Canada

Vancouver, BC, Canada                                          SEE OTHER BIOS HERE 
Age: 18

Stephanie founded and leads a youth organization focused on promoting all aspects of sustainability.

Tell us about yourself!

Two years ago, I started the Sprout-Save-Share initiative, a project focused on youth environmentalism and minimizing waste.

Through this initiative, and specifically focusing on environmental education, I started the Straw Pledge project. Through this project, we hand out free reusable straws to people in the community, with the goal of having an open conversation about sustainability and helping others become more aware about the plastic they are using. I believe some lifestyle changes are often presented in aggressive ways, and people can feel annoyed or uncomfortable from activists pushing their beliefs upon them. As these methods are not encouraging to members of the community, I find giving them the gift of a reusable straw is a great way to start promoting personal sustainability. Most people respond kindly to our offers, and are even excited about using less plastic. At the end of our conversation about plastic pollution, we ask the person receiving the straw if they will pledge to stop using disposable straws altogether. Through a $1500 grant, we have purchased and distributed 2,250 reusable straws across Canada!

In my senior year of high school, I also co-chaired the Vancouver School Board Sustainability Conference, an event that brings together over 200 students annually for a day of workshops, speakers, and networking. This fall, I will be studying engineering at the University of British Columbia, and I hope to major in a sustainability-related field and be able to create impact on a larger scale!

What inspired you to become a champion for environmental education?

Growing up in Vancouver, British Columbia, and being surrounded by mountains and green spaces made it easy for me to fall in love with nature. However, I can pinpoint one particularly transformational moment from the summer of 2017 when I attended Metro Vancouver’s Sustainability Toolbox, a sustainability leadership program for high school students.

On our camping trip, it was late one night and a few of us were feeling restless. We decided to go on a short walk down to a nearby bridge. I remember lying down on the creaky planks of wood, feeling the fresh air against my skin, and looking up at the night sky. I had never seen that many stars before! It was so quiet, with only the wildlife stirring and river humming. The only things that mattered in that moment were the trees and the stars, and I felt a sense of peace and wonder that I had not felt in a very long time. I feel selfish keeping that experience to myself and not allowing future generations to experience it too, so I decided I wasn’t going to sit idle any longer, and I started Sprout-Save-Share!

What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders that are looking to bring about positive change in their communities through EE?

Don’t be afraid of doing something big, but also don’t worry about not doing enough! Climate change and the environment are huge topics, so don’t feel too overwhelmed by all the problems. A few years ago, someone told me, “If people aren’t doubting your dreams, they aren’t big enough,” and I’ve tried to live by that saying!

What keeps you motivated, inspired, or hopeful for the future?

While many aspects of our lives segregate us, I believe our passions are what bring us together. Through sustainability, I’ve been able to be part of a kind, caring, and motivated community of environmental activists, which always keeps me hopeful and inspired!

If you had to live in one place for the rest of your life, where would it be?

I have lived in Vancouver for my whole life and I love it here! Although I would love to explore and travel, I still see myself settling down in Vancouver. I just don’t think I can leave the mountains and the water in the Pacific Northwest. With a question like this, it sounds like I would be forcefully tied down to one place, but in reality it’s my hope that I can live in Vancouver long-term!

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Medicine Hat, AB, Canada                                      SEE OTHER BIOS HERE
Age: 24

Jasveen is passionate about the polar regions, oceans, and how best to engage youth in these spaces.

Tell us about yourself!

I was born in Vancouver but raised in Medicine Hat, Alberta, which is known for its natural gas deposits and has thus been dubbed “the gas city,” or more popularly “hell’s basement”. I loved growing up in Medicine Hat, exploring the prairies and being so close to the mountains. It, however, was not a place that emphasized environmental stewardship. In school, we learned about the basics of global warming, but our role in this crisis was never explained. I learned about anthropogenic climate change and the climate crisis through film and literature. I was able to build upon what I was learning in school through these mediums. My curiosity for the environment and nature led me to the Atlantic Ocean (indeed, Canada’s Ocean playground), where I completed a B.Sc. in Biology and Environment, Sustainability and Society.

