Ignore climate change deniers, says TV naturalist

Steve Backshall said it was important to recognise climate anxiety

A television wildlife presenter said climate change "is happening" and people should ignore politicians and public figures who think otherwise.

Steve Backshall was speaking as a guest at the Youth Climate Conference at Suffolk One Sixth Form College in Ipswich on Tuesday, which gave 250 young people from across the county the opportunity to engage in conversations about the climate.

Previous speakers at the event includes Chris Packham, Megan McCubbin and activist Scarlett Westbrook.

He said: "If you hear a politician or public figure trying to throw shade on the simple facts of climate change do not listen to another word they say in public ever again... it is happening."

The event featured talks from the charity, Kids Against Plastic, workshops and advice from location environmental groups.

Known for children's shows including Deadly 60, Backshall said it was a "great privilege" to share what he has experienced in his career, see how the planet is changing and feel a sense of hope.

He said: "It's critical that someone in position recognises that climate anxiety is a real thing... especially for young people there is nothing that takes away your impetus to act, than just a sense it's all screwed and there's nothing we can do about it.

"People need to be empowered. They need to have a sense that they are important and the things they do can make a difference."

Amy Meek says children play a "pivotal" role in climate change and plastic pollution

Backshall said: "A young person who is energised, who has a purpose, who has a vision, who thinks they can make a massive change is the most exciting thing to be around on the planet.

"We hear endlessly about Greta Thunberg. Well there are tens of thousands of Greta Thunbergs in this nation along and 250 possible Gretas right here, sat right here today - the things they could achieve are boundless."

The co-founder of Kids Against Plastic, Amy Meek, said young people play a "pivotal part" in tackling climate change and plastic pollution.

She said: "Young people have this really infectious energy, especially kids who we often discount as being too young to really care about these issue... if we can mobilise that energy and that interest into actual positive action that can have a massive difference."