GEORGE TOWN: A video about melting ice in Antarctica and the threat of extinction facing polar bears sparked a passion that has shaped much of 14-year-old Quah Jensen’s young life.
As the world marked World Environment Day yesterday, Jensen stood out as a shining example of how young people can inspire others through their commitment to protecting the environment.
“When in primary school, I once saw a video about melting ice in Antarctica due to global warming and animals like polar bears facing extinction in the Arctic.
“It left a lasting impression on me and triggered my concern for the future of the environment,” said the president of Han Chiang High School’s Green Education Society.
Over the years, Jensen has become a passionate advocate for environmental conservation, encouraging others to recycle, reduce waste, embrace greener lifestyles and cut down on single-use plastics.
Most weekends, he can be found taking part in recycling drives, community clean-up programmes and tree-planting activities.
“People can carry reusable bags, avoid unnecessary plastic use, recycle household items or plant a tree. Small actions can lead to big changes when everyone plays a part,” he said.
Jensen’s enthusiasm has also rubbed off on his younger sister, Jomin, 11.
Inspired by her brother’s dedication, she now joins him in environmental activities ranging from collecting recyclables to tree planting and awareness campaigns aimed at preserving nature for future generations.
Their mother, Carrie Khor, 43, a tutor, frequently takes her children to environmental programmes, community activities and educational events, believing young people should be exposed to sustainability initiatives from an early age.
“I want them to understand that protecting the environment is a responsibility we all share.
“I am proud of how far they have come and how they are sharing their knowledge and experiences with others,” she said.
The siblings were among a group of primary and secondary school students who visited the Consumers’ Association of Penang’s (CAP) mini chemical-free urban garden in Jalan Masjid Negeri in conjunction with World Environment Day 2026.
Held under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future”, the programme introduced children to sustainable living and environmental stewardship.
Among them was six-year-old P. Tashvik, who already understands the importance of caring for nature.
“For me, World Environment Day is about growing our own vegetables and not throwing plastic everywhere because it can end up in rivers and oceans, where fish and turtles can get trapped and die,” he said.
CAP senior consumer and environmental education officer NV Subbarow briefed the children on environmental conservation and took them on a tour of the urban garden, explaining the benefits of pesticide-free farming.
“Let’s be friends with nature, let’s act now to protect our earth and if we can sustain this, we can give a beautiful and wonderful earth to tomorrow’s generation, which is all of you,” he said.
