Cornish climate campaigner at COP27 UK Future Leaders Network

Maddy Constance is representing the country as part of the UK Future Leaders Network at the annual global climate conference, which is currently taking place in Egypt.

The 26-year-old will be advocating for young people’s priorities in the battle against climate change alongside Amy Campbell – meaning two out of the eleven delegates are from the Duchy.

Born in Wadebridge, Constance said her Cornish upbringing inspired her passion for the climate.

Maddy said: "I'm very lucky that I grew up in Cornwall because we see nature every day, being so close to the coast and the outdoors.

"We see the impact that climate change has clearly, more so maybe than people from cities."

Conference Of the Parties (or COP) sees countries come together every year to take action towards achieving the world's collective climate goals, as agreed under the Paris Agreement.

This year it is running from Sunday, November 6 to Friday, November 18 2022 in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt.

Although a range of climate topics will be discussed, a big focus this year will be on decarbonisation and the energy transition – especially following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The 26-year-old will be advocating for young people’s priorities in the battle against climate change

Constance, who spent three years working as a geothermal geologist at the Eden Project and United Downs Project, said a fair energy transition was a priority interest for her at COP27.

"My passion has always been in finding renewable solutions, particularly now we’re facing an energy security crisis," she said.

Although she lives in Brussels now, after accepting a job at the European Geothermal Energy Council, she believes Cornwall's natural resources have given the county a unique opportunity.

Maddy continued: "My main interest is geothermal and I really want Cornwall to unlock its geothermal potential and provide clean, affordable and secure energy for its people."

She added that making sure Cornwall has the resources and funding to re-skill and re-train for the green jobs sector was vital for younger generations.

"The youth is the last generation that’s able to tackle this climate crisis.

"I've been on the edge of that generation and it's really become apparent during my time growing up."

Constance, who led the Falmouth Greenpeace group and helped establish the Cornwall Climate Action Network, thanked fellow Cornish people for helping to fund her trip.

As the role was self-funded, Constance set up a Go Fund Me to raise the money to cover the costs of Egypt.

"I want to thank the absolutely incredible people who really got behind me and helped me take the voices of Cornwall’s youth with me to the conference."

If you'd like to donate to Maddy's travel fund, you find out more at: www.gofundme.com/f/uk-future-leaders-network-cop27-research-delegate