Howey Ou is a dedicated Chinese environmental activist known for her leadership in the school strike for climate movement in Guilin, southern China. Advocating for urgent action to curb greenhouse gas emissions, she has become a prominent voice for youth in the fight against climate change. In 2019, she was nominated by the youth activist group Earth Uprising to attend the UN Climate Action Summit in New York, highlighting her commitment to addressing global environmental issues.

Despite China’s pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, the country continues to expand its coal-fired power infrastructure. Ou’s activism includes raising awareness about these contradictions and pushing for meaningful policy changes. Her efforts have drawn attention to the environmental challenges facing China, as well as the broader implications of climate change.

In September 2020, Ou participated in a silent protest in front of the Shanghai Exhibition Centre, along with three other activists, which resulted in their detention. This act of courage earned her praise from climate icon Greta Thunberg, who called her “incredibly brave.” Following this experience, Ou and her family adopted a vegetarian lifestyle, further aligning their personal choices with their environmental values.

In April 2021, while in Lausanne, Switzerland, Ou began a hunger strike at Palud Square to protest a fine and prison sentence she received for opposing the expansion of a limestone quarry by LafargeHolcim. Her determination to advocate for environmental justice continues to inspire young activists worldwide, as she remains committed to protecting the planet for future generations.