I have recently wrapped up my year with Ocean Bridge as a member of their 2018 cohort. I was one of 40 youth from across Canada that was selected to be part of this program where we worked on ocean conservation, ocean literacy and ocean health projects from coast to coast to coast. Working closely with Ocean Wise, I helped facilitate service projects across the country by and for youth. The projects included Oceans Arcade (day of learning about learning to code video games focusing on at-risk Pacific Ocean species) and Oceans Month (a month-long celebration with over 14 events and workshops that focused on ocean literacy, nature and youth leadership). I have also been involved with Our Poles Our Planet (OPOP), leading OPOP’s Halifax conference and serving as the National Outreach Director to engage hundreds of youth across Canada in a day of polar education and action.

What inspired you to become a champion for environmental education?

I’m not sure that I would consider myself to be a champion per say, but rather an explorer. I’d say that my path has been one of self-discovery. From the sciences to sustainability, and a little bit of everything in between, I have been able to explore and learn about the earth in such meaningful ways. Five years ago, I participated in an expedition with Students On Ice to Antarctica, where I met youth and educators from around the world and was able to learn in ways I never had before.

There was one particular moment from that expedition that I still think of very often. Towards the end of the trip, we landed on Bailey Island, which is home to half a million chinstrap penguins. As we explored the island, watching penguins interact and trying to spot newborn chicks, we stumbled across a plastic water bottle between nests. In that moment, I felt the connectedness of the world – that our decisions and actions not only impact our own communities, but also places as isolated and pristine as the Polar Regions.

Since then, I have always tried to have a meaningful and positive impact. This drive has led to me many opportunities and collaborations across Canada and the world. From workshops on the SDGs, to a conference bringing Polar knowledge and research to communities across Canada – the central themes of my projects and passions are storytelling, education, and community engagement.

What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders that are looking to bring about positive change in their communities through EE?

When I started my environmental journey, I wasn’t sure where to start or how to use the skills and tools that I had. So, I began with getting involved with groups and organizations around me. Through that, I was able to learn about the issues my community was facing, the topics that were not being discussed, and the skills that I needed to develop. I encourage you to always be learning – there is so much available to us outside of a classroom, in books, from our peers, and especially from nature.

Some other tips:

• Advocate for specific spots and spaces for youth – it’s important that we have inclusive platforms where our voices can be heard, rather than have someone make those decisions for us
• Share your passions and stories with anyone and everyone – you never know what connections you will make
• Apply to any and all opportunities that you come across – especially those that you think you’re not qualified for!
• Hold yourself accountable – set small and large goals and continuously check in with yourself

What keeps you motivated, inspired, or hopeful for the future?

Having time in nature is very important to me. It’s difficult to access it from time to time, but it’s an important balance to have in life. With the current state of the climate crisis, I think it’s very easy to be overwhelmed by the magnitude of the issues that we are facing. Climate burnout is very real, and we live in a society that is very ‘hustle’ based. As important as it is to work towards your missions and your goals, it’s just as important to pause and reflect. So, walking through forests, climbing mountains, or swimming in the oceans is where I am able to ground myself, reflect, and recharge.

As for inspiration, I would say that my family and friends are what keep me motivated and hopeful for the future. I am so fortunate to have such an inspiring and passionate community that reaches from the corners of Canada to places like Australia. My network is filled with so many incredible youth who are having a positive impact globally. When I see the obstacles that they face and how they overcome them, it keeps me motivated to continue to do what I do.

If you could be any animal or plant, what would you be and why?

A willow tree. They symbolize imagination, intuition, and vision, which I think are important values to have. There is also something so calming about willow trees and their drooping branches, that make them so inviting to climb and play on.

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2021 EE 30 Under 30 Changemaker Grant Project
Generation Wild: An Exploration of Youth-led Conservation in Canada (with Connel Bradwell)

Generation Wild is an online educational digital media series designed to showcase the work of young Canadian environmentalists as they seek to address and mitigate the biggest environmental issues impacting our planet; the climate crisis and biodiversity loss.

