For most people, addressing climate change can feel hopeless. It's too big, too complex, and relies on too many moving parts.
But one teen is undaunted. When he looks at climate change, he sees an opportunity. This is his story.
Saving the world isn't easy, but this teen may be able to do just that.
Posted by Upworthy on Thursday, September 22, 2016
Manny grew up in Miami, the son of Cuban immigrants who wanted to give their family the best chance at life.
From an early age, they let him know that he was capable of anything he set his mind to as long as he worked hard and devoted himself to his goals.
He took their lesson to heart.
Manny is determined to do something many of us find it easier to ignore: He wants to combat climate change.
Most of his peers agree that many of the effects of climate change can be averted.
But he's one of the few who is ready to devote his life to tackling the challenge.
He says, "environmental science is the science of the future" because he truly believes that we're capable of making a difference now before it's too late.
He knows the road isn't going to be easy. But he feels a strong sense of urgency.
"Is saving the world easy? It's kind of not. But it's a small price to pay to hopefully make a really big difference for everyone."
With the help of the Live Más scholarship from Taco Bell, Manny now attends MIT, and his continued success will benefit us all. Students like Manny are literally our future. They're capable of changing the world when we give them the support they need to realize their dreams.