The 2024 Phil Lind Initiative continues with X Martinez

On March 21, climate activist and hip-hop artist with Indigenous Mexica roots X Martinez will take to the Phil Lind Initiative stage with a discussion moderated by author and co-director of UBC’s Centre for Climate Justice Naomi Klein. Now 23 years old, Xiuhtezcatl Martinez (first name pronounced Shoe-Tez-Caht) has been on the frontlines of the climate and environmental movement since the young age of 6 and is widely recognized for his passionate and unwavering fight for climate justice. Named one of Rolling Stone Magazine’s “25 under 25” and one of Time Magazine’s “TIMES Next 100,” he has been involved as a plaintiff in multiple legal proceedings—calling out the U.S. government and giants of the fossil fuel industry for failing to take necessary action on climate change. Xiuhtezcatl has spoken multiple times at the UN, addressing the General Assembly and has also spoken on panels with the likes of Bernie Sanders, Van Jones, Shailene Woodley, Bill McKibben, and Pharrell Williams. Xiuhtezcatl is also an artist at his core, using his music as a yet another platform to share urgent messages of Indigenous solidarity and care for the planet. Collaborating with musicians including Atlanta rapper Raury and Grammy nominated musician and actor Jaden Smith, his quick-witted lyrics challenge systems of injustice to envision a better future.