How Youth Climate Lab is empowering next generation leaders in climate resilience
Wawanesa is investing $2 million annually to build more climate-resilient communities through our Wawanesa Climate Champions program. In this feature, we’re pleased to introduce one of our partners, Youth Climate Lab, a global non-profit organization engaging youth to help create climate-resilient futures.
Alexandra Kelly and Kash Gaur think a lot about climate change. They’re putting those thoughts into action to make a difference, thanks to Youth Climate Lab (YCL). The non-profit organization empowers young people to become leaders in the climate space.
Alexandra and Kash were selected to participate in a seven-month program run by YCL called the Research, Activate, Deepen Cohort (RAD Cohort). Along with 26 others from across Canada, aged 18-30, they developed climate action projects to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
Alexandra’s spotlight on microplastics
With the production of plastics for all kinds of products, there’s a growing concern about tiny particles called microplastics turning up in water, animals, and other food sources. To drive awareness about the growing issue, Alexandra organized a webinar for youth for her RAD Cohort project featuring five speakers from across North America. They delved into their research on the impact of microplastics on human health and the environment.
“Although we might not be physically eating a spoonful of plastic, we are eating the things that are eating the plastic, which is concerning,” says Alexandra.
Alexandra, is enrolled at the University of Ottawa, studying biomedical science and environmental studies. She plans to use her new connections and knowledge to learn more about environmental impacts on health. Her goal is to get into medical school and study endocrinology. “We know that microplastics and chemicals are impacting us, I’d like to find out who’s most affected, who’s ingesting it the most and what does this mean for future generations.”
Kash’s composting workshop
When it comes to waste, 41 per cent of what we generate is organic waste that comes directly from our kitchen and yard. When this ends up in the landfill as garbage it creates greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Kash would like more people to compost organic waste instead. His RAD Cohort project is to build composters and give them away to community members at an educational workshop.
Kash says he watches his own carbon footprint, but through this program he can make a bigger impact.
“RAD has given me a platform, mentors and financial support to share it with other people,” says Kash. “It empowered me to do what I like by providing the support I needed.”
Kash wants to keep the momentum going and use his new connections to educate more people about composting. He’d love to see communities in Winnipeg, where he lives, establish their own compost stations.
Using radical collaboration
Youth Climate Lab brings people together from across Canada who are passionate about climate change issues and want to make a difference. Since it was established in 2017, its library of resources, programs and connections keeps growing. It gives participants an opportunity to learn, share and collaborate.
“So many youth are worried about what the world will be like when they grow up,” says Kate Ashwood, Impact Manager for Youth Climate Lab. “When they can connect with each other and share those feelings they can also find ways forward to feel useful and make an impact.”
“Together, we’re building a future where youth are at the forefront of climate action.”
Learn more about Youth Climate Lab at youthclimatelab.org. / Instagram / LinkedIn