Meet the new Miss Teen Earth, Chloé-Jade Christian from South Africa

The 16-year-old South African model Chloé-Jade Christian was crowned as Miss Teen Miss Teen Earth 2023 in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

With the recent crowning of Chloé-Jade Christian, the strong connection between the South African youth and the environment becomes evident and dazzling.

Christian’s career has already held a lot of promise. She is one of the latest South African teen models to represent the country in the United States where she won the International Modeling & Talent Association’s Commercial Model award.

“I am determined to contribute my skills, passion and voice towards protecting the Earth for future generations,” she said.

She said the opportunity to serve as Miss Teen Earth International was not merely a title, but a commitment.

“I understand the power of education and the vital role it plays in creating a sustainable future,” she said.

“I am devoted to promoting environmental education, empowering young minds and inspiring them to become the stewards of our planet.

“We only have one planet, let’s look after it. This is a very pertinent call to action.”

Chloé-Jade said that one of the key aspects of her mission was to promote sustainable lifestyle choices and to encourage others to adopt eco-friendly practices.

“Every individual has the power to contribute in their own unique way, and I am dedicated to inspiring others to take action through education, outreach, and real-life initiatives.”

Chloé-Jade participates in environmental clean-up campaigns and conservation projects. These include organising community clean-ups, volunteering for local environmental organisations, and participating in tree-planting initiatives.

She said the answer to whether society and government was doing enough to conserve the environment wasn’t a simple yes or no.

“While some are making efforts, others are not. We can always do better by protecting our land and environment more effectively — addressing issues like overfishing, deforestation and pollution. Encouraging mindfulness and respect for our home is crucial. My focus is on influencing individuals positively, as I can’t directly impact government actions.”

When not horse riding, singing, playing the violin or acting, Chloe-Jade studies.

“While I used to be into sports and athletics, I recently took a step back to prioritise my academics. Singing, modelling, and playing the violin allow me to escape and find calmness, while acting and reading transport me to different worlds, letting me create my own stories. Indoors, you’ll find me immersed in books or relaxing with movies and the occasional nap,” she said.

She leverages social media platforms to amplify environmental messages and engage with a wider audience, and collaborate with like-minded individuals and organisations.

She urged people to be mindful of water usage, to turn off lights and electric appliances when not in use, recycle waste, and spread awareness.

“It may seem simple, but it becomes challenging when focusing on daily routines. Consistent effort is key to making a positive impact,” she said.