In an exclusive interview with the media, Elvis Ethan, a 15-year-old student currently enrolled at Thigio Boys Secondary School, revealed his passion for the performing arts as an aspiring model and actor.
However, he has also been actively involved in environmental matters and has received several awards from his travels around the world.
In the interview, he expressed his desire to make a positive impact on the environment and offered advice to young people on how they can contribute to a sustainable future.
“Modeling and acting have not only allowed me to express myself creatively but have also given me the confidence to pursue my dreams and make a positive impact in the world,”
Describe yourself or tell me more about yourself.
I am a 15-year-old student named Elvis Ethan, currently enrolled at Thigio Boys Secondary School. I have a passion for modeling and acting, and I have had the opportunity to compete in beauty pageants. In 2017, I won the title of Little Mr. Kenya, which led me to represent my country in a competition in Thailand. I am proud to say that I emerged as the overall winner among ten other contestants representing seventeen different countries. I received two trophies, a crown, and a medal, and I was also honored with the title of Junior Mr. Asia Pacific Prince of Africa. Additionally, I am committed to environmental conservation
What motivated you in environmental conservation, and how did you first become interested in this field?
Environmental conservation has always been an area of interest for me, as I am very passionate about protecting the natural world around us’
I was inspired by the story of Elizabeth Wanjiru where I listened the importance of conserving environment and i believe that every individual has a responsibility to take care of the environment and make conscious efforts towards sustainability.
My interest in environmental conservation began at a young age when I started noticing the negative effects of pollution and deforestation in my community. I became more aware of the importance of protecting our planet and preserving its resources for future generations.
As I grew older, I actively sought out opportunities to get involved in environmental conservation efforts. I participated in tree planting activities and clean-up campaigns in my community. I also educated myself on the impact of climate change and ways to reduce my carbon footprint.
Through my involvement in environmental conservation, I have become even more motivated to make a positive impact on the world around me.
I am constantly seeking out new ways to contribute to this cause and raise awareness about the importance of sustainability. Ultimately, my goal is to inspire others to take action towards preserving our planet for a better future.
What environmental issues are you most passionate about, and what inspired you to focus on these particular areas?
As an environmental conservationist, there are several issues that I am passionate about, but two in particular stand out to me: climate change and plastic pollution.
Climate change is a major threat to our planet and is caused by a variety of factors, including deforestation, burning of fossil fuels, and industrial activities. Its impacts are already being felt around the world, including rising sea levels, more frequent and intense natural disasters, and disruption of ecosystems. I am particularly concerned about how climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, such as low-income households and developing countries. Witnessing the devastating impacts of climate change on communities inspired me to focus on this issue and work towards finding sustainable solutions.
Another environmental issue that I am passionate about is plastic pollution. The increasing use of single-use plastics, such as straws, bags, and bottles, is causing irreversible damage to our oceans and wildlife. The sight of plastic waste polluting our beaches and harming marine life was a wake-up call for me to take action. I have since become an advocate for reducing plastic waste by promoting the use of reusable alternatives and participating in beach clean-up activities.
Overall, my passion for environmental conservation stems from my desire to protect our planet and make a positive impact on the world around me. I believe that by raising awareness and taking action, we can make a difference and create a more sustainable future.
How do you see your work in environmental conservation evolving over time, and what are your long-term career goals in this field?
As an environmental conservationist, I see my work evolving over time in several ways. Firstly, I plan to continue building my knowledge and skills in environmental conservation through education, research, and practical experience. I want to stay informed about the latest developments and best practices in the field so that I can be an effective advocate and problem-solver.
Secondly, I plan to expand my involvement in environmental conservation efforts beyond my community and country. I want to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations globally to find innovative and sustainable solutions to the pressing environmental challenges we face.
In the long term, my career goal is to become a leading expert in environmental conservation and make significant contributions to this field. I aspire to work for international organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) or the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), where I can use my expertise to influence policies and initiatives that promote sustainable development.
Ultimately, my ultimate goal is to inspire and empower others to take action towards protecting our planet. I believe that environmental conservation is everyone’s responsibility, and I want to use my platform to raise awareness and create a global movement towards a more sustainable future.
What advice would you give to other students or young people who are interested in pursuing a career in environmental conservation?
As an environmental conservationist, I would advise other students and young people who are interested in pursuing a career in this field to start by building a strong foundation of knowledge and skills. This can be achieved through formal education, such as a degree in environmental science or a related field, as well as through practical experience gained through internships or volunteer work.
Additionally, I would encourage them to seek out mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals in the field. Networking with like-minded individuals and joining environmental conservation organizations or clubs can also provide valuable opportunities to learn, gain experience, and make connections.
It is also important for aspiring environmental conservationists to stay informed about the latest developments and best practices in the field. This can be achieved by reading scientific publications, attending conferences and workshops, and keeping up with news and trends in the industry.
Finally, I would advise young people to be persistent and committed in their pursuit of a career in environmental conservation. This is a challenging field that requires dedication and hard work, but the rewards are immeasurable. By making a difference in the world and contributing to a more sustainable future, they can find fulfillment and purpose in their work.
