Sophie Kivlehan
Age: 25 | Hometown: Allentown, Pennsylvania
"I know climate change is going to have the biggest impact on my generation and generations to come. Our government isn't taking action and we have a very small window to turn this around. I feel a sense of responsibility to take action."
Growing up with stories of climate change from her grandfather, legendary climate scientist, Dr. James Hansen, Sophie became passionate about climate science at a young age.
In Pennsylvania, hailstorms have damaged her family's house, and floodwaters often inundate roads by her home. She has even been forced to prepare for tornado warnings, which are very unusual for the area where she lives.
Sophie's passion for science and dedication to truth has led her to a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, and a research position in cancer immunology in Boston, MA.
Sophie is deeply concerned about the future because she knows that climate change will not only harm her, but will also harm the entire fabric of human civilization and all living things on Earth that she cherishes and relies on for her life, liberties, and property.
News reel
March 4, 2019 - WHP Harrisburg
Dickinson College student part of landmark climate change lawsuit
December 15, 2018 - The Weather Channel
Sophie Kivlehan Doesn’t Want to Freak You Out
November 7, 2018 - Reuters
"I'm afraid and angry", says 18-year-old leading climate legal fight
July 19, 2017 - Huffpost
Kids Suing Trump Over Climate Change Get A Boost From Grandpa
April 29, 2017 - Sierra Club
Voices from the Peoples Climate March
April 18, 2017 - State Impact NPR
Allentown teen sues Trump administration for inaction on climate
April 14, 2017 - Bucknell University
Bucknell Sustainability Symposium Looks Forward to the Future
February 9, 2017 - Yahoo!
These 21 Kids Are Suing the Federal Government Over Climate Change: ‘Everything Is at Stake’
November 16, 2015 - Slate
Children Sue Over Climate Change
August 13, 2015 - Common Dreams
Fighting for Next Generation, Kids File Climate Suit Against US Government