Often referred to as ‘the challenge of our generation’, the environment and climate change is never far from the headlines. You only have to look at the gorgeous weather we experienced this summer, and the link (whether valid or not) some media outlets made to global warming. Deforestation, species extinction, carbon footprint; you may think you’ve heard it all before. But 2018 has already thrown up new topics for discussion, such as our reliance on single use plastics, to possible future mass migration into Europe due to extreme weather.
Research shows that younger generations of ‘conscious consumers’ are increasingly choosing to spend their money with companies that demonstrate ethical and sustainable practices. At a business level and a personal level, there is more pressure than ever on us to make smarter choices and think about the impact we are having on our planet.
With such a complex and huge challenge to overcome, we’ve all been left wondering what difference one person can really make. These keynote speakers disprove just that and are educating, documenting and campaigning their way to, quite literally, saving the world. Inspirational and thought provoking, these are my top picks for environment and sustainability speakers.
Lewis Pugh
A thoroughly engaging keynote speaker, I cannot think of a more powerful choice for an environment keynote than Lewis. A United Nations Patron of the Oceans, Lewis is a passionate environmentalist and campaigner, working to draw attention to the challenges facing our oceans. You may recognise Lewis from his high profile endurance swims – most recently becoming the first person to swim the full length of the Channel from Land’s End to Dover. Off the back of the success of this campaign, the UK government has now called for a third of the world’s oceans to be protected by 2030, becoming the first major economy to officially recognise the importance of ocean protection on a global scale.
Dr Gabrielle Walker
Formerly Climate Change Editor at Nature and Features Editor at New Scientist, Gabrielle is not only able to understand the science behind climate change issues, but is also able to communicate this in a captivating and exciting manner. An author and broadcaster, Gabrielle now consults with companies at C-level to advise on issues such as sustainability, energy and the circular economy.
Monty Halls
A firm favourite at JLA, Monty is one of the most likeable speakers we work with. But that aside, Monty is also an excellent, inspirational keynote speaker and an avid campaigner for protecting the biodiversity of our planet. A marine biologist, adventurer and broadcaster, one of Monty’s most recent TV series ‘My Family and The Galapagos’, focussed on the challenges in conserving the wildlife of these unique islands.
Michael Pawlyn
As an architect, Michael has focussed throughout his career on sustainable and innovative approaches that minimise impact on the environment. A thought provoking keynote speaker, Michael was one of the principal architects on the Eden Project, a Founder Member of the UK Green Building Council and a member of The Edge, the environmental think tank.
Dame Ellen MacArthur DBE
Aside from her impressive sailing triumphs, Ellen is an engaging environment keynote speaker focussing on the circular economy. Living on a tiny boat in the middle of the ocean for months at a time, Ellen saw first hand the importance of maximising the utility of every resource. Having now established the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Ellen works with businesses to look at ways that they can strive to achieve zero waste whilst still creating economic opportunities.
These are just a few of the amazing speakers we work with here at JLA so if you want to hear about others, or know more about the speakers featured, get in touch with us here.