Maheep Sandhu, Community Climate Hubs Manager

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Maheep Sandhu, Community Climate Hubs Manager

Saturday Spotlight Series

· Climate Reality Canada Team

Maheep manages the Community Climate Hubs. Prior to this, he worked as a  Fellowship Coordinator and Partnerships Specialist at Student Energy, Special Assistant to a Member of Parliament and as a Junior Consultant for the Enlight Solar Academy in Uganda. He has a Bachelors of Global and International Studies from Carleton University, which is also where he co-founded and led organizations including Climate Action Carleton, and the student union’s sustainability advisory council. In addition to this, Maheep has participated in the Leading Change program, advised on federal climate finance policy, and directed a start-up social enterprise focusing on supporting community solar projects.

Why did you join the climate movement/what pushed you to become interested in climate change issues?

In university, I studied migration and learned that climate change will be the largest cause of human displacement. That initial lesson evolved into a research focus on climate policy, international cooperation, and community-led solutions. This led me into community climate organizing in the student movement. As I worked for the Enlight Institute in Uganda on solar labour development, and later at Student Energy supporting entrepreneurs and climate, I realized that empowering people and their communities to lead on climate action would be my passion and purpose.

What is one achievement you are proud of?

In September 2019, I led a team of organizers in mobilizing over 5,000 young people to take part in the global climate march in Ottawa, ON. This mobilization turned into momentum, and supported a new generation of local climate leaders.

What are some climate change initiatives you are currently taking part in?

I am proud to be a member of Climate Reality Project's team, to be an alumni of both the Student Energy global network and Leading Change, and to be an advisor to multiple grassroots climate organizations. I also love to take part in local climate organizing, and park clean ups.

What do you think is the most effective way for people to take climate action?

Collective action is always better suited for solving systemic problems like climate change. I would say whether your solution is starting a local project, or pushing for policy change, the best first step is to build a group of like-minded people in your community and go from there!

What is a fun fact about yourself?

2020 turned me into an absolute house-plant enthusiast. My apartment is basically a jungle.