Recent Lund University graduate Axel Eriksson is one of just 14 young climate leaders worldwide appointed by the UN Secretary-General to the global Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change!
Stubbornly optimistic
Axel Eriksson describes himself as a stubbornly optimistic advocate for environmental justice.
He grew up with a love for life on Earth. From the start, he regarded animals and plants as deserving respect, recognising their fundamental right to exist.
Animal rights were the first issue that evoked emotion and gradually evolved to an even deeper understanding of the impact of climate change and the fact that it is humans that are causing global warming.
Becoming a change-maker
In high school, Axel discovered his voice through “Sollentuna Youth Day,” a platform for young people who want to shape their community. He became inspired and ended up joining the local youth council. This was the stepping stone to get involved and take action instead of being a passive bystander – not for a future career, but simply because he cared.
Choosing physics and unintentionally learning Japanese
Coming to Lund University was an easy choice. The Engineering Physics program at Lund University is a challenging program, known for producing highly skilled problem-solvers across research, industry and innovation. Axel, driven by a deep passion for physics and a curiosity about how complex systems interconnect, was drawn to the challenge. With a sharp and inquisitive mind (who else picks up Japanese just by watching anime?) he was clearly ready to embrace the demands this program offers.
“I chose Engineering Physics largely out of curiosity and a passion for physics and wanting to apply this knowledge in real-world situations” he shares.
During his time at the University, Axel explored a wide range of interests, but he was not participating much in traditional Lund unions or associations. Instead, he delved deeper into his subject area.
“I often reached out to researchers to ask if there was any project where I could support. And quite a few found ways to engage me, which I’m very grateful for!”
The road to UN’s Youth Climate Advisory Group
Alongside his studies, Axel continued his community work for people and the planet, and it was through one of the organisations that he is affiliated with, that he asked about the possibility of a nomination for the UN role back in February (2025).
“I wanted to contribute from my experiences across UN environmental conventions as an advocate for young people’s rights and voices” he shares. But when he didn’t hear anything back for many months, he thought he was not selected. But in July came a surprising e-mail with good news and the rest is history.
The job description
Reflecting on his new role, Axel says he feels both proud and purposeful. “I’m very honoured to be part of this group, which I have followed in previous years, and I know a few of its previous members,” he says.
Based in Stockholm, but often travelling, Axel’s work largely happens through virtual meetings with fellow members, UN representatives and even the Secretary-General himself. His day-to-day tasks involve listening to the priorities and lived realities of young people around the world and turning these insights into concrete advice for global leaders.
Three guiding principles
The three guiding principles that reflect the work that Axel stands for are ambition, holism and inclusivity. He envisions an environmental leadership that is both grounded and expansive.
* Ambition, he explains, means honouring global commitments like the Paris Agreement and letting evidence lead the way, whether that evidence comes from scientific research, Indigenous traditional knowledge, or other ways of knowing.
* Holism reflects his understanding that environmental issues are deeply interconnected. “We need to tackle them at the root,” he says, pointing to biodiversity loss and climate change as symptoms of shared drivers like extractivism and the persistent view of nature as a resource for human consumption.
* Inclusivity, finally, is about ensuring that a diversity of voices are not only heard but actively listened to in decision-making processes. “For me,” Axel emphasises, “especially those who are the most affected, such as Indigenous folks, children and youth, women and girls, and persons with disabilities, need to be given space to speak on their own behalf in international environmental fora in the UN and beyond.”
An impossible job?
When asked if he ever doubts whether he has the energy to keep fighting for climate justice, he reflects for a moment. “Yes and no,” he says.
“I rarely doubt that I have energy – it’s more about how to make that energy last in the long run. Being able to put time, energy and passion into issues that I care about, which I know are crucial for the lives of so many people from around the world. It is frankly an honour to work on this, even in times when there is a lot of resistance, the issue feels heavy, or the change just does not seem to move at the pace needed. To be able to last in the long run, I carry with me passion and compassion. “
It is all about justice in the end
Axel believes that environmental and social issues are inseparable. The same systems that drive climate change and biodiversity loss also sustain economic inequality. For him, environmental justice means ensuring that actions to protect the planet do not deepen existing injustices, but instead place the fight for a good life for all at the centre.
It is, he says, unacceptable that those who have contributed least to the crisis suffer the most from its consequences.
- COP30 takes place 10-21 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil.
- United Nations Day, on 24 October, marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter.
Read more
UN Secretary-General appoints expanded Youth Climate Advisory Group | United Nations
Follow Axel on Social Media
LinkedIn: Axel Eriksson
Instagram: @j_axel_e_eriksson
Facebook: Axel Eriksson
Study at LTH | Faculty of Engineering
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