Introducing Your Local Climate Legends

We were recently on a mission to find Plymouth’s Local Climate Legends. From businesses to schools and everyone in between, we wanted to highlight the heroes going above and beyond to help our city and our planet.

To all those who nominated someone special, thank you!

Last week, an independent panel sat down to read everyone’s entries and decide the winners. After much deliberation and discussion, the panel chose Plymouth’s first ever Local Climate Legends.

Abbas Mohammed – Citizen Legend

A climate ambassador for the city, Abbas embodies all the values of a Local Climate Legend.

After completing his carbon literacy training, Abbas made a pledge to commit to raising awareness of climate issues in his community. As a climate ambassador, Abbas has done an outstanding job through his involvement with Global Plymouth and the University of Plymouth, organising a series of events on environmental issues.

His nominator, Emmanuelle Marshall said, “Abbas is a tireless, natural community builder and a kind person to boot. His events drew on the strengths, knowledge and skills of residents in our city. They were inclusive, warm and fun, even on this most difficult of topics and a joy to be part of.  Thank you, Abbas, for all that you have contributed!”

Just Enough Brave – Business Legend

“When it comes to operating a sustainable business, Just Enough Brave goes above and beyond recycling paper and turning the office lights off, it’s about so much more than that.” Nominator Brian Vilkauskas.

From donating to charities such as the Marine Conservation Society, switching to a 100% green website host, or changing their fleet of cars to electric vehicles, Just Enough Brave are leaders in how businesses can take positive climate action, and they are now offering help to other companies. Just Enough Brave believe planet saving will only ever be achieved by a collective responsibility and not the actions of individuals working alone.

Archie Martin – Youth Legend

Archie is one of the city’s Youth Climate Ambassadors, and is already demonstrating a fantastic level of knowledge about the environment. Archie is a wildlife lover and an outdoorsy person who likes to be in on the action, a scout, and a Blue Peter green badge holder, and wants to raise awareness of climate change and other environmental issues.

He’s a fantastic role model to other young people, and when he becomes the Marine and Reptilian biologist he aspires to be, we’re sure Archie will make a fantastic difference to the marine environment.

Tess Wilmot – Community Legend

Tess Willmot has been an advocate for her community for a long time.

From Stepping Stone to Nature, the Union Street Party, Apple Day, Food Plymouth and many, many more, you can guarantee that Tess has brought her heart and soul to these initiatives and events.

Jon Blyth, Tess’ nominator said in his application, “Her long-standing commitment and action in the city makes Tess a number one vote.”

Marine Academy Plymouth – School Legend

Marine Academy Plymouth are dedicated to the environment in more ways than one. They have established a Marine Curriculum, have a Green Flag Eco School Award, planned a beautiful outdoor space with bug hotels, chickens, vegetables and more for their pupils, and ditched single use plastic.

The independent panel wanted to specifically highlight the work of teachers Ms. Bell and Mr. Porter, who have implemented Meat Free Mondays, No Mow May, running a Global Citizens club, as well as looking after animal welfare and sustainability.

They were also particularly impressed with nine-year-old Isla Stevens.

Isla has begun organising her own local events, rallying her friends and family to join her in making a difference. She goes above and beyond to look after the animals in Marine Academy’s outdoor area, attending the animal welfare club every week and getting involved with the Innovations Project Competition, which includes re-designing a more sustainable campus for Marine Academy Primary.