Elijah McKenzie-Jackson is a British visual artist, climate justice activist, and co-founder of WaicUp.org, a global nonprofit empowering Gen Z to lead climate action through art, policy advocacy, and storytelling. Recognized as one of the world’s most influential climate protestors by The New York Times, Elijah has been at the forefront of environmental activism since the age of 15, using his creative voice to drive systemic change.

Elijah’s work spans prestigious platforms, having delivered speeches at the UK Parliament, the EU Parliament, the House of Lords, multiple United Nations Climate Conferences, and the White House. A pivotal organizer of the Youth Strike for Climate, he played a key role in launching and sustaining Fridays for Future UK, spearheading England’s largest environmental protest in September 2019, which mobilized over 100,000 demonstrators. His activism extends beyond borders—traveling to the Amazon Rainforest with The Guardian, collaborating with Indigenous leaders like Chief Raoni, and engaging with global changemakers.

In 2021, Elijah led a landmark campaign with WaicUp, Coal Action Network, submitting a petition with 111,475 signatures to the UK government, triggering a public inquiry that ultimately halted the controversial West Cumbria coal mine. This victory solidified his reputation as a force for environmental policy change, blending grassroots activism with strategic impact.

In the art world, Elijah’s bold, thought-provoking creations merge retro aesthetics with contemporary protest language, earning acclaim for their social and political resonance. His sculpture There’s No Place Like Home debuted on Times Square billboards and was hailed as “the world’s most expensive megaphone” by The UK Reporter. His work has been featured in British Vogue, BBC, and Business Insider, and he has contributed to literary works such as A Bigger Picture by Vanessa Nakate and The Nature of Change, a collective activist anthology.

Elijah’s influence has reached iconic institutions and leaders—live-drawing President Biden, President Clinton, and Prince Harry at the Clinton Global Initiative, painting the cover art for the United Nations Climate Communication White Paper, and collaborating with the Captain Planet Foundation for their 2024 annual gala. His commitment to bridging activism and art has led to a groundbreaking partnership with Meta’s Social Impact team, amplifying youth perspectives on a global scale.

A fierce advocate for climate justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and Indigenous sovereignty, Elijah’s activism is deeply personal. Growing up with gay parents and openly identifying as bisexual, he champions intersectional environmentalism, ensuring that marginalized voices remain at the heart of climate action. As a United Nations Together band Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goals 13 & 14 and the youngest member of Insider’s One Planet Advisory Council, he continues to push boundaries, shaping the next generation of changemakers.

His digital artwork Bloody Nostalgia captivated audiences worldwide, amassing over 300,000 views within 24 hours of launch, with Meta’s @Instagram praising his ability to convey “such a powerful message through art.” The Industry Times has described him as “a visionary in contemporary art” and “the meteoric rise of an art prodigy,” solidifying his place as one of the most innovative voices in modern activism.

His journey—spanning policy rooms, protest streets, and art galleries—embodies a new era of activism where creativity fuels revolution.