ZURICH is working with five of the UK’s most prominent young eco-activists to bring back the Youth Against Carbon Conference later this month.

The virtual conference returns at 6pm on Monday via the insurance giant’s YouTube and Instagram pages after a successful first event in 2020. The young panel will share their views on the climate crisis and their concerns about the current course of action.

Taking place ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference 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 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.

And the eco-influencers will be putting their questions to Green Party MP Caroline Lucas.

Event organisers created an animated film featuring 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.

Chairing YAC Con 2021 is 21-year old climate justice activist Dominique Palmer who is 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 her will be 18 year-old Amy Meek, one half of award-winning campaigning charity Kids Against Plastic which she founded with her sister Ella in 2016 to fight the war on plastic pollution.

The sustainable fashion advocate, 19-year-old Gaia Rattazzi uses her social presence to inspire consumers to change the way they spend their money.

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

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

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.”

The eco-activists’ concerns will then 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 Amy Meek who will present the groups’ thoughts and recommendations.

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 from 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.”

Visit www.zurich.co.uk/yaccon for details.