About me: I grew up in Ontario, and I have been living in Nova Scotia for the last 4 years. I have a combined honours degree in Environmental Sciences and Contemporary Studies, with a minor in Sustainability. During my studies, I specialized in environmental education, mapping equitable transportation systems and analyzing the manifestation of fear and collective action during the climate crisis. For me, it is important to always figure out ways to make talking about climate change as accessible and empowering as possible, especially within various local and regional communities.
My role: I am really happy that I have joined the Climate Reality Project Canada team as Community Climate Hubs Manager. My role is to provide leadership and guidance for the Hub network which supports citizen-led climate action at the municipal level. The Hub program is anchored in a decentralized, collaborative and ambitious approach and works to solve the climate crisis through public policy literacy and accountability from local leaders. A lot of my work is connecting people, whether they are members of the Hub network, or involved in municipalities or other organizations, together with one another to share knowledge and build momentum for climate action.
Why did you join the climate movement/what made you interested in climate change issues?
I became interested in climate change issues from a really young age – actually from a children’s book on climate change I got at a book fair. I always really enjoyed nature documentaries and felt like it was wrong for us as humans to impose the effects of human-caused climate change onto more ‘innocent’ animals. Now that I’ve grown up, that core idea still rings true. ‘Innocent’ animals, and many people, will suffer from the effects of climate change because of the choices a few have made. I feel drawn to climate issues because of the desire to help right the wrongs of the past to have a better future.
What accomplishment are you proud of?
I’m proud of helping organize many student strikes and rallies around climate change and Indigenous rights during my time as a student (not too long ago!) and even getting to speak at the legendary 2019 Global Strike Day.
What climate change initiatives are you currently involved in?
I’m currently involved in various community groups and projects that work on issues not directly related to the climate crisis, but still absolutely addressing it in a systemic way. These include supporting initiatives related to food justice and migrant rights, affordable housing, and racial justice.
What do you think is the most effective way for people to take action for the climate?
I think people need to reflect upon what they are interested in, what they are good at, and what is a need in their community (à la venn diagram prompt created by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson). It ensures that people maintain their drive, use their skills to the best of their abilities, and are able to fill a gap that is needed. I also think that, while it seems counter intuitive, slowing down is a really important way to take action. By slowing down I mean put time into reflecting on how much you consume, your lifestyle, how you are complicit within systems of oppression and capitalism, and how you can foster space to have conversations with others around the way we live. Another world is possible, but what will it look like?
What is a fun fact about you?
A fun fact about me is that I love to watch reality tv and crochet! I crocheted all my previous Christmas presents last year and usually do it while watching some sort of reality show.