The Inspired Protagonist recently came across this 1992 speech by then 12-year-old Severn Suzuki, who with three friends founded the Environmental Children's Organization and raised money to attend the Earth Summit in Rio De Janeiro. Her fierce speech received a standing ovation and her group also addressed delegates at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED).

These days she is an environmental activist, speaker, television host, and author. Her speech is as resonant today as it was 16 years ago.

Severn's father is David Suzuki, the Canadian geneticist and environmental activist. Click here to read about the Inspired Protagonist's meeting with Mr. Suzuki.