Xiye Bastida

Xiye Bastida is a Mexican climate justice activist and a member of the Otomi-Toltec Indigenous community of Central Mexico. Her name, meaning "soft rain," reflects her connection to the natural world, rooted in her Otomi heritage and Chilean ancestry. Bastida grew up learning Indigenous philosophies, including the principle that caring for the earth is a reciprocal responsibility. This philosophy was tested when her hometown of San Pedro Tultepec experienced extreme drought followed by catastrophic flooding, events that highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on smaller communities and ultimately led her family to relocate to New York City.

In New York, Bastida became active in environmental advocacy, joining a high school environmental club and helping shift its focus from passive activities to direct action, such as writing to politicians and organizing climate strikes. She mobilized 600 students for the first climate strike in New York City and became a key organizer for Fridays for Future New York City, advocating for Indigenous and immigrant representation in climate activism. Her efforts contributed to the organization of the largest youth-led march in New York City, which drew more than 300,000 participants. Bastida also serves on the administration committee of the People's Climate Movement and has been involved with the Sunrise Movement and Extinction Rebellion.

Bastida's advocacy has reached international platforms. She delivered a speech on Indigenous cosmology at the United Nations World Urban Forum and received the Spirit of the UN Award. She was the sole youth speaker at the Biden Climate Summit, addressing 40 heads of state, and closed the World Leaders Summit at COP26, emphasizing climate justice, youth engagement, and a just transition. Her participation spans major climate conferences, including COP25, COP26, COP27, and COP28. Bastida contributed the opening essay to the anthology "All We Can Save."

Bastida is the executive director of Re-Earth Initiative, a global youth-led organization focused on making the climate movement more accessible and intersectional. The organization has raised and distributed millions of dollars to support small-scale projects in frontline communities across the Global South. She also serves as a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Champion and a Climate Governance Commissioner. Bastida is an undergraduate student at the University of Pennsylvania, studying environmental studies with a focus on policy and a minor in Latin American studies. She is the executive producer of the feature film "The Way of the Whale."

Bastida has been recognized as a TIME 100 Next honoree, recipient of the UN Spirit Award, Forbes Changemaker, and 776 Fellow. She was named ELLE Woman of the Year and ambassador to the UN High Level Champions. Bastida has delivered a TED Talk on climate justice and intergenerational leadership, highlighting the importance of Indigenous knowledge, youth activism, and equitable solutions to the climate crisis. Through her work in climate advocacy, Bastida demonstrates the essential role of Indigenous wisdom and youth leadership in addressing global environmental challenges.