Hope Through Action: A Journey to Inspire Youth Climate Leaders
In November 2024, I had the privilege of joining my friend Dan Hendry as a co-keynote speaker at the Youth Climate Action Summit, hosted by the Frontenac Arch Biosphere at the Kingston Frontenac Library. Standing before an audience of 120 bright, passionate students from across Eastern Ontario was a moment of reflection, gratitude, and hope for the future.
Our keynote, Hope Through Action, was more than a talk—it was a dialogue about the power of everyday actions and community-driven efforts to address the challenges of climate change.
Collaboration That Inspires Change
Dan, a trailblazer in youth transit initiatives, brought his unique perspective on how sustainable transportation can transform communities. He shared inspiring stories of how small shifts in behavior and mindset can lead to large-scale change.
For my part, I focused on the work I’ve been fortunate to do in Indigenous communities, leading energy programs that blend traditional knowledge with modern solutions. These programs are a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Indigenous peoples, offering powerful lessons for how we can approach climate solutions with respect, creativity, and inclusion.
Together, we hoped to show these students that no action is too small and that collaboration amplifies impact. As the saying goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Hope Lies in Action
What struck me most was the energy in the room—the questions, the ideas, and the passion these young leaders brought to the summit. They reminded me that hope is not just a feeling; it’s something we create through action.
I left the event inspired by their commitment to building a sustainable future and reaffirmed in my belief that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the leaders of today.
Learn More
Dan has captured the spirit of the event in a blog post that I encourage you to check out: Read the Blog Here.
Thank you to the Frontenac Arch Biosphere for hosting such a transformative event and to the students who made it so memorable. The future is bright when we act together.
