Helena Farstad

Islington Environmental Emergency Alliance

Helena Farstad lives and works in Islington where she campaigns tirelessly to support action on climate change. Farstad is constantly bringing people together and creating networks that enable people to make changes. One example of these networks is the Islington Environmental Emergency Alliance, a group that aims to keep Islington Council accountable to their Net Zero Carbon 2030 Strategy. Another is Islington Clean Air Parents which Farstad co-founded with the goal of cleaning Islington’s air.

Farstad is also active in her neighbourhood, including repurposing a car parking space into a ‘micro-garden’.

“The lockdown has demonstrated the need for green space and the positive effect on mental health. Communities should be allowed to take over spaces in their streets, particularly when they don’t have gardens.”

Farstad’s commitment to bringing people together, willingness to work across political and professional boundaries, and genuine commitment to inclusion, democracy, and social justice make her an inspiration to all. It takes a special set of skills and values to bring people together for a cause as important as the environment.