Paz Mattenet Riva (she/they)

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

I use environmental education to build collective power for climate action—especially among youth and communities most impacted by the crisis. My work focuses on designing participatory learning experiences that connect climate issues to daily life, foster local leadership, and open pathways to green jobs.
At Jóvenes por el Clima Argentina (JOCA), I serve as Head of Training and Solar Solutions for Low-Income Urban Neighborhoods, where I lead community-based energy justice projects. One of these is Desenganche, a program I co-founded that installs solar systems and trains residents in renewable energy and environmental literacy. We’re currently co-developing affordable solar water heaters with the University of Buenos Aires and training 20 residents of Villa 20 to build and install them.
I also advise on strategic program design at the national level, supporting initiatives that align with Argentina’s National Law of Comprehensive Environmental Education. I created the National School for Young Environmental Educators, which trained 90 teens to lead 23 local projects, and I continue to embed participatory design, mentoring, and action-oriented learning into every program I support.
To me, environmental education is about sparking civic imagination and equipping people to lead the transition to fairer, cleaner futures.

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

My journey into environmental education began with a deep concern for nature that’s been with me since childhood—but it truly took shape during my social anthropology studies. While researching youth climate narratives for my dissertation, I realized that storytelling, education, and organizing could come together to drive systemic change. That insight led me to volunteer with Jóvenes por el Clima Argentina (JOCA), where I quickly stepped into leadership roles and began co-creating programs that blend climate justice with participatory education.
Over time, I’ve worked across schools, grassroots spaces, and urban neighborhoods—always focused on helping people understand how the climate crisis intersects with their daily lives. I’ve facilitated workshops, mentored young leaders, and designed learning experiences that link environmental knowledge with action.
Today, I lead training and solar solutions for low-income urban neighborhoods at JOCA, and I also work as a Delivery Specialist at a consulting agency, where I’m gaining insight into how corporations collaborate across sectors to drive urban innovation. This combination of grassroots and institutional experience shapes how I approach environmental education: as a bridge between lived experience and systems change, rooted in care, collaboration, and the belief that everyone can lead.

How can people learn more about or support your work?

To learn more about my work or support our initiatives, you can follow me on LinkedIn for updates and reflections on climate education, energy justice, and urban innovation. I’m always open to connecting with people interested in funding or collaborating on participatory environmental education and solar technology fabrication in low-income urban neighborhoods.

You can also follow Jóvenes por el Clima Argentina (Instagram) to stay updated on our national and community-based projects that blend climate justice, youth leadership, and green skills development. We regularly share stories, resources, and opportunities to get involved.

A Little More About Me

What (or who) keeps you hopeful for the future?
My nieces, nephews, and youngest students—when they’re moved by injustice and care about making a difference. It doesn’t have to be big; you never know when a spark can become a fire.

What makes you most excited to be an EE 30 Under 30 awardee?
Public education in Argentina is under attack by powerful interests. Being recognized for my work as an educator in this context is deeply meaningful—and I’m stoked to join this global network to share my activist experience and learn from others’ incredible work.

How do you recharge?
Dancing and Argentine feminist literature keep me grounded and joyful.

One thing that might surprise others?
I love crafting—ceramics, crochet, carpentry, even ironwork!