support these bold young leaders, for they are fighting for nothing less than our very survival.

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