Have ever been into foreign country to discuss matters environment? If any which one and lessons you learnt?
I have traveled to Thailand to represent Kenya in a modeling competition, but I did not have the opportunity to discuss environmental issues while I was there. While my focus during that trip was on modeling, I did have the chance to learn about different cultures and ways of life, which I believe can be valuable in the context of environmental conservation.
Traveling to foreign countries and experiencing different environments can broaden one’s perspective and deepen their understanding of the interconnectedness of the planet. It can also provide an opportunity to learn about innovative solutions to environmental challenges and bring those ideas back home to be implemented.
In the future, I hope to travel to other countries as part of my work in environmental conservation. I believe that by collaborating with individuals and organizations from different parts of the world, we can find creative and effective solutions to the pressing environmental issues we face.
Tell us about the awards that you have won in your career
Thank you for asking about my awards. While my focus has been primarily on modeling and acting, I have also received recognition for my efforts in environmental conservation. During my trip to Thailand, I was honored to receive two trophies, a crown, and a medal as the overall winner of the Little Mr. Asia Pacific Prince of Africa modeling competition. This was an incredible experience that allowed me to showcase my talents on an international stage and represent my country.
In addition to my modeling awards, I have also been recognized for my work in environmental conservation. I was awarded the Little Mr. Pritt creativity crown for my creative approach to environmental awareness and the Medal in Green Kid Awards for my commitment to protecting the environment. I was also proud to receive the Trophy Africa Kid Award in Creative Art through Recycling Plastics, which recognized my efforts to promote environmental sustainability through creative art.
These awards have been a source of motivation and inspiration for me, and have reinforced my commitment to using my talents and skills to make a positive impact on the environment and the world around us.
Who is your role model and what age did you start to conserve the environment?
My role model is Elizabeth Wanjiru Wathuti, the founder of Green Generation Initiative in Kenya. She is a passionate environmental activist who has been recognized for her efforts to promote environmental sustainability and conservation.
I was inspired by Elizabeth’s work at a young age and started my own journey in environmental conservation when I was nine years old.
At that age, I began planting trees in my community as a way to address the problem of deforestation and promote biodiversity. Since then, I have continued to actively participate in various environmental activities and initiatives, and have been fortunate enough to have opportunities to represent my country and advocate for environmental conservation on an international stage.
Elizabeth has been a great mentor to me, and her dedication and passion for environmental conservation have been a source of inspiration and motivation throughout my journey. I hope to continue following in her footsteps and making a positive impact on the environment and the world around us.
What do you think a community members can do to help the environment
Ultimately, we all have a role to play in protecting the environment. By making small changes in our daily lives and working together, we can make a significant impact and ensure a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.
Here are a few things that individuals can do to help:
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle: Recycling and reducing waste can significantly help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and oceans, harming wildlife and polluting our environment.
- Conserve water: We can conserve water by fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and taking shorter showers.
- Use renewable energy: Using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power can significantly reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability.
- Plant trees: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen, making them critical in the fight against climate change.
- Educate others: We can share information and educate others about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability. This can help create a culture of environmental awareness and inspire more people to take action.
What personal achievement are you most proud of?
Regarding the first question, I am most proud of my achievement in winning a trophy in creative art. This achievement has given me the confidence to continue pursuing my passion for art and using it as a tool to raise awareness about environmental conservation.
If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would you meet and why?
If I could meet anyone in the world, I would choose to meet Elizabeth Wathuti. She is an environmental activist who has dedicated her life to promoting environmental conservation and sustainability.
I greatly admire her work, particularly her efforts to educate young people about the importance of planting trees and growing their own food.
Meeting her would be a great honor and a valuable opportunity to learn from her experiences and gain inspiration for my own work in environmental conservation.
What according to you is the biggest environmental threat today?
In my opinion, the biggest environmental threat we face today is climate change. Climate change refers to the long-term shifts in global temperatures, precipitation, and weather patterns that result from human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture.
Climate change has a range of negative impacts on the environment, including rising sea levels, more frequent and severe natural disasters, increased drought and flooding, loss of biodiversity, and food and water scarcity. These impacts not only harm ecosystems and wildlife but also have serious consequences for human health, social and economic stability, and national security.
It is crucial that we take action to address climate change through policies and individual actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy and sustainable practices, and encourage climate adaptation measures. Only by working together can we mitigate the impacts of climate change and create a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.
What request would you give cabinet minister for environment incase you meet her today?
Firstly, I would request the government to increase its investment in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. This would reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. I would also urge the government to promote policies that encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and other sustainable transport options.
Secondly, I would ask for stronger regulations on industrial and agricultural practices that harm the environment, including air and water pollution and deforestation. This could involve stricter enforcement of environmental laws and incentives for companies that adopt sustainable practices.
Overall, my request to the cabinet minister for environment would be to prioritize sustainable development and conservation efforts that protect the environment and benefit both people and the planet.
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