Michael Bäcklund (he/him)

How are you using education to build more sustainable and equitable communities? Tell us about your EE work and impact.

As the President of ClimateScience, I am dedicated to using climate education to build sustainable and equitable communities. The user-friendly platform at ClimateScience provides accessible climate education worldwide, empowering individuals to make informed decisions and take meaningful actions. I engage in interventions that foster community engagement, encourage collaboration and joint problem-solving. Beyond disseminating information, I advocate for policy changes and social justice, recognizing the interconnectedness of climate and inequality issues. By grounding accessible education in scientific advancements, I am determined to ensure the delivery of accurate and relevant content. My work cultivates a mindset shift, challenging surface-level awareness and inspiring meaningful engagement. Through these efforts, my work emphasizes revolutionizing climate education, promoting environmental literacy, and driving a more just approach to climate action. My ultimate goal is to create a network of climate-conscious individuals working together for a sustainable and equitable future.

Tell us about your journey to where you are today. What inspired you? What has your path been like?

My journey has been guided by a resolute commitment to solving global challenges. At 17, I decided to dedicate my life to understanding and overcoming barriers hindering progress. With a focus on climate education and solutions, I explored apathy, hopelessness, and conflict related to climate change. Engaging in community-building, peacebuilding, and education transformation, I integrated these experiences into ClimateScience—a science communication organization driving climate action. "Give more than take and intentional living" are my core values. ClimateScience empowers people worldwide by providing accessible climate education and accelerating climate change solutions. With visionary leadership, I inspire collective action toward sustainability and equity, fostering a global network of doers, shaping a brighter future for all of us.

A Little More About Me

What will the world look like in 10 to 20 years? 

I am driven by a vision of a safer, more meaningful, and better world for everyone, knowing we face many unpredictable world-changing transition moments. Standing on the shoulders of giants like Rutger Bergman, Yuval Noah Harari, and Lex Fridman, the best way to face the future is to approach it with empathy and humility but with backbone.

Who (or what) do you look up to as inspiration?

Mohammed Ali. He’s a living example of a fighter mentality, where he drew energy from others and was fearless.

Would you rather live underwater or in the sky?

The sky because then I can see everything.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Being focused. We can do much more when consistent.