About

Jennifer Uchendu is a climate activist, ecofeminist, and founder of SustyVibes, a youth-led organization making sustainability relatable and actionable for young people in Nigeria. Passionate about the intersections of women, youth, and the environment, she is committed to fostering climate resilience and mental well-being through research, advocacy, and community-driven initiatives.

 

In 2022, Jennifer launched The Eco-Anxiety Africa Project (TEAP), a pioneering initiative dedicated to understanding and addressing eco-anxiety in African populations. Through research and advocacy, TEAP sheds light on the emotional and psychological impacts of climate change, ensuring that mental health becomes a key part of climate conversations in Africa. Jennifer’s journey began with SustyVibes, which started as an educational blog aimed at simplifying sustainability and environmental advocacy for young Nigerians. Recognizing the power of pop culture and volunteerism, she transformed it into a vibrant youth-led movement that uses creative mediums—music, dance, art, and community events—to drive sustainable action. Today, SustyVibes is at the forefront of youth-driven sustainability research and design, bringing together passionate volunteers to make climate advocacy impactful and inclusive.

 

A 2019 Chevening Scholar, Jennifer holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies (specializing in Climate Change and Gender) from the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, and a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry from Covenant University. She is also a 2023 Omega Resilience Fellow, 2022 UCL Impact Scholar, 2021 Ashoka Fellow, 2018 Mandela Washington Fellow, and a 2018 Bill and Melinda Gates GoalKeeper.

 

Jennifer serves on multiple boards including COP2, ONCA Arts, GIVO and WorldBeing. Her impact has earned her global recognition—in 2023, she was named to the BBC 100 Women list for her groundbreaking work at the intersection of climate change and mental health.

Jennifer Uchendu is the founder of SustyVibes, a youth-led organization advancing sustainability advocacy and implementation across Africa. Her recent work explores the intersection of climate change and mental health, focusing on research, advocacy, and community-driven support systems for Africans.

Jennifer holds a Master’s in Development Studies from the Institute of Development Studies, UK under the Chevening scholarship. She is also an alumna of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and the Lagos Business School.—in 2023, she was named to the BBC 100 Women list for her groundbreaking work at the intersection of climate change and mental health.

•⁠ ⁠Wife & Mum

I am married to the very talented documentary photographer, Bernard Kalu and recently became a mum. As a unit, we are passionate about living out God’s purpose in our world.

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•⁠  ⁠Founder 

8 years ago, I stepped out in faith to launch SustyVibes - a platform to make sustainability cool, actionable and relatable for young people.

 

  ⁠•⁠  Activist

At the core of my work is speaking up against the injustices in our world today. I am a passionate eco-feminist, climate justice and mental health activist.

 

 ⁠•⁠  Researcher

I consider myself an accidental researcher. I stumbled into this work in search of answers on eco-emotions in young Africans. Through our work at The Eco-Anxiety Africa Project I am working with some of the best minds to lead research on the environment & mental health in Africa.