KRISHNEIL Narayan has visited places some of us only dream about - Rome, Denmark, Sweden, Mexico, US, India, Australia and Africa to name a few.
He didn't go for a holiday to sightsee famous landmarks in these countries. Instead, his job and involvement in climate change activities has been part and parcel of his life and it has taken him on a whirlwind adventure around the world where he advocates solely the need for more awareness on the impact of this environmental phenomenon in our lives.
Born and bred in Suva, Krishneil is the executive director of Project Survival Pacific, an independent youth environmental organisation that works to safeguard the survival of the Pacific people from the impact of climate change while promoting sustainable development within the Pacific region.
"Like many other children, I had wanted to become a doctor or a pilot when growing up but life had other plans for me I suppose," he told The Fiji Times.
"I was introduced to climate change while studying at the university and when I was volunteering for an environmental organisation. It was then that I realised the serious challenges climate change could pose for us in the Pacific.
"I had found my cause and a new career field that they did not teach us about during careers classes in high school.
"I had set up Project Survival Pacific in Fiji recently and within a short period of time, I managed to put together a team of 30 energetic youths and volunteers from Fiji and around the Pacific who are passionate about conserving the environment and work in areas such as climate change education, community engagement, environmental policy work, building youth climate movements and being a Pacific youth ambassador on climate change."
The Bachelor of Science graduate from the University of the South Pacific also completed his postgraduate studies in sustainable development from Macquarie University in Australia.
The knowledge acquired from higher learning had broadened his scope and understanding of our ever-changing environment.
Apart from being an advocate for a healthy and sustainable surrounding, Krishneil is also Fiji's youth representative on climate change to the United Nations.
"I am passionate about the environment and advocating for youths' role in addressing the world's environmental challenges," said the former Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School scholar.
"I find it unreasonable that despite some of the most vulnerable nations and people on earth in the face of climate change, our Pacific people are under-represented at important international meetings, passed over by the weight of bureaucracy and swept under the rug of political expediency.
"I see myself as a change agent instead of an activist and there is a difference between the two.
"As a change agent, I strive to inspire the youth generation into taking a proactive role in finding solutions to our global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development."
When asked about his travels, Krishneil says it wasn't an opportunity to explore countries outside his comfort zone but a chance to tell the world our concerns as a tiny dot on the global map.
"I believe the world needs to hear what the Fijian youths have to say and I attempt to do just that when I travel.
"Each experience is very unique and enlightening. Seeing the different parts of the world makes me realise how beautiful our world is with its enriched culture and it makes me appreciate the planet we call home.
"This appreciation for all the things our planet provides us together with the tremendous support I receive from people in Fiji, is what drives me to continue what I do.
"The best thing is that I get to work with young people who are so energetic, full of new ideas and creativity. I am always inspired by the energy, ideas and dynamism of the youth generation.
"Youths are not bound by the geopolitical barriers thus they are capable of fostering real changes in their society without such pressures. They probably are the most passionate about conserving the planet.
"It is critical that young people educate themselves and become more actively involved in combating the threat of climate change because it not only affects the environment but it affects other youth related social and economic development issues such as employment, health, food, security and sustainable livelihoods."
While youths in Fiji, he says, lacked the 'youth voice' in decision making because of the lack of awareness of 'how-to-do', there were many youths ready to express their views on issues concerning their development.
"Making a stand for what you believe in and speaking out about issues that affect you is not a crime. As young citizens of planet Earth, you have the power to change the world for the better," said the confident young man.