Collaborators
SustyVibes is a community where young people with a passion for a just world come together to connect and design new ways of living, for ourselves, our planet, and the world at large.
What began as a small online blog in 2016 has grown into an active movement of thousands of sustainability champions who advocate for healthy minds and a thriving environment in their spheres of influence. At our core, we are always exploring better ways to flourish with the earth.
Our work is guided by pop culture, research, education, and eco-feminist principles.
We create space for the big feelings that come with caring for the planet, and we co-create programmes that support our communities in caring for both the earth and themselves. We are passionate about making sustainability cool, relatable, and actionable for young people.
We are currently seeking our north star and reshaping how we show up in the world.
We have made a significant impact across Africa and Asia, and our journey has now led us to the Americas. We believe our work is needed here in the United States, and we are eager to partner with fellow connectors to explore what resilience can look like in these unthinkable times.
Our Approach
We hold space for eco-emotions, deepen resilience, and gently knead what we learn into new ways of being together.
Community Co-creation
We believe that eco-emotions, whether personal or collective, are healthy responses to the state of our planet. In our community, we validate, protect, and gently transform these emotions. Through our spaces and gatherings, we use art and deep listening to build connection and courage to keep showing up as climate leaders. We practice wise optimism and centre joy at the heart of our sustainability work.
Resilience Research
We explore the emotional, social, and cultural drivers of youth resilience in a time of polycrisis. We recognise that young people's mental health is shaped by many forces, including the climate crisis, so we use an empathy-first approach rooted in our lived experiences. Our research seeks out the wells of hope, healing, and imagination that help young people stay grounded. We centre rest because we know meaningful action can only come from care and not from burnout.
Knowledge Kneading
We sit with what we learn from research and with the stories and reflections shared in our communal spaces. We work these insights gently into new experiences and opportunities that help us grow. Through dialogue and healthy collaborations, we build the capacity and courage we need in our collective care for people and planet.
Events
Upcoming
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Opening Invitation Retreat with Climate Critical
Join us for an immersive retreat exploring climate resilience and collective care practices.
Date: Spring 2026
Our Planet, Our Health Convention with The Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health
Exploring the intersection of climate change and public health.
Date: Feb 28 - Mar 3, 2026
Location: Arlington, VA & Online
Past
NextGen Speaker Series featuring The Eco-anxiety Africa Project with Planetary Health Alliance
Built to Last: Creating Climate Resilient Communities with The Chicago Council on Global Affairs
The U.S. launch of the Second Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing: A Call to Action on Youth Mental Health
SustyVibes gets endorsed at the Sidelines of the 2017 UNGA
Our Team
Founder
Jennifer is a global thought leader on climate change and youth mental health. Through SustyVibes, she designs programmes that strengthen youth resilience in the face of the climate crisis. She holds master's degrees in Development Studies (University of Sussex) and Public Health (University College London). In 2024, she was named among the inaugural National Geographic 33 for her leadership in advancing psychosocial resilience to climate change among young Africans.
Community Coordinator
Omotoyosi is a dedicated public service professional with 5+ years of experience advancing education, health, and sustainable development initiatives. She brings expertise in program design, research, communication, and advocacy, and has a strong track record of driving innovative, community-centred solutions in low-income settings. She holds a degree in Political Science, a Professional Diploma in Education, and a Master of Public Service from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.
Advisor (Strategy & Programs)
Julianna is a social worker, scholar-practitioner, and climate–health leader whose work advances justice, healing, and sustainable development. She serves as Associate Director of the Institute for a Sustainable Earth at George Mason University and previously worked with the Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University. Julianna holds a PhD in Anthropology from ASU and a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University, where she focused on youth development and international social development.
Advisor (Media & Communications)
Bernard is a visual artist with a passion for humans and the stories they tell simply by existing. His work explores life and humanity. Bernard began working in photography in 2014, exploring street documentary and creative twists to wedding photography. At SustyVibes, he supports media and campaign development with visual storytelling input.
Updates
Latest features
Could rest re-shape how we meet the climate crisis?
OR Awards
When Jennifer Uchendu first began climate organizing in Lagos more than a decade ago, her energy was directed outward on action. She founded SustyVibes, a community for young sustainability champions.
Activist Jennifer Uchendu is highlighting the emotional impact of climate change
National Geographic
In Nigeria, she discovered the rarely discussed burdens of environmental catastrophe. Fostering difficult conversations, she realized, was a necessary first step to finding solutions.
Environmental shifts and mental health
World Economic Forum
Exploring the connection between environmental changes and mental well-being, and how communities can build resilience in the face of climate anxiety.