The Power of Youth

Recently, Hayden Moran, Polar Bears International’s programs coordinator, traveled to Washington, D.C., to take part in the Upwell Conference, putting his newly minted degree in Environmental Studies and Political Science to work in sessions tailored to young leaders. Here, he shares his thoughts about the experience and the value of networking with like-minded organizations.

What was the event, and what was your role in it?

Each year, during the week before World Ocean Day, Capitol Hill Ocean Week takes place in D.C. Numerous ocean conservation organizations, aquariums, nonprofits, and policy makers come together to connect, lobby, and hold panels. I attended Upwell, a symposium held during Ocean Week and organized by the Aquarium Conservation Partnership, Green 2.0, Urban Ocean Lab, and Azule.

Now in its fourth year, Upwell focuses on ocean justice and conservation, highlighting vulnerable coastal communities that face disproportionate impacts from climate change. Another central focus is on youth empowerment. As many are aware, the young people of today will carry an immense responsibility to steward our earth and oceans.

My role involved speaking in a youth-focused networking session and connecting with the Aquarium Conservation Partnership’s policy fellows. I also attended the conference and policy brief, where I had the opportunity to connect with another of our youth advocacy partners, Earth Echo International, who attended with a contingent of young Ocean Protection Ambassadors.

One of the key panels featured five young people from 17 to 22 years old who study and work in the marine conservation world. The amount of support and attention in the room was really astounding. One panelist talked about turning caring into action, and bridging science to community and policy — two ideas right in line with PBI's mission.

After getting to know some of the panelists and the Aquarium Conservation Partnership’s policy fellows, I was reminded first hand that our oceans and world will be in good hands with many of the conservation leaders of tomorrow. When tackling a complex global issue like climate change, it’s important to remind ourselves that it takes more than one organization, or one policy, to make real progress. Engaging with the broader conservation community allows us to build relationships for future meaningful work.

How does this event connect to Polar Bears International's work?

The world of marine conservation is, not unlike the ocean, incredibly vast and diverse, yet also interconnected. As one panelist said, “Water is intersectional to every topic we can talk about.” With the Arctic warming at a faster rate than the rest of the globe, discussing the importance of the frozen ocean, and how it influences the broader ocean system, is a critical part of the conversation. Working to preserve polar bears and the sea ice they depend on ultimately benefits not only the Arctic, but the entire ocean system. With our policy work constantly growing, I can see an opportunity for Polar Bears International to become more involved with youth efforts and the policy world in D.C.

What did you find most interesting?

That is a tough question! The Aquarium Conservation Partnership just launched its first Policy Fellowship program, where young people work on an ocean-related project and present it at Upwell. Getting the chance to hear their presentations and get to know them was fantastic. I was really impressed. The topics ranged from the High Seas Treaty to the Rigs-to-Reefs program in the Gulf of Mexico and more. Polar Bears International provided scholarships to two of the fellows, underwriting the costs so they could attend.

Was there anything that surprised you?

As I mentioned earlier, I was struck by the fact that diverse organizations with differing approaches, areas of work, and applications can be incredibly similar in their overarching missions. There was a repeated focus on "bridging science with effective policy, communication, and advocacy.” When we come together, we can, as one speaker said, “break silos and create tide pools.”

Did it affect how you think about policy, and how young people can get involved?

It certainly did! One big takeaway for me was the importance of thinking about policy as it impacts people and ecosystems on the ground, rather than as an abstract procedural document. Someone on the youth panel said “policy without people is just paper.” Also, the work is only beginning when a policy is passed. The policy landscape can be difficult for young folks (and all ages) to navigate, but bringing more voices to the table is ultimately a move in the right direction.

Anything else you'd like to add?

I was able to attend Upwell right after completing my undergraduate degree, and it was another reminder of the importance of Polar Bears International's mission and ocean conservation. Seeing how interconnected this work is, and how many people are committed to climate action, left me feeling hopeful. There is real momentum behind these efforts, and I am excited to be part of the work ahead.