EcoYouth Summit 2024: Launching a New Generation of Environmental Leaders
Hosted by Ecology Ottawa and its EcoYouth Council, the Summit created a space for youth to share ideas, learn from experienced changemakers, and begin shaping solutions to environmental issues affecting their communities.
Inspiring Speakers
The Summit featured presentations from a diverse group of speakers representing environmental advocacy, research, Indigenous leadership, and municipal government:
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Emily Trembley
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Alex Neufeldt
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Ottawa City Councillor Stephanie Plante
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Dara Wawatie-Chabot
Each speaker shared unique perspectives on climate action, civic engagement, environmental leadership, and community organizing, inspiring participants to become more engaged in creating positive change.
Émilie Tremblay is a registered nurse, University of Ottawa doctoral candidate, and environmental advocate researching the connections between climate change, youth mental health, and environmental justice. Credit:
Alex Neufeldt is a fashion designer and climate advocate whose work combines creative storytelling with climate activism, including her role in the landmark Mathur et al. climate lawsuit against the Government of Ontario.
Stéphanie Plante is the Ottawa City Councillor for Rideau–Vanier and a champion for safe, walkable, and sustainable neighbourhoods, with a strong commitment to community wellbeing and inclusive public spaces.
Dara Wawatie-Chabot is an Indigenous environmental advocate dedicated to protecting natural ecosystems, advancing Indigenous stewardship, and promoting the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in environmental decision-making.
Interactive Workshops
Between presentations, participants took part in two collaborative activities that encouraged them to envision Ottawa's future and develop practical solutions.
During the first discussion, participants reflected on the question:
Imagine Ottawa in twenty years. What changes would you like to see in our environment, neighbourhoods, and communities?
Youth envisioned a greener, more sustainable city with expanded green spaces, renewable energy, stronger public transportation, urban agriculture, and more inclusive communities.
Group brainstorm during the first interactive workshop.
Building on these ideas, participants then worked in groups to design programs and initiatives that could help make this vision a reality. Teams proposed projects including environmental education workshops, neighbourhood environmental councils, community partnerships, and creative public engagement campaigns designed to inspire action across Ottawa.
Answers from various groups during breakout sessions.
Panel Discussion with Dara Wawatie-Chabot, Alex Neufeldt, and Émilie Tremblay, moderated by William van Geest (Ecology Ottawa).
Looking Ahead
Ecology Ottawa’s 2024 EcoYouth Summit laid the foundation for what has become an annual celebration of youth environmental leadership. Beyond inspiring participants, the ideas generated during the workshops informed future EcoYouth programming and demonstrated the creativity, passion, and leadership of young people across Ottawa.
Most importantly, the Summit fostered lasting connections among youth who continue to support one another through the EcoYouth community while working toward a more sustainable future.
Group photo with members of the 2024-25 EcoYouth Ottawa Council.