Howey Ou

Howey Ou is a Chinese environmental activist recognized for her school strike for climate in Guilin and her advocacy for climate justice. After gaining international recognition for her groundbreaking school strike for climate in Guilin in late May 2019, Howey Ou established herself as a formidable voice in environmental activism. Holding homemade banners in front of City Hall, Ou publicly demanded more immediate and robust action against climate change, an impactful protest that quickly garnered significant international attention and earned commendation from Greta Thunberg, who lauded her as a ‘true hero.’ Despite facing intervention from authorities, who cited a lack of permit, and the blocking of her WeChat account, Ou’s resolve remained unshaken. Her commitment to activism also led to her being barred from returning to school for a period.

In September 2019, she further demonstrated her dedication by organizing the ‘Plant for Survival’ campaign, personally funding the planting of trees around Guilin. Her unwavering commitment was officially recognized when the youth activist group Earth Uprising nominated her to attend the prestigious UN Climate Action Summit in New York the same year. Ou’s advocacy quickly extended beyond national borders, underscoring her commitment to global climate justice and direct action. In April 2021, she initiated a prominent three-day hunger strike in Lausanne, Switzerland.

She actively maintains contact and collaborates with fellow environmental activists, including notable figure Zhao Jiaxin, and continues to promote impactful individual actions, such as vegetarianism, a lifestyle her parents also adopted due to her direct influence and advocacy. Her persistent work exemplifies a global commitment to environmental stewardship and human rights.