During the rainy season, I am afraid of fevers because they are so easy to catch.

Khun Sokhan, 24, fourth-year student at Norton University

“During the rainy season, I am afraid of fevers because they are so easy to catch. I don’t want to get soaked and get sick. Therefore, I try to stay in during the storms. When I have to go out, I have an umbrella with me at all times. Right now, it seems climate change is unpredictable. We should all be well-prepared and taking an interest in helping the environment. And with this pollution, scientists have proved that our rain contains acid – it’s destroying the atmosphere and our health.”

Pouv Thida, 22, second-year student at Phnom Penh International University

“I think that our natural environment is deteriorating. The heat from the sun is getting hotter every-day and it’s hotter than it’s ever been before. As I’ve learnt, this harsh sun can cause skin cancer, exhaustion and other health problems. I always take care to wear a long shirt or jacket with jeans to protect my skin. Sometimes, I’ll wear a hat and sunglasses as well if I’m riding a long distance on my bike. The state of our environment is a huge problem right now and we need to do something about it.”

Sam Dara, 25, fourth-year student at National University of Management

“As farmers, my parents face dire situations with flooding and prolonged heat exposure from sunlight as they rely on their crop yield. And still, technology is not that modern – so we depend on manual labour. Even in this drought, my father and I had to walk a long distance from our village to find a source of water for our village’s survival. We were tasked with digging a small pond near my house, as we had no other choice. I am worried about the drought, and all the erratic environmental changes. What can we do?”

Kong Mardy, 22, third-year student at Norton University

“I’ve been afraid of Cambodia’s harsh sun since I was young. But recently, in these past few years, I’ve noticed that the sun is getting stronger – causing harm and death. From what I’ve learnt, I can protect myself from the sun by staying in shaded areas. It’s good to avoid staying in the sun for long amounts of time, like when you’re riding a motorbike without protection such as a jacket, hat and sunglasses. I’m worried that we’re not doing enough as a country to tackle climate change.”

Pann Srey Poch, 21, second-year student at National University of Management

“Today, we’re faced with floods when rainy season comes. When rainy season arrives, my family prepares all of our necessary items for living and store it on high-ground so that they can survive a flood if it comes. My parents often buy canned food or noodles to store in case of a flooding emergency, as well. I grew up with flooding and I know how scary it is. Even now, I hold on to a superstition of buying melons in hope that it will protect us from the deadly snakes that come with the floods. ”