At just 15 years old, Xiuhtezcatl Roske Martínez already had more than decade of climate activism under his belt. Part of his early memories include learning that as an indigenous person, he is a descendant of the original caretakers of the land. The long-haired Colorado native has embraced Aztec traditions, and in July 2015, he walked into the United Nations General Assembly on Climate Change like a boss.
Related: You Should Stream This Short Doc on Indigenous Eco-Activist Wonderkid, Xiuhtezcatl Martinez
The eco hip-hop artist started off by introducing himself in three languages before talking about how halting climate change is only possible through a global effort. “I stand before you today representing my entire generation as well as generations unborn,” he said. “I stand before you representing the indigenous peoples of this Earth and those that will inherit the effects of our climate crisis that we face today as a global community.”
And while most high schoolers gear up for the end of the school year, Xiuhtezcatl and 20 other teens are suing the United States government for their inaction on climate change. According to NowThis, a federal court ruled in their favor because of the irreparable damage that futures generations will face. Therefore the lawsuit will move forward.
Though the government could appeal to the Ninth Circuit if Xiuhtezcatl’s side wins, NowThis predicts that this suit could make the government rethink their support of fossil fuel projects. Check out the video below and see what this passionate environmental activist has to say about the lawsuit: