Delaney Reynolds is Trailblazing a Path to Change
March 27, 2026
By Emily Miller
Delaney Reynolds speaking at a press conference in Florida. Photo by Robin Loznak.
History is shaped by choices. These choices are often born from responding to the world’s needs or recognizing the possibility of a better future. Women’s history has often required an additional choice: not just to step forward, but to step out of the status quo and the box generations of women have been put in that requires them to remain passive and take a backseat to other leaders.
History has been changed by women who chose to speak up, championing voting rights, equality, and the right to be heard. Today, they continue to lead the fight for climate justice and a better world.
Delaney Reynolds is one of those women. She has stepped forward, choosing to protect her rights and her future as the lead plaintiff in Reynolds v. Florida Public Service Commission. The youth-led constitutional climate change suit challenges the Florida Public Service Commission’s decades-long rubber-stamping of fossil fuel-dependent long-term energy plans.
This month, we celebrate the courageous women who have stepped out and up, choosing a better world over all else.
What inspired you to join the case, and what did the responsibility of lead plaintiff mean to you?
The brave youth in Juliana v. United States inspired me to learn more about climate litigation and the work of Our Children's Trust. Growing up in Florida, I have seen firsthand how vulnerable our communities are to sea level rise and stronger storms, yet for all 26 years of my life, our state leaders have denied climate change. Watching their inaction made it easy to feel disenfranchised, but learning that the courts could be a pathway for young generations to defend our constitutional rights and our future gave me hope.
Becoming the lead plaintiff in Reynolds v. Florida Public Service Commission was both an honor and a responsibility. I stepped forward not only to tell my own story, but to represent the voices of young Floridians who will live with the consequences of today's energy decisions. It is our chance to show that young people are not just the ones who will inherit the climate crisis, but we are also part of the renewable energy transition solution.
I also joined Lighthiser v. Trump because the President's unconstitutional Executive Orders and energy policies are already affecting communities across the country, including my own. Being part of that case reinforces my belief that young people deserve a seat at the table when decisions about our future are made and that climate justice requires accountability at every level of government.
What does it mean to you to be a young woman speaking up for climate justice?
Being a young woman speaking up for climate justice means refusing to accept the idea that young people, especially women, should wait our turn to lead. Climate change is shaping the future we will inherit, so our voices deserve to be part of the decisions being made today. Women have always had a powerful role in environmental leadership, often bringing a perspective rooted in care for communities, ecosystems, and future generations. For me, speaking up is about continuing that tradition and showing other young women that our ideas, experiences, and voices matter.
Delaney Reynolds heading to a court hearing in Lighthiser v. Trump in Missoula, MT. Photo by Eillin Delapaz-Aceves.
Who is a woman—past or present—who has influenced the way you think about courage, leadership, or justice? What about her inspires you?
One woman who has deeply influenced me is Dr. Sylvia Earle, the oceanographer and explorer who has spent her life advocating for the protection of our oceans. What inspires me most about her is her combination of scientific excellence and fearless advocacy. She has not only expanded our understanding of the ocean, but she has also used her voice to communicate why protecting it is essential for the future of life on Earth, reminding us "no water, no life; no blue, no green." That perspective resonates with me as someone who grew up in South Florida, where our lives are inseparable from the ocean.
Outside of the lawsuit, what are the things that bring you joy or help keep you grounded?
Spending time in nature is what keeps me grounded. Growing up in the Florida Keys, I was surrounded by mangroves, coral reefs, and incredible wildlife and those places still remind me why this work matters. Being on the water, snorkeling, or simply watching a sunset over the ocean brings me a sense of perspective and peace, as well as the motivation to keep doing everything that I can to protect the special, fragile environments that I love.
What message would you share with girls or young women who care about climate change but aren’t sure how to make a difference?
My message would be: your voice matters more than you may ever know. You don't need to have all the answers or be an expert to start making a difference. Every movement begins with people who care enough to speak up. Don't let anyone tell you that you're too young or that your voice doesn't belong in these conversations. The future is yours and you have every right to help shape it.