HY William Chan never wanted to be a politician.
In fact, he had become disillusioned with politics. But as an architect and urban planner, he understood that the decisions we make about our cities eventually become the streets, homes, parks, and neighborhoods people live in for decades.
After Australia’s devastating Black Summer bushfires blanketed Sydney in smoke, William found himself thinking about who would live with the consequences of the climate crisis.
His generation would.
So when he was given an opportunity to step up, he said yes.
William went on to become the youngest city councilor in Sydney’s history, bringing his experience in architecture, climate advocacy, and community building into local government – and helping push for cities to have a greater voice in global climate conversations.
What gets William out of bed each morning is the belief that the choices we make today can give the generations after us more possibilities, stronger communities, and greater hope.
Meet William and read his full story:
climaterealityproject.org/sp…
--
#MeetingtheMoment is our 20th anniversary spotlight series celebrating 20 Climate Reality Leaders around the world and the many ways they’re turning awareness into action.