Hope through Action: Inspiring Youth at the Youth Climate Action Summit
Last month, I had the incredible honour of serving as a keynote speaker at the Youth Climate Action Summit hosted by the Frontenac Arch Biosphere at the Kingston Frontenac Library. The event brought together over 120 students from across Eastern Ontario, united by a shared commitment to combating climate change and building a sustainable future.
Sharing the stage for greater impact
As the saying goes, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." With this in mind, I invited my good friend Cedric Pepelea, an inspiring advocate working on energy programs in Indigenous communities, to join me on stage. Together, we crafted a 45-minute keynote talk, Hope Through Action, blending our diverse experiences to inspire and empower the next generation.
My Story: Drawing on my work with youth and transit initiatives, I shared how small, community-based actions can create ripple effects, sparking larger, systemic change.
Cedric’s Insights: Cedric highlighted the transformative power of Indigenous-led energy programs and the importance of integrating traditional knowledge into climate solutions.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The goal of our talk was simple yet powerful: to show that hope lies in action. We aimed to equip these young leaders with tangible ways to make an impact in their everyday lives and communities while fostering a sense of collective responsibility and optimism. Engaging with so many passionate young people, each eager to create change was truly inspiring. Their energy and ideas reinforced my belief that the fight against climate change isn’t just a challenge—it’s an opportunity to build stronger, more connected communities.
Learn More
To learn more about the event and the incredible work being done at the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, visit their event page.
Thank you to the Frontenac Arch Biosphere for hosting such a meaningful summit and to the students for reminding us that the future is full of hope when we act together.
