Eco campaigner is on target for award

An environmental campaigner from Edinburgh has made the shortlist of a major award to celebrate unsung heroes who are helping to save the planet.

Mike Elm has been shortlisted for a WWF award

Mike Elm is one of just 18 shortlisted entries to make the final round of the WWF-UK Earth Hour Heroes competition, the finals of which take place tomorrow in the palace of Westminster.

The competition, supported by funding from People’s Postcode Lottery, invites people to nominate those whose actions are helping to save the planet.

There are three categories in the competition - Community Hero, Lifestyle Hero and Workplace Hero - each designed to highlight individuals who deserve recognition for going the extra mile to help the environment and inspire others.

Mike is one of six finalists in the Lifestyle Hero category, for his inspiring work protecting Scotland’s natural assets - including geology, soil, air, water and all living things which make human life possible.

Mike’s day job is to lead a project protecting and rebuilding Scotland’s nature for the Scottish Forum on Natural Capital, and in his spare time is vice chair of the 2050 Climate Group - a collection of young professionals educating, engaging and empowering future leaders to take action on climate change.

The 29-year-old’s drive helped deliver Scotland’s first two Youth Climate Summits, the group’s world-leading Young Leaders Development Programme, and attended the past two United Nations Climate Change Conferences to present the group’s work to a global audience.

Mike said: “I’m normally quite a competitive person, so I’m thrilled to be shortlisted.

“But when it comes to making the world a better place, which is what this is all about, it needs everyone to be a hero in their own way.” Naomi Hicks of WWF-UK, said: “The Earth Hour Heroes competition is all about finding unsung heroes from across the UK who help protect our brilliant planet - and Mike certainly does just that.”

The winners at the event will receive their award from triple Olympic Gold Medalist, Andrew Triggs Hodge.

Last year, millions around the world across 178 countries came together to show support for action to protect our amazing planet, with Edinburgh landmarks including Duddingston Kirk and the Scottish Parliament taking part in 2017.