Ellen Sandell

Social Commentator, Inspirational Speaker

As National Director of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, Ellen is one of Australia’s leading commentators and campaigners on the issue of climate change. She inspires young people to take action on issues that they care about, empowering them to make a difference.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about solving the climate crisis and seeing a safe climate for our future and our children’s future. I’m also passionate about making a positive difference on the world, how social movements have changed history, and the role young people can play in this.

What have been the highlights of your career?

In 2009 I was featured in The Age Melbourne Magazine as one of the top 100 influential Melburnians of 2009, and was recognised as Melbourne’s leading environmentalist, winning the Melbourne Awards for Individual Contribution to the Environment 2009. That same year, I was joint winner of Australia’s most prestigious environment award for young people – the Banksia ‘Young Environmentalist of the Year’ award.

Whilst studying a Science/Arts degree at the University of Melbourne, I led a successful campaign to get the University to commit to carbon neutrality, which was pretty amazing!

I’ve also worked on several large projects at the AYCC, including Power Shift (national youth climate summit with over 1500 participants in Sydney in 2009), Youth Decide (first ever youth referendum on climate change, which had over 37,000 participants) and Power Vote, which saw young people talk to over 45,000 voters during the 2010 election – and saw our mascot Ellie the Climate Elephant gain national media attention by chasing Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott around the country.

Where have your works been published?

I have written articles for The Age, the National Times, ABC’s The Drum and Environment websites, Peppermint magazine, Crikey, New Matilda, and more.

What themes are recurring in your work?

Climate change, youth empowerment, change-making, social movements, activism, environment, sustainability, social justice, cutting-edge campaigning, leadership.

What other jobs have you had?

Policy Advisor, Office of Climate Change, Department of Premier and Cabinet of Victoria General Manager, and now National Director, Australian Youth Climate Coalition (Australia’s largest youth organisation); Environment Officer, University of Melbourne; Plant Genetics Researcher, CSIRO Plant Industries.

Where were you born?

Alice Springs, Northern Territory.

Haven’t I seen you before?

You might have seen me writing for The Age or on TV doing countless interviews during the carbon price debate in 2011. You might have also seen me dressed as an elephant chasing Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott around the campaign train during the 2010 election, making sure they don’t ignore climate change – the elephant in the room!