Young eco-activists to voice inaction concerns at virtual climate event

Zurich UK is collaborating with five of the UK’s most prominent young eco-activists to bring back the Youth Against Carbon Conference (YAC Con) later this month.

Following the success of the first event last year, the virtual conference, airing on Monday 18th October, will be an opportunity for the all-youth panel to share their views on the climate crisis and key concerns about the current course of action.

Taking place ahead of the much-anticipated United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow., YAC Con 2021 aims to provide a platform to champion young voices and this year will focus on ethical consumption.

Panelists will be discussing their views on key issues including plastic consumption, turning the tide on fast fashion, the changes consumers can make to live more sustainable lives, the power of protesting and progress on climate action. During the conference, the eco-influencers will also be putting their questions to Green Party MP, Caroline Lucas.

To launch YAC Con 2021 and to highlight how young people feel they are not being listened to on the climate crisis, organisers have created a new animated film. The film features the voices of kids from around the UK who came forward to write and record their thoughts on the climate crisis and what they think needs to be done to create a safer world for them to grow up in. The film communicates a very clear call to action: “Now is the time for us to be heard” and highlights the role we can all play in bringing about change.

Chairing YAC Con 2021 is 21-year old climate justice activist, Dominique Palmer. Known for her work with Fridays for the Future International, Dominique has spoken at a number of high profile events including COP25 in 2019. Joining Dominique on the panel will be:

Amy Meek – 18 year-old Amy is one half of award-winning campaigning charity Kids Against Plastic (KAP) which she founded with her sister Ella in 2016 to fight the war on plastic pollution.

Gaia Rattazzi – An influential sustainable fashion advocate, 19-year old Gaia is a passionate online activist who uses her social presence to inspire consumers to change the way they spend their money.

Angel Arutura –21-year old Angel is a sustainability and anti-racism activist and writer. Her online activism focuses on slow fashion, veganism and ethical consumption.

Elijah Mckenzie-Jackson – 17-year old Elijah is a climate activist, student and artist who has played a leading role in the School Strike for Climate movement.

(Further details on the panelists and quotes are provided in the notes to editors.)

YAC Con host Dominique Palmer said: “I’m so excited to be hosting this years’ Youth Against Carbon Conference because, especially in the lead up to COP26, it is so crucial that young voices are heard. I’m so excited to see what this amazing panel of activists have to contribute to the conversation.”

Following YAC Con 2021, the eco-activists concerns will be voiced in a panel discussion held at the House of Commons and hosted by Caroline Lucas MP, in association with with the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Climate Change.

The influencers will be represented by YAC Con panelist, Amy Meek who will present the groups’ thoughts and recommendations; Also joining the Westminster panel discussion on 19 October 2021 are Dr Bronwyn Claire, Senior Programme Manager for ClimateWise at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and Shaun Spiers, Executive Director of Green Alliance. The discussion will cover a range of topics – from looking at the impact on the planet of fast fashion food consumption, plastic use, eco travel and transport pollution, to how we can build back greener post-pandemic.

Lawrence Vousden, Head of Sustainability, Zurich UK said: “Young people are going to feel the biggest impact of climate change, yet their voices are not being heard. We are delighted to be hosting our second Youth Against Carbon Conference and to give more young people the platform they deserve. Like our panelists, Zurich is passionate about sustainability, and committed to driving positive change and so we’ll be taking their visions and recommendations to parliament to help drive real action.”

YAC Con builds on Zurich’s existing commitments to reducing its environmental impact and supporting the global transition to a low carbon economy. In 2019, Zurich became the first insurer to sign up to the UN Global Compact Business Ambition Pledge that aims to limit average global temperature increases to 1.5°C. It is also working towards achieving 100% renewable energy across all global operations by 2022.

YAC Con 21 will air on Monday 18th October at 6pm. Tune in via Zurich’s Youtube or Instagram channel.

Panelist biographies and quotes

Dominique Palmer - 21-year old Dominique is a prominent activist and campaigner for climate justice and featured in the Forbes 100 UK Environmentalists list.. She is part of Fridays for Future International and Climate Live, the worldwide series of youth-led concerts promoting climate action. Dominique has spoken at a number of high profile events on the issue of environmental justice including at COP25 in 2019 and regularly addresses crowds at protests such as climate strikes. Away from campaigning, Dominique studies Politics and International Relations at Birmingham University.

Amy Meek – 18 year-old Amy is one half of award-winning campaigning charity Kids Against Plastic (KAP) which she founded with her sister Ella in 2016 to fight the war on plastic pollution. Amy was part of the first YAC panel and will return this year to talk about the fight against plastics.

Amy Meek comments: “I’m super excited to be part of the Zurich Youth Against Carbon Conference this year. I was unable to attend [in person] last year due to having to self-isolate so I am really looking forward to being there in person and speaking about some of the issues facing young people and the planet caused by the climate crisis.”

Gaia Rattazzi – An influential sustainable fashion advocate, 19-year old Gaia is a passionate online activist who uses her social presence to inspire consumers to change the way they spend their money and use their voice to demand the fashion industry does better. Outside of campaigning, Gaia is a student at the University of Leeds, where she is studying for a BSC in Environmental Management and Sustainability.

Gaia Rattazzi comments: “I believe it’s imperative young people like me get together to collaborate and brainstorm solutions for a liveable future for everyone around the world. I’m so excited to attend the Youth Against Carbon Conference and will hope to see you there.”

Angel Arutura – A geography student at Queen’s University in Belfast, 21-year old Angel is a sustainability and anti-racism activist and writer. Her online activism focuses on slow fashion, veganism and ethical consumption and she is also passionate about educating people on the importance of anti-racism and how that extends to climate justice and equality. Earlier this year, Angel was listed as one of the 50 young talents to watch in 2021 by The Irish Times.

Angel Arutura comments: “I have such a strong passion for the slow fashion movement. It’s so important to talk about how we can become more conscious consumers, in advocating for worker’s rights and promoting a more sustainable and ethical fashion system. Now more than ever it’s so important for everybody to bridge the gap between race and climate, as the two are inextricably linked, and we can see that so clearly of climate inequalities. I’m so excited to talk on this year’s panel as we move towards more inclusive and diverse spaces of conversation.”

Elijah Mckenzie-Jackson – 17-year old Elijah is a climate activist, student and artist who has played a leading role in the School Strike for Climate movement. He has built an influential profile through his work as a youth leader for Fridays For Future and protests with Extinction Rebellion. In 2020, Elijah hit the headlines after going on hunger strike in protest over a coal mine in West Cumbria. Elijah is currently studying Sociology and Art at a school in London.

Elijah McKenzie-Jackson comments: “I’m taking part in Zurich’s Youth Against Carbon event because I believe its very important to platform young voices and change makers who believe a brighter, more sustainable future is possible. Our voices must be heard and acknowledged because at the end of the day we are the future of tomorrow.”