Kurotwi turns climate advocacy into grassroots action
Tafadzwa Kurotwi comes from a community where climate change affects community livelihoods and natural ecosystems. Growing up around environmental vulnerabilities, Kurotwi saw how resource scarcity could disproportionately affect women and young people, prompting a commitment to climate action, decentralised renewable energy and wetland preservation.
The Zimbabwean climate advocate, certified climate diplomat and data analyst believes frontline communities hold indigenous knowledge that can help build resilient ecosystems and develop sustainable solutions.
Speaking to The List Awards by Identities Media Holdings, Kurotwi said these experiences shaped a desire to connect local realities with international climate policy while empowering young people and women. “This ignited my commitment to grassroots climate action, decentralized renewable energy, and wetland preservation,” Kurotwi said.
Kurotwi is the founder and chairperson of the Emerald Climate Hub, which was established to mobilise local environmental action.
Through the initiative, Kurotwi has facilitated community biogas installations in Buhera Ward 2 to promote clean energy and the production of organic fertiliser.
Through these roles, Kurotwi has trained young people in climate diplomacy, advocated for indigenous seed sovereignty and hosted national youth dialogues during major environmental forums to amplify community voices in environmental governance.
The advocate’s work also extends to international youth constituencies such as YOUNGO, covering climate policy negotiation and community-led environmental action.
Recognition through The List Awards has highlighted the work of youth advocates and rural communities involved in grassroots climate resilience.
Kurotwi said the platform provides visibility for local solutions such as household biogas adoption, indigenous seed preservation and wetland protection, while amplifying the voices of rural women and young people.
Looking ahead, Kurotwi remains focused on expanding clean energy initiatives, strengthening wetland protection and building youth-led climate diplomacy, with community-led action at the centre of efforts to advance climate resilience and climate justice.