Bec Lobo Correia is an experienced writer and creative professional with a wealth of experience worldwide, including London, Lisbon, and Seoul, South Korea. They currently balance their passion for filmmaking with their pursuit of writing on topics such as international subcultures, multimedia industries and contemporary activism.

Conversations about sustainability are no longer enough. As it becomes all but certain that global heating will increase beyond the 1.5°C of the Paris Agreement, the effects of climate change are already a reality for many communities worldwide. People are not only sensing the urgency of the matter but are realising that existing strategies – on a personal and collective level – are not sufficient.

While companies and businesses were quick to make environmental pledges and commitments, demonstrated by the rising ESG movement in recent years, the momentum has slowed or reversed in the face of economic downturn and potential culture war boycotts. Both people and companies are increasingly confused about the language of sustainability, and vague and misleading vocabulary has led to cases of greenwashing. While climate change is acknowledged as a pressing matter, people no longer understand how they can make a difference – feeling mistrust, scepticism, and fatigue from the oversaturation of messaging from big companies. At the same time, others are angry at the lack of progress, taking more drastic measures to spur governments, businesses, and billionaires into taking action and accountability for their disproportionate environmental impact.

Facing polycrisis in a world that's more interconnected and globalised than ever, people recognise the need for new leaders and ways to mobilise. They're calling for more intersectional approaches to sustainability, looking at long-term social, environmental, economic, and ethical impacts across the supply chain.

At the same time, the cost of living crisis is having a significant impact on people's sustainable behaviours. People often prioritise price over ethics (even if the growth of the eco-luxury sector shows no signs of stopping) but are also increasingly adopting circularity to save on costs – buying more secondhand, seeking out durability, repairing more, and sharing more.

Sustainable Solutions

As the new post-pandemic normal settles in and people adapt to a context of uncertainty, constant adversities, and pessimism, we are moving away from a moment in which consumers expected brands to rise up to society's challenges and into one when they’re demanding genuine allyship from businesses.

Shared Values

Sarah Shanley Hope is currently the VP of brand and partnerships at The Solutions Project following seven years as the organisation’s first executive director. Under Sarah’s leadership, the organisation transformed its mission and culture to centre racial and gender equity, launched the field’s first and only award-winning climate justice fund, and popularised the vision of 100% clean energy. Sarah has held executive or leadership roles at Green For All, Cargill, and Best Buy over her 20-plus years of experience in brand strategy and social change. She also serves on the Board of Native Renewables.

Gen Z (born 1997-2010)

United Kingdom

Citizenship

Sustainability

The Guardian

Statista

Interview with Sarah Shanley conducted by the author

London.gov.uk

C40 Cities

Pew Research Center

Wattpad

Drapers

McKinsey & Company

Charged Retail

Capital Monitor

Earth.org

Loach’s Instagram

Open Democracy

Sky News

Author and activist Mikaela Loach employs a relatable and inclusive climate action approach. Her journey showcases the importance of embracing inclusivity, taking intentional steps and addressing eco-issues in an age where performativity prevails – inspiring Gen Z environmentalists in the process.

Cultivate

Living Well

Why Mikaela Loach is empowering Gen Z environmentalists