At a time when climate anxiety defines a generation, Xiye Bastida stands out not just as an activist, but as a new kind of entrepreneur—one who builds movements, mobilizes capital, and reshapes narratives. From a flood-stricken hometown in Mexico to the global climate stage, Bastida has transformed lived experience into a scalable force for environmental justice.
A Flood That Changed Everything
Xiye Bastida’s journey into climate advocacy began in 2015, when her hometown of San Pedro Tultepec, Mexico, experienced severe flooding. For Bastida, the disaster was not an abstract warning about climate change—it was personal, immediate, and disruptive to everyday life.
That moment became a catalyst. Rather than viewing climate change as a distant policy issue, Bastida understood it as a lived reality, one that demanded youth leadership and community-centered solutions. This grounding in real-world impact would later define her approach to climate entrepreneurship.
Building Re-Earth Initiative: A Youth-Led Climate Organization
In 2020, Bastida co-founded Re-Earth Initiative, a global, youth-led climate advocacy organization focused on nature-based solutions and climate justice across the Global South.
Unlike traditional nonprofits, Re-Earth Initiative operates with an entrepreneurial mindset. Since its inception, the organization has raised more than $3.4 million, supported by funders including the 776 Foundation, Waverley Street Foundation, and the Diane von Furstenberg Foundation.
These funds are not symbolic. They are directly reinvested into youth-led, nature-based projects, enabling young leaders in frontline communities to design and implement solutions rooted in local knowledge and environmental stewardship.
Turning Advocacy into a Sustainable Model
What sets Bastida apart is her ability to bridge activism with operational sustainability. Re-Earth Initiative is projected to generate more than $2.1 million in revenue this year, demonstrating that climate advocacy can be both mission-driven and financially viable.
Rather than relying solely on donations, the organization is building long-term structures that support ongoing impact—proof that climate leadership does not have to choose between ideals and scale.
At its core, Re-Earth Initiative works to shift climate narratives away from fear and scarcity, toward imagination, equity, and collective power. This reframing has resonated strongly with Gen Z audiences worldwide.
Global Recognition and Influence
Bastida’s leadership has not gone unnoticed. She has been named a TIME 100 Next honoree, recognizing emerging leaders shaping the future. She is also a recipient of the UN Spirit Award, further cementing her status as one of the most influential young voices in climate advocacy today.
Beyond awards, Bastida frequently speaks at international forums, collaborates with policymakers, and mentors young activists seeking to turn passion into tangible change.
Redefining What an Entrepreneur Looks Like
In traditional terms, entrepreneurship is often associated with startups, exits, and valuations. Xiye Bastida challenges that definition. Her “product” is empowerment, her “market” is the next generation, and her “returns” are measured in resilience, restored ecosystems, and amplified voices from the Global South.
She represents a broader shift in how leadership is defined—one where impact, equity, and imagination matter as much as revenue.
The Road Ahead
As climate challenges intensify, Bastida’s work feels increasingly urgent. Yet her approach remains rooted in optimism and collective action. By investing in youth and centering Indigenous and Global South perspectives, she is helping shape a climate movement that is inclusive, forward-looking, and durable.
As Camel Move Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Month for February, Xiye Bastida embodies a powerful truth: the entrepreneurs of the future will not only build companies—they will build movements capable of changing the world.
Comments are closed.