TESTIMONIALS

I knew from the outset David was a talented communicator but his achievements since have quite simply been staggering. He has established himself as one of the most important contemporary voices; helping others understand the scale and complexity of climate change and other important environmental challenges. His depth of experience, his enthusiasm and optimism can not be commended more highly.

Alex Palman - Former Climate Change Communications Manager, DEFRA

Every once in a while I come across someone who gives me hope. A great gift. Please don't just follow @EnvironmentDave Lead the way he does.

Glen Murray - Ontario Minister of the Environmnet & Climate Change

In all my years of working with youth, I've never been more impressed with ones preparation and impact. David took a very loaded topic and creatively spun it in a way you can't NOT care about climate change. His delivery on stage was sheer perfection. Jaws are still dropping around the world. In only 18 minutes, he redefined an issue and brought it to the forefront of everyones life.

Jess Atkins Teutonico -

TEDxTeen Curator

On behalf of the Royal Geographical Society I thank David very much for an excellent lecture, which was much appreciated by all attendees.

We have had a lot of thanks from the Members, so it was obviously a special event. David's great passion for the topic is of considerable inspiration, together with his positive message that there are things that everyone is able to do to assist.

They especially appreciated that David presented a unique perspective on the topic.

Rupert McCowan - Director of Royal Geographical Society Hong Kong

Climate change is a big and contentious topic, yet David was able to make his Hong Kong lectures understandable and relatable to his audience, tailored to the local context.

That is what science communication and our Science Alive programme is all about – engaging and interacting with the audience – young and old, to take science out of the lab and make it accessible to all.

Thank you David, looking forward to ‘the next chapter’ on how we shape the future on climate change.

Sophia Chan-Combrink, Head of Education & Society, British Council Hong Kong

David did an outstanding job in organising and chairing the "Chasing Ice-Climate Change Question Time"; he had a bold vision for the project, worked tirelessly in leading a team of students to raise funds and make arrangements for the event including liaising with a large number of groups and individuals, and was an outstanding Chair on the event itself."

Professor Antony Long - Deputy Vice Chancellor, Durham University, and then Head of Durham Geography Department

I was delighted about the argument and about the depth into which David explained climate change. Studying glacier evolution helps us to understand climate change and helps in finding possible solutions. David has a mission, and it is a very important one. I'm also sure that with his passion and competence he will be able to attract many young people to better understand climate change and to act with a eco friendly spirit

Michele Sofisti- CEO Gucci Watches and Jewelry

David did an excellent job in co-ordinating, organising and delivering the Chasing Ice outdoor film screening and Climate Change Question Time events in Durham. The choice of venue and message were ideal as it helped reach groups who are traditionally difficult to engage with, and encouraged them to get involved with some of the problems we are facing because of climate change.

Stephen Beresford - Senior Sustainability Officer at Durham County Council

The perfect balance of intelligence, modesty and humour, Dave is a unforgettable character and gives off a lot of positive energy.

Daniel Jones -

British Exploring

Dave is an excellent person to work with - he is highly intelligent, diligent, and is an excellent negotiator. I look forward to working alongside Dave in future projects.

Christopher Vos - MSc Student at Durham University

The staff and students of St Mary’s College are very proud of David Saddington’s energy, commitment and achievements in a wide range of projects, particularly those involving the environment and climate change, culminating in his organisation of a major event in June 2014, “Chasing Ice Durham”. David has also been the prime mover in the setting up of an Eco Garden at St Mary’s College, applying for funding, seeking advice from relevant University departments and organising volunteer labour for planting and maintenance of the garden, which is now well-established and a distinct asset to the landscaping of the College.

Professor Simon Hackett - Principal St Marys College Durham University

I attended the Climate Change Question Time as a panellist where David Saddington chaired the panel. David managed the panel very well and asked insightful questions

Dr Arvin Zolfaghari - Exposure Management Development Manager at Liberty Specialty Markets

When climate change was referred to as global warming and few people either talked about it or understood what it meant,David was taking an interest and discovering everything he could about what it actually meant. That he was barely a teenager did not matter as his commitment was sincere and obvious. Much of what David talked about was new to staff and pupils, he was teaching his teachers! He established an environmental committee and invited the school bursar and site manager to join and that ensured funding and access to the premises during holidays. His influence was seen across the school whether it was the signs to turn off lights, the wind powered computer he won or the vegetables from the garden served in the school canteen. The garden was a great success and,with David's leadership and example, the younger pupils were interested and involved. The whole area of the garden was much improved and attractive adding a new aspect for some of the more challenged pupils.

Judith Hovington - Former Headteacher at Blakeston School