Xiuhtezcatl: Indigenous Climate Activist & New Earth Youth Voice Speaks at UN Event on Climate Change

New Earth Youth Voice Xiuhtezcatl articulates the hopes and dreams of a generation in his eclectic speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Climate Change. Carrying charisma and eloquence, this 15 year old climate activist speaks to our world leaders in order to rally a unified, binding agreement which will ultimately provide a lasting solution to this global issue.

“We have to realize that what is at stake is no longer just the planet, it’s no longer just the environment, but what’s at stake right now is the existence of my generation. What is at stake right now, what we are fighting to protect, what is in our hands today, is the survival of this generation and the continuation of the human race.” – Xiuhtezcatl Martinez

Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, an indigenous environmental activist from Boulder, Colorado, came into the world through the Aztec culture on his father’s side, and environmental activism on his mother’s side. His name was chosen by Aztec elders of Mexico based on the cosmology of the Aztec calendar and was given to him when he was six weeks old in the Black Hills of South Dakota by elders Arvol Looking Horse and Xolotl Martinez. Xiuhtezcatl has been participating in ceremonies and Aztec dancing since he could walk, and is very connected with his culture. He grew up learning to respect and care for the Earth and all life upon it.