Crowdfunder have recognised the ambition shown by individuals and communities to strive for positive climate action and, to help make this a reality, they will be hosting one of their first UK-wide #BackTheFuture LIVE events here in Cornwall.

#BackTheFuture, an initiative from Crowdfunder, will focus a spotlight on creative and innovative projects in a bid to challenge global issues, such as the climate emergency we find ourselves in.

Cornwall is already a hub for innovation and determination in the fight against climate change. In January 2019 the Council declared a climate emergency - recognising the need for urgent action to address the climate crisis and presenting Cornwall with an opportunity to lead the way in demonstrating what is possible.

To aid this demonstration the Council have partnered with Crowdunder to deliver this event, which will support three Cornish based businesses whose aim is to genuinely disrupt and deliver on tackling climate change within the local community.

The event takes place on Thursday 10th June and will be live streamed from 7pm until 8pm. It will feature local climate-focused projects, each with a unique opportunity to promote their project, in a bid to take home a prize pool of £10,000.

The projects will be judged by Rob Love, CEO of Crowdfunder; Sophie Hellyer, Founder of Rise Fierce and Liz Wright, Learning Manager at School for Social Entrepreneurs.

The projects:

Love Land Community Field Project aims to get the residents in Penryn closer to nature. "We are creating a place to reconnect with nature and each other through work, education and play. Encouraging small acts of local leadership, the freedom to make happy mistakes, learn by doing, dream green and make good things happen."

Loveland has entered the competition to raise enough money to build their own water source at their community field. They hope to grow food to support the local population and donate food to the Falmouth Food Co-op Kitchen Project, which provides meals to those isolating and shielding due to COVID-19.

Waterhaul is a social enterprise with the goal of transforming the ocean's most harmful plastics into valuable resources that can be reused. Specifically, Waterhaul aims to tackle the issues of 'ghost gear.'

"Ghost gear, made up of lost or discarded fishing nets, creates a massive problem for our marine life, catching and entangling them in a vicious cycle unless it's removed. Waterhaul transforms this plastic into sunglasses, eyewear, and items such as litter pickers and beach cleaning knives. We want to raise awareness of this widespread and damaging issue while showing the world that this plastic can have value once again."

Waterhaul will also run hands-on workshops that will encourage positive environmental actions to be taken by everyone and inspire the next generation of environmental innovators.

Rob Love, CEO of Crowdfunder, one of the judges on the night commented: “This is an unmissable event. We have two incredible local organisations doing their bit for climate change and ready to challenge the climate emergency from literally the ground (and sea) up. This is not just great for Cornwall but for everyone who cares about our planet. Change comes from all of us, so it’s down to you to come and support the live crowdfunding on the night, they’ll need and appreciate all the help you can give.”

Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for the environment and climate change commented: “We need our communities to work together and take action to lower carbon emissions. Watch #BacktheFutureLive: Cornwall Climate Challenge, to be inspired and see how people can make a positive impact through crowdfunding and the funding available from Cornwall Council. If you have your own idea, there’s extra funding on offer on Crowdfunder to turn your idea into reality."

Liz Wright, Learning Manager at School for Social Entrepreneurs who’ll also be judging at the LIVE event commented: I’m so excited to have been asked to be a judge for the Cornwall Live 'Back the Future' event, it’s a fantastic way of raising awareness of organisations across the UK who are striving to do their bit towards tackling the climate emergency.

Make sure to sign up to attend the event: #BackTheFuture LIVE here.