Sky Born Voices with Lily Cole

"Raising voices of planet-positive changemakers who are working towards a more brilliant tomorrow."

Introducing Lily Cole

Skydiamond's very own brand ambassador, Lily Cole contributes to our Christmas edition of Sky Born Voices. Lily has long been known as a supermodel, but is now an actor, director and importantly, an active environmentalist and published author of 'Who Cares Wins - How to protect the planet you love'. Mission and Beauty make her the perfect partner for Skydiamond.
 
What was the moment in your life that you knew you had to dedicate your time to environmental issues ?

I first realised the urgency of the crisis when I was a teenager and I started looking at the science... That was nearly 20 years ago but the scientific picture was already very alarming. As a child I had been unmoved by environmental topics when they were presented to me in school, but I realised that the environment underpinned and impacted every other “rights” issue that I cared about. Over time my environmental concerns have deepened as the science has gotten starker - and the impacts felt more real. Meanwhile, my love of nature has also deepened - a beautiful and rewarding part of this journey!
 
How do you keep motivated when it feels one step forward and two steps back?

I don’t always feel motivated is the honest answer. The situation is overwhelming and sometimes it feels like there is so little that we as individuals - even as communities - can do. Yet, I try to remember the historical picture: that humans have achieved extraordinary things, and overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges, many times in the past. I also reflect on how much the environmental consciousness has grown in the last 20 years I’ve followed it; and I draw courage from all the people, organisations, and communities, who care about our earth and are trying to act on that care - the millions of small acts of kindness performed on a daily basis, or those who are radically innovating and building towards solutions (like Dale Vince!). All of these things make me realise that I (you - we) are not alone in facing this challenge, and that through working together, hope abounds.

What does a diamond represent to you?

Diamonds are such exquisite magical manifestations of nature; a clear prism that splits light into a rainbow! Yet in the past I think I felt guilt around diamonds, knowing they were mined, with obscure stories around the mining. Now with Skydiamond I can just dwell in their divine beauty without feeling guilty. For me, Skydiamond contain both beauty and hope: the beauty our natural world offers, and the hope offered by our crazy wild innovative species coming up with environmental solutions!
 
What would you say to Mother Nature if you could shout it up to the Sky?

Thank you!

Who or What are you currently most encouraged by that will help us deliver a more brilliant tomorrow for people or planet?