There are milestones that quietly anchor your journey, moments where the path behind and the path ahead suddenly make sense. For me, one of those moments unfolded on 17 January, 2026, at the opening of the new themed exhibition “Ignite the Future: A New Generation of Climate Action” at the Museum of Climate Change’s 12th Anniversary Celebration.

A decade ago, I first stepped into MoCC as an undergraduate geography student at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. I was then a nervous student, interviewing for the Green Ambassador role at the museum. Upon being selected, I was completely in awe of the power of a museum dedicated to our collective future, especially the first-hand expedition narratives from Dr Rebecca Lee, the polar explorer who inspired me on the climate journey at the age of 11.

The museum space shaped my path in ways I could never have imagined, leading me to study Environmental Change & Management at Oxford, to journey to Antarctica with Dr. Sylvia Earle, and eventually to pursue a PhD in Climate Policy at Princeton.

In 2023, MoCC honored me as its first-ever Scholar, which gave me the challenge to transform my climate research and advocacy into stories accessible by the public through multi-media exhibitions. Following my Antarctic Climate Expedition, I co-curated my first exhibition, “Climate Witness: Changing Polar Landscapes”, showcasing intergenerational climate narratives with Dr Rebecca Lee. Last year, I attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP30 in Belém, Brazil, as the Deputy Convenor of the Youth and Capacity Building Sub-Committee of the Council for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development of the Hong Kong SAR Government. I was given an extra mission by MoCC: to collect stories from youth climate leaders at COP and those contributing behind the scenes to prepare for a new youth-centric exhibition!

The Stories Behind “Ignite the Future: A New Generation of Climate Action”

This exhibition belongs to ten brilliant young climate champions from five continents—individuals I had the privilege of meeting, interviewing, and learning from. Their courage and almost “stubborn” hope became the heartbeat of this project.

What visitors see in the gallery is the result of thoughtful, visitor-centered curation by the incredible MoCC team. With ten distinct narratives to present, the format of each feature was carefully tailored to the materials provided and the essence of each story.

• Five stories are brought to life through AI-generated videos,
• Three through written biographies, and
• Two through other media, including documentary footage and recorded music performances.

Each format was chosen to best convey the individual’s journey and impact, ensuring the exhibition remains dynamic, accessible, and engaging for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Beyond the Display: A Digital Bridge

Understanding that every story deserves depth, the MoCC team created a dedicated webpage for each changemaker, accessible via a QR code displayed alongside their feature. These pages hold fuller narratives, personal photos, extended videos, and contextual details that the physical space couldn’t contain. They are a digital extension of the gallery, inviting visitors to linger and connect deeper beyond the visit.

The museum team thoughtfully interpreted the stories collected, weaving them into a connected narratives that highlight different stages of the climate journeys, making them more relatable and inspiring for a broad public audience.

It’s a unique experience to help curate an exhibition in which you also appear. Seeing my story expressed through an AI-generated video, a medium that merges technology with narrative, was both surreal and deeply meaningful. I’m grateful to the MoCC team for their care in representing each of us, and I look forward to sharing the video once it’s available, hoping it reaches and resonates with even more aspiring changemakers.

Gratitude and Continuity

This exhibition marks the end of my formal tenure as MoCC Scholar, but it feels less like an ending and more like a passing of the microphone. Among the ten featured changemakers, five are fellow Oxford students and alumni, a beautiful reminder of how communities of practice can span continents and careers.

To the MoCC team, thank you for your trust and commitment to elevating youth voices. To every friend, colleague, and visionary who shared their story with me, this exhibition is your stage. And to every visitor, whether in Hong Kong or online: may these stories ignite in you the same hope and determination they’ve ignited in me.

The legacy of MoCC has never been about one person or one exhibition. It’s about creating space—first for a shy undergrad to find her voice, and now for a new generation to speak, lead, and redefine what’s possible.

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Exhibition Details
“Ignite the Future: A New Generation of Climate Action”
📍 Museum of Climate Change, CUHK, Hong Kong
📅 16 December, 2025 – 28 February, 2026
🌐 Virtual exhibition portal:
https://mocc.cuhk.edu.hk/en-gb/hub-categories/sustainable-ideas/

Featuring 10 youth climate leaders from 5 continents, including Oxford alumni and students: Joshua Steib, Junior Mbangala, Rose Kobusinge, Max Han, and Natalie Chung.