How two teenagers from Upper Assam are tackling climate change

Assam: Come June, and it is almost a certainty that some part of Assam is either reeling or recovering from floods. Yet, such is the unpredictability of the weather that this time last year, several parts of Assam were reeling from drought. In an age where extreme weather has become the norm, how do we ‘celebrate’ World Environment Day? How do we fight climate change, and who should lead the fight? Experts with their wealth of experience or locals at the forefront of uncertain weather? In Assam, the youth, especially teenagers, who have been victims of floods and extreme weather their entire lives, have decided to take matters into their own hands. Two youths: Preeti Tanti from Dibrugarh and Utpal Hajong from Dhemaji, exemplify the idea that you must be the change you wish to see in the world. And they are working miracles despite being from marginalised communities: while 18-year-old Preeti Tanti is from the Ganeshguri Tea Estate in Dibrugarh, Utpal Hajong, also 18, is from the Azarbari village of Dhemaji. The two have come up with a few innovative, interesting and inclusive ways to save their villages and tea gardens from flood, erosion and other environmental issues, including climate change.