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EE 30 Under 30 Biography

Halifax, NS, Canada                               
Age: 24

Erinn works to connect others to the natural environment through outdoor guiding and storytelling. 

Tell us about yourself!

I was born and raised in the coastal city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, but my love for public lands, conservation, and recreation has taken me around the world as both a guide and as a traveler. I have worked on environmental education projects ranging from public education about arctic national parks to a documentary focused on an Indigenous-stewarded trail in the wilderness of the Northwest Territories through Trails in Tandem. Most recently I have been working as a guide and naturalist in the polar regions with high school students and tourists, sharing my passion for the arctic and Antarctica with as many people as possible. I am now studying Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Management at Penn State University with a focus on national parks and Leave No Trace principals. After my studies, I hope to continue working full-time in conservation advocacy and environmental education.

First and foremost, I am a champion for the environment because I love spending time in healthy ecosystems and wild places. Most of my happiest memories come from my experiences immersed in nature, from childhood through my early adulthood. I learned long ago that not everyone has the same access to (or connection with) wild and natural spaces that I have, and I am passionate about connecting people with opportunities to get outside and build a relationship with nature. I am always trying to engage in formal or informal environmental education in the hopes of encouraging environmental stewardship and positive environmental ethics and behaviors. I truly believe that in order to protect the natural environment, more of us must develop a profound respect for the value of nature in all of its forms – and this respect and understanding starts with environmental education.

What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders that are looking to bring about positive change in their communities through EE?

The power of environmental education is endless. Every student, old or young, who has the opportunity to learn from an environmental educator is impacted in ways that can’t always be measured. Whether you’re working in a classroom setting, unconventional education, or even just sharing your passion for the environment with friends and family, environmental education is an important piece of the puzzle to protect the environment and move toward a more sustainable planet.  

What keeps you motivated, inspired, or hopeful for the future?

The astounding power of nature is a strong source of inspiration for my work in environmental advocacy and education. Whenever I get the opportunity to be fully immersed in a natural setting with minimal human development, I am reminded of why I have chosen this professional path. Even more motivating, though, are the opportunities to facilitate and guide other peoples’ experiences in nature, and help them to connect with the plants, animals, or geology around them. Seeing the wonder in others’ eyes the first time they see a penguin, a polar bear, the view from a mountain peak, or the endless arctic tundra, I am more motivated to continue protecting and educating about these incredible places.

I would be an Arctic Tern. An Arctic Tern isn’t only beautiful to watch diving for food or flying through the air, but it also has incredible strength and endurance. Every year the Arctic Tern flies over 35,000 miles from the arctic to Antarctica and back again, completing the longest animal migration on earth. Since I love the polar regions and have always wanted to fly carbon free, the life of an arctic tern seems pretty idyllic.

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Ottawa, ON, Canada                                            SEE OTHER BIOS HERE
Age: 29

Adam leads a national environmental education network in Canada, connecting people and creating curriculum on climate change and sustainability. 

Tell us about yourself!

I currently am the Chair of the Canadian Network for Environmental Education & Communication (EECOM), Canada’s national network of environmental learning. As a Board Director for the last three years, I have helped with our annual conferences, awards, communications, and strategic planning. One of the most exciting initiatives I am currently involved in is discussions on integrating Reconciliation within our organization, as well as the broader EE community in Canada.

In my day job I am a Youth Program Specialist with Scouts Canada. I started my career there leading STEM and environmental programming, and now head a program promoting the Sustainable Development Goals across our membership. I work alongside many volunteers, environmental non-profits, and other partners who are helping us explore how to fight climate change, reduce inequality, and eradicate poverty through domestic and international Scouting. Before joining the Scouts, I worked at the Canada Science & Technology Museum and created a series of lesson plans on climate change adaptation and mitigation, as well as some energy literacy projects.

