December 15, 2014

Environmental activist to tackle global issues in Antarctica

Law student Parrys Raines will travel to Antarctica in January to attend an 11-day conference on social, economic and environmental issues. 

The conference, hosted by The Unstoppables will see 117 Australian entrepreneurs participate in discussions about major global environmental, social and economical issues. 

As the youngest person attending the conference, Parrys has turned to sponsors to help her finance trip, which leaves from Chile in late January. 

The young environmental activist is hoping to use the opportunity to learn from other entrepreneurs and build her knowledge of business and finance. Parrys hopes to pick up a few tips to help promote and transform her Climate Girl website, an education portal for youth wanting to learn about the planet, which she launched when she was just 14. 

“I found all the information was really scientific and hard to understand, so I wanted to create a place where young people to go to access information. It’s now a global platform for young people to share their stories,” Ms Raines said. 

After only completing the first year of her law degree, Parrys has a clear idea of where she would like to take her future career as an environmental lawyer. 

“I aim to specialise in environmental law, but I am particularly interested in the human rights aspect of environmental law,” she said. 

“The knowledge gained from my studies here at UOW will enable me to advise governments and corporations of best practices, that will benefit the long term sustainability of the planet, people and animals.” 

Parrys is hoping to gather photos and footage on the trip, to include on her website to educate young students on Antarctica. 

Parrys enthusiasm and dedication to climate issues has earned her the attention of local media, including the Illawarra Mercury and the ABC. For more information about the trip, or how you can sponsor Parrys, visit her website.