Farzana Faruk Jhumu – From Cyclone Survivor to Global Climate Champion

In 2007, nine-year-old Farzana Faruk Jhumu watched in horror as Cyclone Sidr tore through her homeland of Lakshmipur, Bangladesh. The devastating storm killed over 3,000 people and left millions homeless, but for young Farzana, it was something more—a life-altering moment that would shape her into one of today's most powerful voices for climate justice. "That cyclone changed everything for me," Jhumu recalls. "I saw how climate change wasn't just about rising temperatures or melting ice caps. It was about real people losing their homes, their livelihoods, their lives." Early Life and Awakening Born in 1998 in the coastal district of Lakshmipur, Farzana grew up witnessing firsthand the brutal impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. Bangladesh, despite contributing less than 0.5% of global carbon emissions, faces some of the world's most severe climate consequences—from devastating cyclones to rising sea levels that threaten to displace millions. The aftermath of Cyclone Sidr revealed to young Farzana the harsh reality that climate change was not a distant threat but an immediate crisis affecting daily life in her community. This early exposure to climate vulnerability would become the driving force behind her lifelong commitment to environmental activism. Academic Excellence with Purpose Farzana's educational journey reflects her unique blend of technical expertise and social consciousness. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the prestigious Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), where she distinguished herself by focusing her thesis on detecting suicidal ideation—demonstrating early her concern for human welfare and mental health. Recognizing the need for deeper understanding of climate issues, she pursued a Master's degree in Climate Change and Development at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB). This interdisciplinary approach—combining technology with climate science—would prove instrumental in her innovative approach to activism. Building Change from the Ground Up In 2018, while still an undergraduate, Farzana co-founded KaathPencil Pathshala, a school in Dhaka's Mirpur area specifically designed for children affected by poverty and climate disasters. The initiative reflects her belief that education is fundamental to building climate resilience. "We realized that many children displaced by climate disasters were falling through the cracks of the formal education system," Farzana explains. "These kids needed not just schooling, but understanding of why their lives had been disrupted." Her grassroots work expanded with "Poribesher Proti Projonmo" (Generation for Environment), an educational campaign that has reached dozens of schools across Bangladesh. Using innovative methods like games and quizzes, the program makes climate science accessible to young minds while fostering environmental consciousness. Rising to Global Prominence Farzana's transition from local activist to global advocate began when she joined Fridays for Future MAPA (Most Affected People & Areas), representing youth from regions most severely impacted by climate change. This platform amplified voices from the Global South, challenging the Western-dominated narrative of climate activism. Her international debut came at COP26 in Glasgow, where she arrived aboard Greenpeace's iconic ship Rainbow Warrior—a symbolic journey that captured global attention. Her presence at subsequent climate conferences, including COP27 and COP29, has consistently highlighted the perspectives of climate-vulnerable communities. "At these international conferences, I don't just represent Bangladesh," Farzana notes. "I represent millions of young people whose futures are being decided in rooms they're rarely invited into." UNICEF Partnership and Children's Rights In 2022, Farzana was appointed as a UNICEF Bangladesh Youth Advocate, a role that allowed her to focus specifically on children's vulnerability to climate change. Her work contributed to the development of the Children's Climate Risk Index (CCRI), a groundbreaking tool that maps how climate change affects children worldwide. At COP27, she moderated the high-profile event "At the frontline: Children and adolescent led action for climate change," bringing global attention to the often-overlooked impact of climate change on young people's mental health and development. "For children, climate change is not a fancy term—it is a harsh reality," she emphasized during her UNICEF tenure. "When a child loses their home to flooding or their school to a cyclone, climate change becomes very personal, very immediate." Historic UN Appointment In August 2025, Farzana achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Bangladeshi member of the United Nations Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change. The group, expanded to 14 members under her tenure, provides direct recommendations to the UN Secretary-General on climate policy. This appointment represents not just personal achievement but recognition of Bangladesh's critical role in global climate adaptation. As she puts it: "Bangladesh is truly a world champion in adaptation—countries in the Global North have much to learn from us." Current Leadership and Impact Today, Farzana leads the People's Climate Diplomacy Program, an ambitious initiative that prepares young activists worldwide to engage effectively in global climate negotiations. The program addresses a critical gap—while youth voices are increasingly welcome at climate talks, many lack the technical knowledge and diplomatic skills needed to influence policy. At COP29, her strategic advocacy proved particularly effective when her demands regarding youth participation and gender equality were reflected in the presidency's official text—a rare victory for youth advocates in high-level climate negotiations. Philosophy and Vision Farzana's approach to climate activism is distinguished by several key principles: Intersectionality: She consistently links climate change to broader issues of social justice, gender equality, and economic development. "Climate change amplifies existing inequalities," she argues. "We can't solve it without addressing these deeper structural issues." Youth Empowerment: Rather than simply calling for adult action, she focuses on building capacity among young people to become effective advocates themselves. "We're not just demanding change," she says. "We're preparing to lead it." South-South Learning: She advocates for developing countries to share adaptation strategies among themselves, rather than relying solely on Western expertise. "Countries like Bangladesh, Philippines, and small island states have developed incredible resilience strategies. We need to learn from each other." Technology for Good: Her technical background in computer science informs her belief that technology can be a powerful tool for climate action when properly deployed. "Technology isn't neutral," she observes. "It can either accelerate climate destruction or help build resilience. The choice is ours." Global Recognition and Influence Farzana's work has earned recognition from international organizations, governments, and fellow activists. She has been featured in major international media outlets and serves on advisory boards for several climate organizations. Her collaboration with the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty campaign has helped build support for one of the most ambitious climate policy proposals of the decade. Despite her global profile, she remains deeply connected to her roots in Bangladesh, regularly returning to work with local communities and maintaining her commitment to grassroots organizing. Challenges and Resilience Like many climate activists from the Global South, Farzana faces unique challenges. Limited resources, visa restrictions for international travel, and the constant stress of representing communities under existential threat take their toll. "Sometimes people ask me how I stay hopeful when the climate crisis seems so overwhelming," she reflects. "But I think about that nine-year-old girl watching Cyclone Sidr, and I realize hope isn't a feeling—it's a practice. Every day we work for change, we practice hope." Looking Forward As climate impacts intensify and political momentum for action remains inconsistent, Farzana's role as a bridge between vulnerable communities and global decision-makers becomes increasingly crucial. Her current work focuses on preparing for COP30 in Brazil, where youth advocates hope to achieve breakthrough commitments on climate finance and adaptation. "The next few years will determine whether we can prevent the worst-case climate scenarios," she warns. "But I've learned that young people, especially those from frontline communities, have incredible power when we organize effectively. We're not just the leaders of tomorrow—we're the leaders of today." Legacy in the Making At just 27 years old, Farzana Faruk Jhumu has already established herself as one of the most influential climate advocates of her generation. Her journey from cyclone survivor to global climate champion embodies the resilience and determination of communities on the frontlines of climate change. More than her individual achievements, however, Farzana's true impact lies in the movement she's helping to build—a generation of climate advocates who understand that effective climate action must center the voices and experiences of those most affected by the crisis. As she often reminds audiences: "Climate change started with the most vulnerable communities. The solutions will too." Farzana Faruk Jhumu continues to bridge grassroots initiatives with international platforms, advancing a vision of climate action rooted in justice, equity, and the lived experiences of frontline communities. Her work represents not just Bangladesh's contributions to global climate advocacy, but a new model of youth leadership that the world urgently needs.