TEDx Acıbadem University
“From Climate Crisis to Global
Transformation Project”
Aydan Cemre Comba’s speech, “From the Climate Crisis to a Global Transformation Project,” emphasizes that climate change is not only an environmental issue but also an economic, social, and political challenge. She argues that individual awareness alone is insufficient and that collective action, sustainable policies, and systemic change are essential. Comba also highlights the importance of young people and civil society in driving innovation and building
a sustainable future for all of us.
Milliyet
“It is a shame for me.”
“It is a shame for me as a climate activist that galleries, cultural centers and world heritage sites have been chosen as the target area for action. With the destruction of our future at stake, we need to use our voices as functionally and carefully as possible. One of our core values in our work to prevent the climate crisis is to build beautiful things, not to destroy them. For this reason, I think that this action is out of line with our values and will not raise any awareness, but on the contrary will increase prejudice against the climate crisis. The common cultural values of humanity are values that must be respected and protected with great sensitivity, no matter for what purpose. As young climate activists, we are well aware that the action we need to take, even if it involves the destruction of our future, should be in accordance with reason and logic, rather than anger and emotional intensity.”
– About protests organized by climate activists in art galleries around the world.
Ekonomim
“Even if it was a very late decision, as a climate activist, the fact that this decision was taken motivated me in my struggle and gave me hope for the future.”
– About the campaigns on the climate crisis launched by Change.org in 2022.
Bianet.org
“It gave me hope for the future.”
“As a climate activist, even if it is a very late decision, the fact that this decision has been taken has motivated me in my struggle and given me hope for the future. I want to believe that this decision is not just a decision on paper, but a decision to lead real changes.
The extreme heat waves that are increasing every day will lead to many diseases and deaths in the future, especially in concretized cities, and the way things are going, the future I am talking about is not that far away. We are aware of this situation and we demand that municipalities urgently establish units to combat heat waves so that this can be prevented and controlled.”
– About the campaign launched by Change.org to establish hot weather units.
The Podcast Lab
Extracurriculars and University Applications
In this episode, we had a pleasant conversation with our podcast guest Aydan Comba about the importance of extracurriculars and university applications. While Aydan enlightened these topics with her own experiences and knowledge, we also discussed the points that young people should pay attention to in their university applications. We focused on topics such as how to follow a strategy to stand out in university applications, how to plan extra activities and how to gain leadership experiences. We aimed to help young people make the best decisions for their future.
Remember that extra activities are important not only for university applications but also for your personal development. Discovering yourself and gaining a variety of experiences can also be beneficial for your future career.
– About the episode where she was a guest on a podcast series about advice for high school students applying to universities abroad.
Izmir Community Magazine (Special Edition)
“Leaving a New World.”
Aydan Comba, the founder of the “Change Without Climate Change” community, explained that she became a climate volunteer because of the asthma attacks she had in middle school due to the abnormally high temperatures. Comba attributed the fact that young people are at the forefront of the climate crisis to the fact that they are aware that they are the last generation that can stop the crisis and said, “Our biggest motivation in this process is to change the course of climate change caused by the misuse of previous generations and to leave a world that is not wet with tears for future generations.”
– As a young person at the forefront of the fight against the climate crisis, about how change starts with action.
Global Youth Movement
Is the founder of IDD, a global platform uniting over 500 members from 56 countries. Throughout her distinguished career, she has represented Turkey at the United Nations and Germany at the European Union, showcasing her dedication to addressing global challenges. Last year, she published her first book, Change Before Climate Changes, a collaborative effort involving academics from 66 countries and written in three languages, reflecting her commitment to fostering international dialogue on critical issues.
In addition to her leadership role at IDD, Aydan is also pursuing her studies as a pre-med student and has two published research papers in the medical field. Despite her personal achievements, she emphasizes that none of this would have been possible without the unwavering support and dedication of the IDD team. For her, IDD is much more than an organization—it is a source of inspiration and a symbol of collective effort. The team’s shared passion and determination continue to motivate her, proving that real change is possible when people work together with purpose and heart.
– To raise awareness about the critical issues facing our planet and to recognize Aydan Comba, one of the 30 Global Youth Leaders of 2024, who is working to solve these issues.
Fast Company Magazine
Virtual Influencers and the Artificial Intelligence Age of Advertising
With the rapid advancement of digital technologies, digital characters generated by artificial intelligence have gained an important place in social media.
While virtual influencers create new opportunities for brands, they also lead to ethical and social debates.
– About the article she wrote with Ali Otuzoglu.
ekolojikevim.org
From Asthma Attacks to the United Nations Podium: Aydan Comba and the “Change Before Climate Change” Movement
Some stories begin with a personal struggle and evolve into a global movement. Aydan Comba, who confronted the scientific realities of the climate crisis by tracing the origins of her health issues at just 15 years old, is now one of the youngest leaders serving at the United Nations.
Comba, who founded IDD ORG (İklim Değişmeden Değiş, or Change Before Climate Change) and brings together young people from 56 countries, defines climate activism not just as carrying banners, but as building a future shaped by data, technology, and behavioral science. We spoke with Aydan Comba, who says, “I associate leadership with courage more than titles,” about her journey from asthma to activism, her young perspective on Turkiye’s climate policies, and her new generation projects centered on technology.
aydancemrecomba@gmail.com
Aydan Comba is a dedicated climate activist and youth leader who has taken on key roles in global institutions such as the United Nations Environment Programme and the European Union. She is also a TEDx speaker, known for her work as an entrepreneur and climate advocate. She is the founding president of IDD ORG, a dynamic international organization bringing together over 500 members from 56 countries, working collectively for environmental justice and sustainability. Her leadership and impact in science and innovation have been recognized by the New York Academy of Sciences, where she was selected as one of the world’s leading young STEM leaders. Aydan also proudly represented Turkey as one of the 30 most impactful young leaders chosen by the Global Youth Movement, highlighting her role in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.
Aydan Comba 