SWINDON-BASED insurance company Zurich is launching a new conference to help young people combat the climate change crisis post-lockdown.

The first Youth Against Carbon conference has been organised in response to results of research carried out by the business which suggested that young people are worried that climate change has been given less focus by international governments because of the the postponement of the 2020 United Nations Climate Change Conference.

So a new carbon-neutral eco summit will be held virtually and live-streamed via Instagram TV on October 13.

Zurich is searching for three young eco-champions aged 24 or under to join the panel of speakers and win the chance to pitch for a £2,500 bursary to support their cause which will have help from sustainability experts.

They will join fellow young eco-warriors including conference chair and BAFTA-winning TV presenter Maddie Moate, eco-campaigner and sustainable lifestyle blogger Mikaela Loach, Black2Nature president Mya-Rose, and Kids Against Plastic founders Amy and Ella Meek.

They will debate a range of topics, including lessons to be taken from Covid-19 lockdown measures, fast fashion, food consumption, plastic usage, eco travel, transport pollution, and ways to mitigate their impact on climate change.

All carbon emissions generated during the conference will be offset using the Tree Nation scheme.

Zurich's head of sustainability Laura McAlpine said: “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.”

The research showed that almost two thirds of young people worry the government is only focused on the economy, and more than two thirds say tackling climate change is just as important as rebuilding the economy.

Three quarters 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 believe tackling climate change should be a top property for world leaders.

Maddie Moate added: “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.”

Visit www.zurich.co.uk/yaccon or email yaccon@uk.zurich.com