The King's Foundation has recently celebrated its 35th anniversary by launching a new initiative known as '35 under 35', which identifies and showcases young individuals leading progressive change in various fields. Among the thirty-five selected is Jack Harries, a social media influencer and environmental activist known for his work with Extinction Rebellion. The inclusion of such a controversial figure raises discussions about the intersections of activism, influence, and philanthropy in today's climate crisis.
Originally established as the Prince's Foundation, this charity was formed to unite various charitable endeavours initiated by King Charles since 1990. The foundation's focus has broadened over the years, particularly under its new name. The '35 under 35' programme aims to highlight exceptional contributions in areas such as sustainability, health, arts, and urbanism, providing these young leaders a platform to amplify their impact. Throughout the initiative, participants will have opportunities to present their work at prestigious events and visit significant heritage sites, thus cementing the foundation's commitment to fostering leadership and creativity in emerging changemakers.
Jack Harries, who boasts over 3.5 million subscribers on YouTube, is particularly known for his provocative activism. His journey gained traction following his arrest during a protest against the oil and gas industry in 2019, where he and eight others glued themselves to the doors of the Intercontinental Park Lane Hotel to disrupt an International Petroleum Week conference. This act was aimed at drawing attention to the detrimental environmental impacts of fossil fuels. Despite the seriousness of the protest, Harries and his fellow activists were acquitted of charges of criminal damage and aggravated trespass, a result that underscored the legal protections afforded to peaceful protest in the UK.
Reflecting on his involvement in Extinction Rebellion, Harries has articulated the struggle many face in engaging with environmental activism. “We spent a few years going on Extinction Rebellion protests, but our friends and family didn't want to go on the marches; it all felt a bit extreme,” he remarked, highlighting the delicate balance between activism and broader societal engagement. His subsequent establishment of Earthrise Studio with his twin brother Finn illustrates his commitment not only to protest but also to proactive solutions for environmental issues, aiming to change the narrative through visual storytelling.
The selection of Harries aligns with a growing trend where popular figures leverage their platforms to draw attention to significant societal challenges. This blurring of lines between celebrity and activism raises important questions about the role of public influencers in environmental discourse. As the climate crisis escalates, advocacy from individuals with substantial followings becomes increasingly relevant, yet it also cultivates debates about authenticity, responsibility, and the means through which change is pursued.
In summary, the King's Foundation's initiative to honour young changemakers like Jack Harries reflects a broader societal recognition of the importance of versatile leadership in tackling urgent global issues. By intertwining philanthropic efforts with dynamic activism, the foundation sets a precedent for how future leaders can engage with pressing matters, encouraging an ethos of creativity and conviction in the fight for sustainable change.
Source: Noah Wire Services