Youth activists call for climate action at the UK’s first eco-summit

Youth climate activists to call for urgent action on climate change at the UK’s first eco-summit for young people.

UK Energy Minister, Kwasi Kwarteng will open The Youth Against Carbon Conference (YAC Con) which will be held next week (October 13).

The initiative has launched following a recent survey revealed that over half (55%) of young people believe that climate change has been neglected during the pandemic and 57% worry that the delay in COP26 will have a negative impact on the environment.

The YAC Conference has been organised by insurance provider Zurich and will be streamed live on their Instagram and YouTube channels from 6:00 – 7:30 pm next Tuesday.

The conference will feature an all-youth panel who will debate the most pressing environmental issues, including climate justice, fast fashion, conservation and climate education.

Learnings from the discussion will then be used in the YAC Climate Change Action Plan which Zurich intends to share with government departments and the wider business community.

Laura McAlpine, head of Sustainability at Zurich, said: ‘The meteoric rise of young eco-activists like Greta Thunberg, demonstrates that it is young people who are really leading the charge when it comes to taking action on climate change.

‘We have organised YAC Con to keep climate change on the public agenda, at a time when the Covid-19 recovery has become all-encompassing. Through YAC Con we are offering an opportunity for young eco-campaigners to get their opinions and ideas heard.

‘As an insurer, we see first hand the devastating effects of climate change, both here in the UK and globally, on our customers and communities. We take our role in mitigating the risks very seriously and believe we can bring about real change by harnessing the passion and drive of these amazing young people.’

Amy and Ella Meek from Kids Against Plastic added: ‘We’re looking forward to being part of Zurich’s Youth Against Carbon conference. We think it is really important, even during this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, that environmental issues are still high on the global agenda.’

Photo Credit – Pixabay