Levi D.

Age: 16 | Hometown: Satellite beach, Florida


"I work hard to protect the environment and animals near my home. I want my government to work hard to protect my future and the future of the animals and ecosystems in our country."


"You have to find the way of nature," is one of Levi's messages for the world from his beloved home of a barrier island in Florida, just 13ft above sea level. His island has been impacted by environmental issues from red algal blooms to increasing storms from climate change. He recently moved from the barrier island due to the risk of flooding caused by the climate crisis and now resides in mainland Florida.

After Hurricane Matthew, Levi volunteered replanting the dunes at the beach, where he also does litter clean-ups. The youngest #youthvgov plaintiff, Levi has been speaking at marches and rallies in his neighborhood to bring attention to the risk climate change poses to low-lying Florida. In his free time, Levi loves to sail, spend time training his dog, and volunteering at the local zoo. He is part of the lawsuit to imagine and build a better future.

News reel

June 18, 2019 - People
Kids Suing the U.S. Government to Take Action Against Climate Change: It's a '911' Situation

March 21, 2019 - Vogue
Do Americans Have a Constitutional Right to a Livable Planet? Meet the 21 Young People Who Say They Do

March 6, 2019 - O Magazine
7 Ways You Can Help Save the Planet Right Now

March 2, 2019 - CBS News
The climate change lawsuit that could stop the U.S. government from supporting fossil fuels

October 16, 2018 - Here & Now
11-Year-Old Among Group Of Young People Suing Government Over Climate Change

May 10, 2018 - Hometown News
Satellite Beach boy, 10, part of lawsuit for environmental rights

April 16, 2018 - Florida Today
Meet the 10-year-old from Satellite Beach suing the state over climate change | Rangel

April 2, 2018 - Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth
UUMFE Honors Levi Draheim as a Guardian of the Future

March 20, 2018 - Arte TV
Portrait d'enfant : Levi en Floride

January 23, 2018 - Public Radio International
This 10-year-old was already suing the government over climate policy. Then climate change really hit home.

December 7, 2017 - Scholastic
Climate Fighter: This 10-year-old is taking the United States government to court over the environment

December 1, 2017: Florida Roundup

November 22, 2017 - Tampa Bay Times
Florida 10-year-old is one of 21 kids suing federal government over climate change

April 30, 2017 - CNN
Kids take over Supreme Court steps

April 29, 2017 - Teen Vogue
Kids and Teens Are Suing Trump's Administration Over Climate Change

April 24, 2017 - Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Donald Trump being sued by nine-year-old Levi Draheim over his climate policies

March 17, 2017 - National Geographic
'Biggest Case on the Planet' Pits Kids vs. Climate Change

August 14, 2015 - Climate Home
8-year-old takes US government to court over climate change