A Creative Approach To Climate Change | Finnegan Harries | TEDxTeen

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Published 2017-12-20

Climate change is a fact. Calling all creatives. Finnegan Harries is a British designer and an architect-in-training at Parsons School of Design.

In 2011, he founded the popular YouTube blog JacksGap with his twin brother Jack Harries. The blog has more than 4.1 million subscribers and 200 million views. The brothers have used their influence on YouTube and social media to drive dialogue around social and environmental challenges such as mental health and climate change.

In 2015, Finn moved from London to New York to pursue a degree in architecture at Parsons School of Design. He will graduate in 2018. Finn also sits on the Executive Board of an American 501(c)(3) non-profit called The School Fund, where he advises on design and digital strategy. The School Fund provides scholarships to ambitious students in developing countries by crowdfunding what is needed and distributing grants through local partners in the countries where they work. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

All Comments (21)

@EmmyHucker 6 years ago

It's so wonderful to witness two brothers on YouTube blossom into thoughtful young men, and to have them utilise their platform for good ❤
@aylenvaldez1997 6 years ago

the fact that he (and jack) are doing such amazing work makes me so proud. they were just boys who made videos on youtube and now look at them, literally changing the world.
@ximenag8244 6 years ago

When I first saw you on Jacksgap years ago, I just thought you were funny and handsome but now that I know what you are up to I really think you're such an charming, creative and incredible person with a huge heart. Everyone who has met you is really truly lucky and maybe you won't read this but it feels good to speak it out, i wish you the best in all your proyects and i'm shure you will make a change, if it doesn't is in the environment it will be in the people who follows you
@chaninartp8850 6 years ago

From kids in JacksGap Channel, you two have come so far. I'm so proud of both of you, Finn and Jack.
@haniihii3188 6 years ago

Two normal kids in Jacksgap channel, became two creative men. Time is go fast, what am I do.....? I am so proud of them, I should move on, too. They are really inspire me.
@123quatro5seis 6 years ago

So used to listening to Jack's speech on videos and stuff, it's nice to hear from Finn too, such an important issue no one talks about, those two inspire me a whole lot. I'll never forget them, they're changing and ispiring my generation, our generation 😊
@cigdemcilce4689 6 years ago

he really grew up❤️
@123quatro5seis 6 years ago

Kinda miss Jacksgap :(
@elenaaquino566 6 years ago

Thank you Finn, since day one that I saw your youtube channel with your brother you have inspired me not only to take action into things that matter such as environmental impact or education problems nowaday, but to inspire people to do it too . I hope someday people will hear my voice and much others' too, so glad that people like you have that great opportunity. Hopefully this is the key to change, great speach man. Love from Spain ❤
@phantomx3.0 6 years ago

I remember watching Jack and Finn as young boys on Jacksgap. I've watch them grow into great gentlemen. It's so amazing and inspiring to see how far they have come.
@melozanob 6 years ago

Finn: mentions Jack a single tear rolls down my face Ok, seriously though. "Our Changing Climate" has been very present in my life throughout the past year. It stuck with me so so much and has inspired me to take the chances that I have and plan out a social service for my school which I should be starting pretty soon, as well as taking part in my cousin's recycling projects. I'm really proud of what you two have become, and I'm forever grateful of the great influence you have on an audience that has followed you for many years. I really do hope the impact is even greater.
@anni_was_here 6 years ago

So so proud of you Finn for following your passion!! I'm not going to lie, I miss JacksGap dearly and it was a huge part of my life during its prime. But I'm still a fan of you and Jack and can't wait to watch you both on your new adventures. 💜
@123quatro5seis 6 years ago

Gotta be honest though...I sort of pushed climate change to the back of my mind too, but now after listening to Finn, mate, I'm so worried 😂😂 It's quite a scary thought if you stop to think about it
@user-ju3mt4et6s 6 years ago

My teen hero Finn is on TED!!!!!! Can't believe it XD
@ennuiedits 6 years ago

oh my gosh I just took a glance back at some of my old footage and realized I haven't watched finn or his brother jack since I was in middle school. now seeing this I'm so emotional. he's used his platform for such good in the world. I still love finn 😭❤️
@factbeaglesarebest 5 years ago

He and his brother are very inspirational. Went from funny YouTube videos to actively making the word a better place in a significant change.
@nicoletara353 6 years ago

Finn's name is actually Finnegan lol
@Kaelyn99 6 years ago

his accent is not as heavy as it used to be or is that just me?? also this is so weird to see where Finn is now when I remember how young he was when I first saw him on YouTube however many years ago.... so much has changed wow
@tamro_koba 6 years ago

I’m SO PROUD to follow Finn and Jack through yeas and see them grow and progress! Such an example of intelligent young people who impact in their life and not just make money of YouTube videos like tags, vlogs and ect.They grow and become real leaders. I support every thought expressed in this speech. Thank you ❤️
@mara1341 6 years ago

Both of you brothers are making me so, incredibly proud. I'm honoured to have been a part of your wonderful journey.