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Izeldete Botelho, Brazil

From local artisan to environmental advocate

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A life rooted in sustainability

Izeldete Botelho, a 67-year-old seamstress from Uberlândia, Brazil, has
lived a life dedicated to her family and craft. Originally from Campos
Altos, Minas Gerais, she moved to Uberlândia with her husband, raising
three children and a granddaughter. For decades, she has supported her
household through sewing and crafting handmade goods using recycled
materials—turning fabric scraps into artistic, sustainable creations.

A citizen’s voice at COP26

In 2021, Izeldete was selected to participate in the Global Citizens’ Assembly
at COP26, where she gained a deeper understanding of global climate issues
and the role citizens can play in environmental preservation. The experience
transformed her perspective, reinforcing the idea that small local actions can
contribute to large-scale global change.
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Gratitude is a word I carry with me after COP26. It gave me a new way to see nature, to feel more connected to it, and to participate as an active citizen.

Becoming a local climate leader

Inspired by her experience at COP26, Izeldete returned to Uberlândia with a renewed mission:

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At first, I felt powerless about the state of the planet. But after COP26, I realised that if each of us does our part, we can make a real difference.

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Legacy & future impact

Izeldete's story proves that sustainability has no age limit and that climate action can start 
with simple, everyday choices. Her leadership in Uberlândia has inspired others to take small but 
meaningful steps toward a greener future. She continues to spread awareness and advocate for 
citizen involvement in climate governance, believing that a better world is possible—one recycled 
fabric, one conversation, and one community at a time.

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Seeing so many people at COP26 who care about the planet gave me hope. Now, I want to pass on that hope to others.

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