9:30PM // JUL 24, 2025

WATCH: Mac and Mike Speak At Final Climate Action Academy Session

See what Mac Agnese and Mike Buckley had to say at the Climate Action Academy…

U.S. SailGP Team pair Mike Buckley and Mac Agnese spoke at the final Climate Action Academy session on Wednesday, bringing the curtain down on six weeks of powerful and inspiring discussion.

The Climate Action Academy is an educational initiative – run in association with Sustained Futures – designed to empower young people with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to become leaders in ocean and climate advocacy.

Speaking from his home in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Mac said: “I think it comes down to knowing that your actions matter. Every individual can make a difference.

“And chances are, no matter how old you are, you’re a role model to someone – maybe a sibling, a friend, or someone in your community. When they see you making good choices for the environment, it sets an example and creates a ripple effect. That’s powerful.”

Asked what being a climate leader meant to him, Mac said: “For me, it’s about doing the little things right – understanding that every person and every action matters.

“For example, I live in the U.S. Virgin Islands, on an island in the Caribbean, and naturally, I spend a lot of time at the beach. Whenever I go, I try to pick up any trash I see, especially when I’m leaving. That small habit rubs off on my friends too. When they see me do it, they start doing it themselves. That kind of behavior is really infectious and creates a ripple effect.”

This was the sixth and final instalment of the first-ever Climate Action Academy and Mike joined to reflect on the important and powerful discussions that had taken place in that time – including hosting two members of the group at the team’s Tech Base during last weekend’s Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix.

“Being part of this has been a great experience,” Mike said. “It’s been incredible to meet people in person in Portsmouth. You saw the photos – our team base was full of new friends we made through this effort. And that’s what it’s all about, right?

“Change is hard. It took me a long time to realize that no one likes change – until it’s proven. When you're working to create change, expect pushback. It's easy for people to criticize from the sidelines, especially on social media. But once you prove the change is positive, those same people can become your biggest supporters. That’s something we always try to remember – on the water and in our business.

“It’s a privilege to be part of something where so many young people genuinely care about making the world a better place.”