I have witnessed a lot of great programming, curriculum, and organizations taking up environmental education within the K-12 and nonformal education systems. I worked across Canada looking at sustainability practices in schools during my Master’s research at the Sustainability & Education Policy Network in Saskatchewan. I also have taught environmental education in elementary classrooms and for university student teachers, and led groups of international students through Canada’s Rocky Mountains the last ten years.

Vaughan, Ontario, Canada
Age: 25

Tell us a bit about yourself!

My education at OCAD University ignited my passion for interior design, architecture, and urban planning. Inspired by my studies in Environmental Design with a focus in Interior Design, my partner and I opened our own interior design studio, Level Studio Inc., to promote our creative and sustainable interior solutions and help our community live a sustainable lifestyle. While at OCADU, I was a part of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) and Environmental Defense Canada (EDC). I was also invited as a Canadian Representative to two Education for Sustainable Development Leadership conferences hosted by UNESCO, in Portugal and Paris, to further my skills as an environmental youth leader.

My hope is to become an environmental leader and empower students to bring sustainability into their schools and homes. Today, my studio is working to create a social initiative that encourages youth to create sustainable artwork and designs with the goal in of further educating their communities about sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our hope is to encourage the young people we work with to pursue careers in the sustainability field.

What inspired you to become a champion for the environment and environmental education?

My involvement in FEE, YRE, and EDC inspired me to become a champion for environmental education. At the Next Green Journalist competition hosted by the YRE, I had the privilege of experiencing and investigating Sweden’s recycling program to cut consumer waste and Portugal's Blue Flag program to reduce microplastics and litter in their marinas. My perspective changed when I was able to explore Southeast Asia, Iceland, Canada, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands; learn about sustainability and design theory in every city; and witness the causes and effects of global warming. Drawing on my passion for photography and design, I photographed the natural environments and used social media to teach and advocate about what is happening around the world.

Each of my experiences has inspired me to become a champion for environmental education. I hope to provide opportunities for today’s youth to have similar formative experiences and empower them to contribute to reaching the SDGs by 2030.

My advice is, we are all in this together. Do not lose hope in sustainability, because our world needs it now more than ever. My generation needs you to take the torch and continue to lead the way. When you are out there, remember that we cannot do this all alone. If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. Keep being an inspiration to the next generation.

If you had to live in one place for the rest of your life, where would it be?

After much thought, I would choose Toronto. It is a vibrant community with a thriving, young scene for entrepreneurship, activism, and social innovation. I currently live in the suburbs of Toronto and have spent half of my life in the city, and there is certainly a lot of work to be done to shape-up a young city like Toronto. Though I have been around the world and visited many cities, there is always something special about returning home.

What pro-environmental behavior do you think would make a big impact if everyone in the world started doing it?

Becoming educated about waste disposal and how to conserve resources. In North America, it seems like we have an abundance of resources and those are taken for granted. But if we build more awareness of our water and electricity use and proper waste disposal methods through educational workshops or videos, then together we can really make a huge impact.

Wikwemikong First Nation, Canada
Age: 14

Autumn is a Canadian water activist and she advocates for clean drinking in First Nations communities and across Mother Earth. She comes from Wikwemikong First Nation/Manitoulin Island and is from Ojibway/Odawa heritage. Autumn has travelled far and wide to carry the message of the importance of clean water and the Sacredness of Water. She has spoken at the United Nations World Water Day on March 22, 2018, been honoured by the Assembly of First Nations as a water protector, and recently travelled to Stockholm, Sweden, for World Water Week in August 2018, invited by the United Nations as a Keynote speaker. Autumn has also been honoured by the Ontario Lieutenant Governor with the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers for her exceptional advocacy and being an exceptional conservationalist. Autumn was also recognized and honoured as an Ontario Junior Citizen for her advocacy work and won a WE Day award for Youth in Action (12 & under).  Autumn continues her work for access to clean water for the Indigenous Community and Indigenous People across the world.

Follow Autumn here!

