Ruchi Jain, 23, was working as a marketer in Mumbai, India, when she left her job to become a full-time climate activist. Today she works with the Indian Youth Climate Network and 350.org, and she traveled to Copenhagen in December to participate in the climate talks.

I followed Jain during the two-week conference as she rallied other youth activists and testified before UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer. I found out why she gave up her marketing career and why – like many youth around the world – she now has her eyes on the United States Senate.

Sara Peach reported from Copenhagen thanks to a grant from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.

Grist thanks its sponsors. Become one.