Michaela Crimmin

"There isn't one big sustainability issue - they are all related - energy, water, conflict, consumption, politics, poverty, economics - we have to take them all on in their complexity and their inter-relatedness."

For Michaela, art is a great conversation opener and it provides a unique opportunity to explore the relationship between environmental issues and people. "I want to look more closely at what the cultural constituency is doing, and is able to do, and is thinking about, with respect to the really big issues such as conflict, migration, pollution, increasing populations and consumption, environmental degradation."

"The best thing about London is people's energy and diversity and creativity" and as a London Leader Michaela's challenge is to use this dynamic resource, engaging more of the cultural community in the sustainability of London.

In 2005 Michaela set up the Arts and Ecology programme at the Royal Society for the Encouragement of the Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce (RSA), to be a catalyst for the insights, inspiration and imagination of artists in responding to global environmental challenges and their social costs. "Artists have always had a powerful relationship with the natural environment. Equally artists continually question and re-examine society's notions of progress. We need their unique perspective on the enormous challenges ahead - on the relationship between environmental issues, and not least climate change, and people."

In the past Michaela has commissioned art for hospitals, schools and other public buildings, has directed Art for Architecture at the RSA and coordinated the Fourth Plinth series for Trafalgar Square, all of which have increased her understanding of the environment. "I always knew that sustainability meant ensuring a future for subsequent generations, but over recent years this has brought a meaning and urgency which is truly terrifying - a recognition that has gathered steam over the past years. I've realised that we must make better connections across areas of interest and expertise; we must waste less; we need to live differently."

Michaela believes that one of the biggest sustainability challenges facing London is actually overcoming the apathy and ease at which people ignore what is screaming out at us - and the sheer number of opportunities to consume in a city so brimming with temptations.

"It's not always easy and it's going to require imagination and will, but there are big opportunities in London for making a sustainable city. We're the financial capital of the world; we are multicultural and we are linked with the rest of the world probably better than anywhere else on earth. We have a charismatic leader in Ken Livingstone but we can't leave it entirely to the politicians. Leadership must take new forms - less top down, more of an inclusive movement."

My commitment
"As a London Leader my real aim is to engage more of the cultural community in sustainability in London. This could take the form of an Artists' Day, or supporting an 'Artist for London'; in contributing to the legacy for the Olympics; or in giving an increased profile to artists already working imaginatively on issues related to sustainability."