2021 EE 30 Under 30 Changemaker Grant Project
Environmental education in a COVID-affected rural community

Green Hope Foundation’s project is using environmental education to build resilience in a rural community impacted by COVID-19. The project’s overall goal is to teach the children about their local environment, hygiene, and sanitation education that will improve their health of the village. They will learn how to segregate and dispose of their household waste, reducing pollution of their water source and thereby ensuring conservation of its biodiversity. In this manner, this project is creating a scalable model that creates resilient communities, that are low-carbon and in balance with a healthy eco-system.

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EE 30 Under 30 Biography

Toronto, Canada
Age: 18

Tell us a bit about yourself!

I am the Founder and President of the youth sustainability organization, Green Hope Foundation, through which I work to educate and empower children and youth globally. We engage youth in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) process through ground-level, community-centric projects on climate justice, halting land degradation, promoting sustainable consumption and renewable energy, and biodiversity conservation, as well as gender equality and social justice. Green Hope now has over 1000 members across Canada, Suriname, the Middle East, India, and Nepal, and has engaged thousands of young people and adults through workshops and conferences around the implementation of the SDGs.

I am also the winner of the 2016 International Children’s Peace Prize, and at the age of 12 I was elected as the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Global Coordinator for Children & Youth, making me the youngest person and the first ever minor in history to be elected for this position. A passionate advocate of children’s rights, I am also a United Nations Human Rights Champion and actively support the UN’s #StandUp4HumanRights campaign. In my role as the voice for children and youth, I have spoken at over 75 United Nations and other international summits across over twenty countries. Additionally, I was appointed as the Youth Ambassador of World Future Council, Honorary Advisor for the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development in New York, a Climate Reality Leader, and member of the Global Advisory Council for Young Men 4 Gender Equality, Earth Echo International Youth Leadership Council, KidsRights Youngsters, and World Oceans Day Youth Advisory Council.

What inspired you to become a champion for the environment and environmental education?

I was born on World Environment Day (5th June), and thus I feel it was pre-ordained that I should grow up to be an eco-warrior. When I was very young, I saw the image of a dead bird on TV with its stomach full of plastic. I was deeply moved by this and decided to do something about it. I began by planting a tree on my 8th birthday, went around my neighborhood urging shops and businesses to recycle and avoid using plastic, and organized tree planting events and community recycling campaigns. As a result I was chosen to attend the 2011 TUNZA International Children and Youth Conference in Bandung, Indonesia, where I spoke to thousands of youth from across the world about the role of youth in making difference in environmental conservation. This was my first step into the international arena. The following year, at age 12, I attended the Rio+20 Earth Summit as the youngest delegate to address a press conference on the World Day to Combat Desertification. On my return from Rio+20, I established Green Hope with some friends to provide young people with a platform to take action.

I have not looked back since. Today, Green Hope has over 1000 youth members, some as young as 6 years old, who are taking ground-level action across the world.

What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders that are looking to bring about positive change in their communities through EE?

My advice to the next generation of leaders is to have self-conviction and follow your passion. Change begins with one person, and my story thus far is a testament to that.

I firmly believe that every young person has the potential to be a change-maker. All we need is an opportunity. When I founded Green Hope with some friends in 2012, I never imagined that in a few years it would be a global organization, empowering children and youth in many countries. I have always followed my passion and have not been deterred by challenges and cynicism. I have been a victim of cyberbullying, stalked, and even had threats of physical violence, but with the support of my parents I have faced these challenges and come out stronger.

If you had to live in one place for the rest of your life, where would it be?

The Amazon rainforest. I recently had the opportunity to lead a Green Hope team to Suriname, invited the cabinet of the President of Suriname. Suriname is the world’s most forested country, with 93% forest cover, and during our two-week project I experienced first-hand the amazing natural beauty of the Amazon and its rich biodiversity. This country is a great example of people living in harmony with nature, and a vindication that it is possible to achieve economic development while preserving the environment.

What pro-environmental behavior do you think would make a big impact if everyone in the world started doing it?

