Josh Adams is a community and social infrastructure advocate focused on empowering communities—particularly young people—to shape local climate and public health action. He coordinates health research and partnerships with marginalised communities globally and volunteers locally as a Steering Group Member for Horsforth Climate Action, where he uses creative, participatory methods to engage communities in climate solutions.
Josh has co-facilitated creative workshops with KS3 students on climate, health, and wellbeing, culminating in public spoken word performances. He has also collaborated with activists, local government, and researchers on participatory community conversations addressing issues like air quality and access to nature. His projects include a community festival attended by over 1,000 people, where youth-led initiatives—from bike-powered performances to sustainable craft workshops—were central to the programming, highlighting his commitment to youth empowerment and creative engagement.
He believes that a joined-up, sustainable, and socially just future requires breaking down siloes across sectors, communities, and disciplines, and fostering inclusive, equitable, and resilient systems. His practice emphasises co-creation, transparency, and meaningful participation, particularly for marginalised voices, while navigating challenges such as organisational risk aversion, sustaining engagement, and aligning diverse priorities across creative, climate, and public health initiatives.
Through the Practice-Builders’ Network, Josh hopes to share his experience in participatory engagement, citizen science, and creative climate action, while learning from peers about innovative, systemic approaches to socio-environmental justice. He aims to strengthen cross-sector partnerships, co-create solutions, and amplify youth and community voices, ensuring that climate action is inclusive, locally grounded, and impactful.