Zurich launches UK's first carbon-neutral eco-summit

• Zurich launches first carbon neutral eco-summit which calls for climate change to stay on the agenda in wake of COP26 postponement
• Two thirds of young people fear focus on rebuilding the economy after Covid-19 has diverted attention from green issues that will stymie eco progress
• Zurich calls for three young eco-champions to join the panel at the live-streamed conference
• Event will be chaired by green campaigner and BBC presenter Maddie Moate alongside young eco influencers
• All panellists will be invited to pitch for a potential £5,000 bursary to scale their eco-passion

This autumn will see the launch of the UK’s first carbon-neutral eco-summit. Taking place on Tuesday 13 October, the Youth Against Carbon Conference (YAC Con) aims to understand the role young people will play in the climate crisis – in response to fears it is taking a back seat during the Covid-19 crisis recovery.

Research* by the organiser, Zurich Insurance, suggests young people in particular are concerned that climate change has fallen off the public agenda following the postponement of the 2020 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) – which was meant to be the crowing event of the ‘Year of Climate Action’.

Almost two thirds (61%) of young people worry the Government is only focused on the economy, and more than two thirds (68%) say tackling climate change is just as important as rebuilding the economy. Three quarters (75%) of young people would support some aspects of the extension of lockdown conditions to reduce impact on the environment for the long term, and a similar percentage (72%) believe tackling climate change should be a top property for world leaders.

YAC Con aims to provide a platform for young people to discuss measures they think should be introduced to reduce carbon emissions, tackle climate change and protect the environment. The conference will take place virtually and will be live streamed via Instagram TV (IGTV) - ensuring it is as low carbon as possible.

Chaired by eco campaigner and BBC TV presenter Maddie Moate and featuring an all-youth panel, they will debate a range of topics. These will not just lessons to be taken from Covid-19 lockdown measures but also; fast fashion, food consumption, plastic usage, eco travel and transport pollution.

They will also discuss proposed action to mitigate their impact on climate change. All carbon emissions generated during the conference will be offset using the Tree Nation scheme.

Zurich is also searching for three additional young eco-champions aged up to 24 years old to join the select panel of speakers. Successful applicants will also be eligible to pitch for one of two bursaries of £2,500 to support their cause or project, as well as consultancy from Zurich’s senior sustainability experts. They will join Maddie, Mikaela Loach (22), an eco-campaigner and sustainable lifestyle blogger, Mya-Rose (17) President of Black2Nature, and Amy and Ella Meek (16 & 14) – founders of Kids Against Plastic. The sisters are avid campaigners on a better way to use plastic to reduce its environmental impact, and have encouraged hundreds more children and schools to get involved.

Laura McAlpine, Head of Sustainability at Zurich, commented, “Climate change presents a very real threat for future generations and our planet, and the postponement of COP26 doesn’t mean it’s any less pressing. We are launching YAC Con to make sure it stays on the public agenda, while giving young people a platform to voice their concerns, take action and play their part in the UK’s transformation to a low carbon economy. As insurers we take our role very seriously. We have an opportunity to help drive a sustainable Covid-19 recovery, to improve global resilience by building back better, supporting our customers and our communities. As a responsible business we want to grasp this with both hands.”

Maddie Moate, chair of YAC Con commented, “As we contemplate a return to our previous way of life, it’s vital that we put sustainability and the fight to tackle climate change at the heart of it. For many young people, the impact of a changing climate is a huge concern, and one of the biggest threats the planet faces, yet so many young people feel helpless and confused about what they can do. If you’re one of these people, join us at YAC Con to hear more about what you can do to help change the world.”

The launch of 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.

For more information about YAC Con or how to apply to be a panelist, please email yaccon@uk.zurich.com.

* Research was carried out by Opinium online between 16 and 18 June 2020, questioning 2,000 people from a nationally representative sample. Young people refers to those aged 18-24.