I am a strong advocate of planting trees. Along with my Green Hope team, I have planted over 15,000 trees across the world. Trees have a direct impact on the environment and help offset our carbon footprint. At all of our workshops and conferences, I urge participants to plant trees to create a positive impact. If every person on this planet started planting trees, we would effectively combat global warming and reach a zero-carbon state.

Vancouver, Canada
Age: 19

Tell us a bit about yourself!

I just completed my first year at the University of Toronto, double majoring in economics and environmental science, with the intention of working in environmental policy and sustainable development. At the regional level, I previously chaired the Vancouver School Board Sustainability Conference, to support youth leadership in environmental action and advocacy. It brought together hundreds of students from ten school districts to learn about environmental issues and solutions, cross-collaborate on ideas and initiatives, and network with community organizations and groups.

I am also the co-founder of Our Poles Our Planet, another youth-focused educational initiative dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of the polar regions. The organization started after venturing out on an expedition to the Eastern Canadian and Greenlandic Arctic, when my co-founder and I realized there was a lack of young Canadians working to preserve this region. As a result, we ran a national campaign with conferences in four cities across Canada, engaging hundreds of youth in the process.

Finally, in my spare time, I have delivered presentations and talks at various events, schools and conferences about youth empowerment and environmental action.

What inspired you to become a champion for the environment and environmental education?

I’ve always been fascinated by intersectionality in sustainability, and the translation of those concepts into public perception and policy. For me, it was the juxtaposition of having a love for nature, while living in a country that is being destroyed by the industries it depends on, that spurred my curiosity for sustainable development.

My parents are Chinese immigrants that came from humble beginnings. As a result, I was always reminded to treasure what I had, to be cautious with the choices I made, and to never waste any spare resources. This mindset evolved into my focus on sustainability. I grew up on the Pacific coast, framed by the ocean, Rockies and old-growth forests. To imagine these natural wonders eliminated or tarnished broke my heart. All I have to do is look outside to remind myself about why we do what we do. Luckily, I have been surrounded by mentors and teachers that encourage me to act on this passion, which is something I also hope to pass on to the next generation.

What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders that are looking to bring about positive change in their communities through EE?

One of the things that has surprised me the most in my work is how supportive and receptive others are when you share your passions with them. Whether it is your teacher, professor, politician, or mentor, simply reaching out and communicating your goals can be enough to kickstart an initiative. I encourage you to have the courage and persistence to voice your thoughts.

What pro-environmental behavior do you think would make a big impact if everyone in the world started doing it?

Although many citizens both enjoy and support the protection of natural areas, there is often a lack of involvement at the political level. I’d love to see more people pay attention to government proposals and laws, and voice their stance on them to ensure that what we want to see in our daily lives is actually translated into practice. For example, in addition to supporting the protection of endangered species, we can sign petitions and write letters to government officials to increase funding for specific initiatives or create larger protected areas. By doing so, we can ensure greater accountability for the government, and also guarantee the conservation of our environment.

If you could be any animal or plant, what would you be and why?

I started teaching at the Vancouver Aquarium as a public educator at the age of 14. There, I encountered two rescued harbor porpoises that I spent the majority of my time with. I can think of no better animal to represent me.

Often mistaken for baby dolphins, these small cetaceans were typically ignored by the public as they lacked the acrobatic prowess of their distant cousins. Yet, with a little patience, you will discover their incredible intelligence, undeniable curiosity, and innate sense of humor. They also have a natural optimistic appearance, with a thoughtful smile. Often traveling alone or in small pods, their quiet nature mirrors my natural introverted personality. Also, harbor porpoises are weaker and slower than dolphins, and as a result, cannot afford drawing attention to themselves since they can’t outswim their predators. I similarly lack more or less any physical ability outside of dragon boating.

Clearly, we share a love for water. Also, as a porpoise, I would be able to experience the diversity of life beneath the waves. With a range spanning the majority of coastal waters in the northern hemisphere, I could explore all of Earth’s oceans. These animals are also integral to the ecosystem, serving as a balance for fish and mollusk populations. I’d like to think I fulfill a necessary role in our world as well.