The 2026 Shanghai Roots & Shoots Student Leaders Gathering has successfully concluded. The event served not only as an ice-breaking and networking opportunity for newly appointed student leaders from Roots & Shoots groups across China, but also as the launch of the first session of the “Carbon-Friendly Beautiful Life” series under the Green Leadership Program. Through fun, interactive activities, students explored practical ways to embrace a low-carbon lifestyle in their everyday lives.
The gathering opened with a lively “True or False” challenge that helped participants get to know one another through engaging games and conversations. The ice-breaker also introduced the unique activities and strengths of different Roots & Shoots groups, laying the foundation for collaboration and communication in the new school year.
Participants were introduced to the mission, values, and student group management framework of Shanghai Roots & Shoots. Guided by the organization's core mission of caring for the environment, caring for animals, and caring for the community, Shanghai Roots & Shoots provides a diverse, step-by-step platform for young people to learn, grow, and take action. Whether students are new to environmental volunteering or experienced youth leaders, the program offers opportunities for meaningful engagement and leadership development.
The event also offered a preview of the exciting activities planned for the new academic year, including International Gibbon Day, Green Campus initiatives, monthly Nature Exploration field trips, and many other hands-on environmental education programs. These activities combine scientific learning with real-world action, encouraging students to deepen their understanding of biodiversity and ecological conservation.
The highlight of the gathering was Sustainable Food Fresk workshop. Using the three meals we eat every day as a starting point, participants explored the carbon footprint of food through interactive card games and collaborative group activities. The workshop demonstrated that a low-carbon lifestyle is not an abstract concept—it is shaped by the everyday choices we make, from what we eat to how we consume.
The “Carbon-Friendly Beautiful Life” series will continue throughout the year, expanding from food to other aspects of daily life, including clothing, housing, transportation, and consumption. Shanghai Roots & Shoots looks forward to empowering more young people to put sustainable ideas into practice and use the power of youth to create a greener, more sustainable future.
