How Extreme Hangout Inspires Youth Climate Leaders

In the days surrounding COP29, E+E Leader conducted an interview with Amber Nuttall, founder and creative director of Extreme Hangout. We appreciate her time and insights as she shared the mission and strategies of Extreme Hangout, an organization dedicated to engaging and empowering young people in climate action through events, workshops, and cross-industry collaborations. 

Question 1: What are some specific strategies Extreme Hangout employs to inspire and engage youth in climate action? How do you measure the impact of these efforts?

Extreme Hangout deploys several innovative strategies to inspire and engage youth in climate action. By providing a platform for diverse voices at our events, we bring together youth activists, scientists, industry leaders, policymakers and inspiring figures in popular culture, such as Bear Grylls and Lily Cole, to share stories and actionable insights. These events engage young audiences by connecting them with relatable role models and offering interactive experiences. Our inspiring workshops, art installations, and immersive storytelling make climate issues tangible and engaging for young people. We understand the importance of empowering the next generation, giving them a voice in shaping the future of the planet they will inherit for decades to come.

Furthermore, Extreme Hangout utilises digital platforms and campaigns, including social media channels and digital storytelling, to amplify its mission, promote solutions for addressing climate challenges, and empower climate activists. We are committed to ensuring that young people all over the world can access and participate in global and local climate initiatives. These campaigns transcend geographic barriers, giving youth the platform to elevate the climate discussion. Indeed, Extreme Hangout is committed to mobilising 8 billion imperfect environmentalists to take meaningful action, advocating for simple everyday steps, such as separating recyclable materials at home or swapping cow’s milk for oat in the weekly shop. Through manageable changes such as these, young people can have a significant positive impact on the planet.

As our reach and in-person audiences steadily grow alongside our community of changemakers, we prioritise measuring our impact and sharing annual reports with sponsors and partners. This ensures our work remains transparent, relevant, and aligned with our shared goals, while also strengthening relationships with our partners and community – who are essential in supporting our mission.

Question 2: In your experience, what are the biggest barriers preventing young people from fully engaging in climate policy? How can these be addressed by both government and industry?

A key barrier that prevents young people from engaging in climate policy is the great web of policy processes which are riddled with policy jargon; This complex bureaucratic system can alienate young people, making them feel excluded and disconnected.

Additionally, we've found limited access to decision-makers for young people, with many feeling excluded from spaces where critical decisions are made. This inaccessibility is worsened by economic constraints, where financial insecurity may prevent active participation, particularly for marginalised youth. Finally, perceived futility remains a significant barrier, as the sheer scale of climate challenges can lead to apathy or despair, breeding ‘climate anxiety’.

To address these barriers, it is essential to simplify communication around policies at a governmental level, ensuring accessibility for all. Additionally, including a Universal Youth Clause in each country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) can empower young people to actively participate in their country’s climate journey. To further enable youth involvement, governments must allocate funding to youth-led initiatives, while also supporting youth councils and general assemblies.  Alongside these governmental changes, industries must prioritise mentoring and financially back green skills and young innovators, ensuring they have platforms to showcase and scale their ideas. 

Question 3: You’ve spoken about the concept of “8 billion imperfect environmentalists.” Could you expand on how this idea might help young people feel empowered rather than overwhelmed by the scale of climate challenges?

This concept underscores the idea that collective, imperfect action from everyone can have a greater impact than the efforts of a few perfect environmentalists. This therefore empowers young people by shifting the focus from guilt and perfection to progress and inclusivity, encouraging them to take small, consistent steps. In addition to this, the concept of 8 billion imperfect environmentalists recognises that change is a collective effort, fostering collaboration and reducing isolation. Lastly, by reframing individual actions as valuable parts of a larger movement, young people can remain motivated even when faced with setbacks.

Question 4: How does Extreme Hangout collaborate with industries to create more sustainable practices? Are there any partnerships you’re particularly excited about this year?

At Extreme Hangout, we collaborate with industries by facilitating dialogue, organising roundtables and events that bring industry leaders and youth activists together to co-create solutions. Indeed, at COP29, we facilitated a wide range of cross-industry conversations, uniting leaders from finance, hospitality, travel, sustainability, and more. Additionally, we champion innovation through supporting start-ups, projects and communities that address sustainability challenges.

Striving for public accountability, we partner with industries to set transparent goals and track progress. These include exciting partnerships with renewable energy companies where we showcase breakthrough technologies. For example, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is one of our COP29 partners and is a community-owned electric utility company, internationally renowned for its energy efficiency and renewable power technologies. Additionally, COP29 partner AspenTech, is a pioneering technology company that utilises industrial AI to support businesses achieve their sustainability aspirations. We also collaborate on joint initiatives with fashion, construction, and consumer goods industries to highlight circular economy practices. For example, our partnership with KluraLabs, GP Cotton, and GiLTEX meant that our uniforms and bags at COP29 were enhanced with KluraLabs’ bio-based, sustainable technology, providing anti-bacterial protection that creates a safer event environment.

Question 5: What outcomes are you hoping to achieve from this year’s activation at COP29, especially with groups like One Young World and YOUTHTOPIA involved?

This year at COP29, with groups like One Young World and YOUTHTOPIA on board, our mission is to amplify youth voices. Through our platform and strategic partnerships, we have democratised access to policymakers and stakeholders. Together, our young changemakers have shared solutions and strategies so we can breathe clean air, share healthy food grown in vibrant farming ecosystems with their own children, and have no fear about what the future holds. By encouraging cross-border collaboration among youth organisations such as these, we are also hoping to foster global connections and inspire scalable action through initiatives that participants can utilise within their communities. Lastly, we hope to hold stakeholders accountable, driving tangible commitments from industries and governments, and ensuring youth perspectives shape ambitious climate action policies.