David Saddington: Meet the UK youth climate activist turned government insider
From experiencing the devastating effects of climate change as a child to becoming a prominent climate activist and government insider, 31-year-old David Saddington shares his unique perspective on climate action and youth access at this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos.
David’s journey began at the age of 13 when he found himself trapped in flash floods that struck his home in North Yorkshire. Realizing that climate change was the driving force behind the extreme weather events, he became determined to raise awareness about the crisis, especially among adults who seemed to overlook its urgency.
I knew from an early age that climate change would profoundly impact not only my life but also the future generations, David explains from the World Economic Forum. So, I took it upon myself to create a stir in my school.
However, his climate activism took an unexpected turn when he was invited to Downing Street at the age of 14 to discuss the issue with then-Prime Minister Tony Blair. David urged the Prime Minister to include climate change in the national curriculum, a suggestion that was subsequently adopted in 2007.
Having the opportunity to work closely with the UK government at such a young age gave David valuable insights into the policy-making process and its limitations. He realized that achieving tangible results within the existing policy framework requires pragmatism and strategic thinking.
Driven by his passion for climate action and policy, David pursued a career that allowed him to make a significant impact. He has worked in various capacities, from participating in UN climate conferences to advising consultancies and serving in the civil service. His roles have taken him to the forefront of the fight against climate change, including heading the nature campaign during the UN climate conference held in the UK in 2021, where he played a crucial role in securing a major global forest pledge.
Despite the frustrations that often come with the territory, David appreciates the pragmatism and effectiveness of working within the civil service. Currently, he continues his work on forest protection at the UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Additionally, he serves as a trustee for the We Are Family Foundation, founded by the renowned singer Nile Rodgers, which focuses on empowering young leaders.
David firmly believes that meaningful engagement from young people is essential to tackle global challenges successfully. He recognizes the values, purpose-driven mindset, and accountability that young individuals bring to the table and hopes that We Are Family’s young delegation at Davos will prompt leaders from various sectors to consider youth inclusion and involvement back home.
While acknowledging the positive aspects of the World Economic Forum, David also highlights the issue of limited access faced by young innovators at international meetings. He questions how aspiring innovators can gain entry to exclusive forums like WEF, COP, and UNGA, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and diversity in addressing global problems.
When asked about his frustrations, David expresses understanding rather than anger. He believes that apathy, born out of the overwhelming challenges facing the world, hinders progress. He emphasizes the need to break this apathy and instill hope in people, inspiring them to actively participate in shaping a better future.
For young climate activists looking to make a difference, David’s advice is clear: shift from being activists on the outside to actionists on the inside. He encourages young individuals to focus on specific challenges within the broader scope of climate change, such as clean energy transition, electric cars, or sustainable food systems. By immersing themselves in these areas, educating themselves, and bringing their whole selves to the table, they can effectuate tangible change.
As for David’s future career aspirations, he admits to his enduring excitement about government work. His ultimate dream is to spearhead the UK government’s efforts at both COP and WEF, where he aims to have a greater influence and drive the transformative initiatives needed to eliminate carbon emissions.
David firmly believes that the transition to a carbon-free world must occur within his lifetime, and he is steadfast in his commitment to driving this transformation. With his unique perspective as a youth climate activist turned government insider, David Saddington continues to contribute significantly to the fight against climate change and inspire future generations to take meaningful action.
