Today's young environmentalists face daunting challenges on a global scale. But that doesn't prevent them from taking action locally. In July 2002 several members of the Sierra Student Coalition (SSC), the student-run arm of the Sierra Club, took a trip to San Rafael Swell, Utah, to aid in wilderness preservation. TIME.com captured the eco-warriors-in-training and spoke with them about their efforts.
As leaders gather for an earth summit, we bring you a special report on ways to transform industry, cars, energy and architecture