I took this photo in the Solomon Islands during the International Day of Action celebrating 350ppm as the global target for greenhouse gas concentrations. Hundreds of Solomon Island youth marched through the streets of the capital, taking a stand on an issue that is vital for the survival of their people and their country.

The day was made possible by Steph Smith (the young woman featured in the photo looking back at the camera). Steph is a volunteer working as a part of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition's Project Survival Pacific. This project aims to support the small island countries that are most vulnerable to climate change. Steph has been working to empower and raise awareness about climate change amongst youth in the Solomon Islands. The goal is that an international collaborative youth network can be formed, joining Solomon Island youth with those in other countries to campaign and advocate on these critical issues together.

Solomon Islanders deeply feel the consequences of climate change, many of which are already occurring. The day was an impressive show of the significance of this issue to them. I felt it was important to share this with the world, helping those in much richer countries to understand the consequences that their actions have on those who are born much less fortunate. Like Steph, we need to work collaboratively with our neighbours, and realize that despite our differences we are all on this one earth together.