In the latest conservation showcase, I was pleased to catch up with my friend Amelia Crews. As well as being a fellow member of the Ecologi Climate Committee, Amelia works with several purpose-led organisations and is particularly passionate about climate justice. She's a real inspiration for those working in climate advocacy so I hope you enjoy our chat.

Hi Amelia! Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi, I'm Amelia. I'm an Energy Innovation Co-ordinator & Climate Advocate. I work for a multitude of various purpose-led organisations. My day job is at Midcounties Co-operative. However, I also work closely with Ecologi, Catalyse Change, Force of Nature and various other climate centred organisations.

What do these organisations do?

• Midcounties Co-operative innovates day-to-day solutions to help members do the right thing, for each-other, for ourselves and for the planet.
• Ecologi provides an accessible, simple solution towards taking action on the climate crisis.
• Catalyse Change empowers young women who are driven by sustainability and link them up to the right networks to springboard their career.
• Force of Nature is a youth organisation, working in the intersect of mental health and the climate crisis. They are all about utilising our vulnerabilities to strengthen our fight.

Why do you care about the environment?

BIG question! For me, the environment and nature offer a landscape of inspiration. The insights we can gain from its networks and processes could truly rewrite our way of living (on a personal, business, and systemic level). I'm also obsessed with the ocean. It's a place I feel safe and will constantly call my home. Its essence carries me when feeling low and supports me when I need some encouragement. It's always there and it is absolutely heart-breaking to think of the destruction we're causing towards it.

What inspired you to work in the environmental sector?

We're facing an immense problem and we CAN do something about it. When we invest our time and energy into a solution, it grows and expands into interconnected networks. Starting my career in the environmental sector is such a privilege. I know that I'm genuinely making a change every day I show up. So, to me, it's more than work. It's the change I want to make.

What’s a typical day like for you?

A typical day for me involves working with our partners to create customer journeys and building our innovation propositions. It's so great because my mind is constantly in ideate mode! My main role involves co-ordinating our super exciting renewable energy projects, helping to make it easy for our members to invest and support local community energy.

Alongside this, I sit on the Climate Committee (with Mel) at Ecologi. I'm also setting up a youth community energy group. I also get involved in speaking engagements and advocacy work whenever I can squeeze it in. So, after work I'll either be working on one of the above or taking a break and exploring the outdoors.

How did you get into climate advocacy?

During university, I joined a group called Catalyse Change (as mentioned before). They have acted as the springboard to my career and have opened a world of impact for me. The connections I made and shift in mindset that was instilled within me has led me to where I am now. Most importantly however, I owe my progression and growth in sustainability to the incredible trailblazers and changemakers I've met along the way. These networks offer endless energy to
bounce off and consistently remind me of hope.

What’s your favourite marine creature and why?

An octopus! Since watching My Octopus Teacher, I have an immense respect and awe for them. It's a great film to understand just how little we know about marine creatures and how much we can learn from them. Although, I have recently been likened to a seahorse (which I won't complain about haha)!

Do you think communications is an important part of your conservation work?

Absolutely! Communications are a necessity to change… it's about educating, dispersing information and enlightening individuals to know the level of difference they can make! I always refer to this quote, it is so so true: 'In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught." (Baba Dioum, 1968.) Communication is our vehicle to teach.

What are your hopes for the future of the ocean?

My hope for the ocean is similar to my hope for the planet: to be intrinsically connected with nature and integrate it within our way of life. I also hope for a world where everyone can immerse themselves within nature, feel its true essence and understand why we must protect it.

What’s one thing you wish people knew about protecting the planet?

Any hesitancies or anxieties you have about the planet can be overcome by shifting them into agency. Those negative feelings can turn into something so positive.

What tips do you have for someone who wants to work in the environmental sector?

Find your circles, network, connect and bounce ideas/energy!