David Mayer De Rothschild is a renowned environmentalist, adventurer, and speaker who has built an impressive career dedicated to sustainability and ecological awareness. As a speaker, he brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to promoting environmental causes, engaging audiences with his personal stories from his global expeditions. Whether discussing the Pacific Garbage Patch or the consequences of climate change, David uses his platform to inspire and educate individuals and corporations alike on the importance of environmental stewardship.
David’s career began in 2001 when he was first encouraged to pursue a path in environmentalism and adventure. This interest led him to buy a farm in New Zealand and undertake an expedition to the poles. In 2006, he achieved a significant milestone by becoming the youngest British person to reach both the North and South Poles. In 2007 David led an expedition to the Ecuadorian rain forest to document the damage that was caused due to oil drilling, as part of Adventure Ecology’s ARTiculate project. His growing passion for exploration soon extended to expeditions focused on environmental issues, including his involvement in the fastest-ever crossing of the Greenland ice cap, cementing his position as a notable figure in both the worlds of adventure and sustainability.
In recent years, David has made considerable strides in environmental innovation. One of his most recognised achievements is the development of the sustainable ship, Plastiki, which was constructed using over 12,500 recycled PET plastic bottles. Sailing over 8,000 nautical miles, Plastiki highlighted the potential for reimagining waste materials and earned David international acclaim, including recognition in “Time” magazine’s list of the fifty best inventions of 2010. His dedication to raising awareness of plastic pollution, coupled with his adventurous spirit, has led him to create and support various projects focused on sustainability, such as the Myoo Agency, Sculpt the Future, and the Lost Explorer lifestyle brand, all of which promote environmental consciousness. International ambassador for Clean Up The World, David was nominated by the World Economic Forum as Young Global Leader and the winner of the 2008 Kids’ Choice Awards UK Greenie Award and The National German Sustainability Award.
David is sought after as a speaker because of his deep knowledge of sustainability, his first-hand experiences in some of the most extreme environments, and his ability to convey complex environmental issues in a relatable and impactful way. His expeditions and projects have provided him with powerful anecdotes that resonate with corporate audiences, making him an ideal choice for events aiming to inspire change and action. His expertise in both adventure and ecology, coupled with his commitment to educating the public on environmental challenges, is why he is consistently hired as a speaker at high-profile corporate events and sustainability forums.