Leanna First-Arai

Leanna First-Arai is an independent journalist and educator who writes about the environment, climate change, and social justice. Follow her on Twitter at @FirstArai.

Earth Day Live Is Coming to a Screen Near You

Stuck inside, youth climate activists mobilize digitally for 50th anniversary

By Leanna First-Arai April 18, 2020

In this story: earth day, climate change, activism, coronavirus

The Sunrise Movement Comes to Nashville

Youth activists push local politicians to care about climate change

By Leanna First-Arai April 21, 2020

Group portrait of Nashville Sunrise Movement members Sudeep Ghantasala, Eli Motycka, MarTaze Gaines, and Lauren Hindman

Fridays For Future Says “No Thanks” to Prestigious UN Award

Climate activists pass up a prize to make a point

By Leanna First-Arai October 9, 2019

In this story: climate change

Lost in Translation: From Strike to Summit

Inside the first United Nations Youth Climate convening

By Leanna First-Arai September 23, 2019

In this story: climate change, climate negotiations, activism

It's Zombies Versus Coal in East Oakland

For Angelika Soriano, a prospective coal terminal sounded horrifying

By Leanna First-Arai September 10, 2019

In this story: activism

Angelika Soriano and other youth activists have worked to halt a proposed coal terminal.

Too Young to Vote? Get Your Parents to Vote for You.

Young climate activists in Europe and the US work to sway elections

By Leanna First-Arai September 3, 2019

In this story: cool schools, activism

Varshini Prakash Has a Blueprint for Change

The Sunrise Movement tackles climate change and income inequality

By Leanna First-Arai July 5, 2019

In this story: activism, climate change, Green New Deal

Varshini Prakash, wearing a dark-blue puffy jacket, looks into the camera while standing against a metal fence. Behind her is water and a city skyline.

This International Women’s Day, Meet the Girls Leading a Movement

Five climate activists talk about why they’re skipping school

By Leanna First-Arai March 8, 2019

In this story: international climate policy, gender, international environmental justice

#SchoolStrike4Climate Is Coming to a City Near You

Kids across the United States join Europe in schooling adults on climate change

By Leanna First-Arai February 18, 2019