Redefining climate activism and inspiring global change through actionism and inclusive engagement
At Climate & Sustainability Leadership Summit, Amber Nuttall, Sustainability Director at EXTREME, introduces a powerful concept: "8 Billion Imperfect Environmentalists." Her vision is simple yet profound—solving the climate crisis requires action from everyone, not perfection. Nuttall’s approach transforms the way we think about environmental responsibility, advocating for broad participation over individual perfection.
From Activism to Actionism: A New Paradigm for Change
Nuttall begins by reframing the concept of environmentalism. Traditional "activism," she argues, can create barriers, making climate action feel inaccessible to those who don’t identify as activists. Instead, Nuttall proposes "actionism"—a term that highlights the importance of practical, everyday actions that contribute to sustainability. "We don’t need perfect environmentalists," Nuttall asserts. "We need actionists—people who are willing to take imperfect but meaningful steps toward a better planet."
This inclusive framework encourages individuals to focus on what they can do, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of the crisis. For Nuttall, the shift from activism to actionism is essential to mobilizing the global population in the fight against climate change.
A Personal Journey: From the Bahamas to Global Advocacy
Nuttall’s passion for the environment stems from her childhood in the Bahamas, a country at the front lines of climate change. Growing up in close proximity to pristine waters and vibrant ecosystems, she developed a deep connection to nature. However, even as a child, she witnessed environmental degradation, such as tar washing up on the beaches. "We didn’t have plastic pollution back then," Nuttall reflects, "but we could already see the impact of human activity on our natural surroundings."
Her experiences in the Bahamas—particularly the devastation wrought by Hurricane Dorian—fueled her determination to advocate for climate solutions. "Seeing my home and my people suffer made the urgency of the climate crisis very real," she says. This personal connection drives her work as a sustainability leader, pushing her to focus on inclusive, actionable solutions that address the needs of vulnerable communities.
Extreme Sports: A Catalyst for Environmental Advocacy
One of Nuttall’s most innovative strategies involves leveraging the extreme sports community to drive environmental awareness and action. As the Sustainability Director at EXTREME, a company that promotes adventure sports globally, Nuttall sees a natural alignment between the outdoor sports industry and environmental advocacy. "Extreme athletes are out in nature, facing its challenges and beauty every day. They’re natural ambassadors for environmental action," she explains.
Through EXTREME, Nuttall has mobilized athletes, influencers, and fans to engage in climate initiatives. This platform allows her to reach new, diverse audiences, many of whom may not traditionally engage with sustainability conversations. "We need to bring the message to where people are," she emphasizes. By weaving environmentalism into the fabric of extreme sports culture, Nuttall is making sustainability a more accessible and exciting cause.
Storytelling: Changing the Climate Narrative
For Nuttall, effective communication is key to mobilizing action. She critiques the traditional use of fear-based messaging in climate advocacy, arguing that it often leads to paralysis instead of action. Instead, Nuttall champions the power of storytelling to inspire hope and progress. "We need to reframe the climate crisis as an opportunity, not just a catastrophe," she says.
One example of her success with this approach was her role in halting an oil exploration project in the Bahamas. A simple LinkedIn post, shared at the right time, gained traction and helped defund the project. Nuttall uses this story to emphasize that anyone can drive change, regardless of their platform or resources. "You don’t need to be an environmental celebrity to make an impact," she says. "Sometimes, it’s as simple as speaking up."
Nuttall believes that storytelling should reach beyond traditional environmental circles and resonate with the broader public. "We need to meet people where they are—whether that’s through sports, fashion, or social media—and show them how they can be part of the solution."
Imperfection in Action: The Power of Collective Progress
Central to Nuttall’s philosophy is the idea of embracing imperfection. The expectation of perfection, she argues, often discourages people from taking even small steps toward sustainability. "I’m not a perfect environmentalist," Nuttall admits. "I’ve tried veganism, but I’m not fully vegan. I drive when I could bike. But perfection isn’t the goal."
Instead, Nuttall advocates for a collective, cumulative approach. Each individual action, no matter how small, adds up to significant change when multiplied by billions. "Think of a mosquito in a tent," she suggests. "It’s tiny, but it can disrupt your entire night. In the same way, billions of small, imperfect actions can disrupt the trajectory of climate change."
This philosophy removes the pressure of needing to be flawless and instead focuses on what people can realistically contribute. By democratizing environmentalism, Nuttall invites everyone—no matter their circumstances—to take part in the global effort to build a sustainable future.
Creating a Global Movement: The Extreme Hangout
Nuttall’s commitment to amplifying diverse voices is embodied in the Extreme Hangout, an initiative she launched to provide a platform for young people and marginalized communities to participate in the climate conversation. First introduced at COP26 in Glasgow, the Extreme Hangout brings together individuals from different backgrounds to share their stories and solutions.
The initiative has since expanded globally, with events held at COP27 in Egypt and plans for COP29 in Azerbaijan. "The Extreme Hangout is about giving a voice to those who are often left out of the conversation," Nuttall explains. "We want to showcase not just the challenges, but also the incredible solutions coming from grassroots movements around the world."
The platform emphasizes inclusivity, offering free access to all events and livestreaming content to ensure that even those unable to attend in person can participate. "We believe that climate solutions should be for everyone, and that means breaking down barriers to access," Nuttall says.
Co-Creating the Future: Vision for 2050
Nuttall’s vision for the future is one of collaboration and co-creation. She stresses the importance of looking ahead to 2050, a key year for many global net-zero targets, with a mindset of possibility rather than defeat. "The future isn’t something that just happens to us—it’s something we actively create," she asserts.
Youth movements, like Fridays for Future, have been a major source of inspiration for Nuttall. She emphasizes that today’s young people are not just leaders of tomorrow but are already making significant contributions to shaping the world’s future. "We need to listen to their voices and support their leadership," she urges.
Beyond COPS: Sustaining Momentum Year-Round
Nuttall acknowledges that while global events like COP26 and COP27 are essential, they are just two weeks in a year. To maintain momentum, she has expanded the Extreme Hangout into a year-round initiative, encouraging local communities around the world to host their own events. "We can’t wait for the next big global summit," she says. "People need to feel empowered to act now, in their own communities."
From the Sacred Valley in Peru to rural Kenya, local Extreme Hangouts are popping up, bringing together diverse voices to share their climate solutions. These grassroots events are designed to inspire action and provide platforms for change-makers to connect and collaborate. "We want to show people that they’re not alone in this fight," Nuttall says. "Together, we can create the future we want."
A Call for Radical Hope
Nuttall concludes her message with a call for "radical hope." In her view, the climate crisis, while daunting, is also an opportunity for innovation, creativity, and collective progress. "Discomfort plus action equals evolution," she reminds us. "We are at a moment of incredible discomfort, but that’s where change happens."
For Nuttall, the path forward is clear: action, not perfection, is what will drive the world toward a sustainable future. Whether through individual efforts, corporate leadership, or grassroots movements, Nuttall believes that each of the "8 Billion Imperfect Environmentalists" has the power to contribute to a global transformation.
