Who are we?

Aadil was born in Mombasa, Kenya and raised in Scarborough, Ontario. Aadil is a graduate of the University of Toronto (Hons. B.A.) and Windsor Law (J.D.). Aadil currently works as an Associate Lawyer at Scargall Owen-King LLP, a boutique law firm in Toronto. Aadil also sits on the Board for the Muslim Advisory Council of Canada.

While at Windsor Law, Aadil was involved in community-based projects advocating for local municipalities to pass emergency climate declarations and create stronger environmental protections. Aadil truly believes in working on local or community levels to create wide-scale changes. With this in mind, Aadil co-founded Green Ummah. Aadil is passionate about education and is striving to open a path for Muslim youth to be innovative changemakers on environmental policy in Canada. 

To contact Aadil, email him at aadil.nathani@greenummah.org

I am a passionate advocate for sustainability and climate action, currently living in Vancouver, British Columbia. I have two wonderful cats, Sidney and Badger, who keep me company. Growing up in Malaysia, my love for nature was nurtured by my mother, who often took me on hikes to nearby hills. I found the rainforest to be a fascinating place, full of life and knowledge, and it inspired my commitment to environmental protection.

One of my favorite activities is swimming in waterfalls, which I find incredibly energizing. Whenever I feel homesick, I immerse myself in the forests of British Columbia, which remind me of home. My move to Canada was motivated by the desire to protect the natural environment I grew up around and to gain more knowledge and resources to work on climate action. I left everything and everyone familiar to move here and pursue this passion.

Over the past 2.5 years of knowing and making Canada my home, the rainforest remains the same loving, patient teacher it was back home. My work here in Canada has allowed me to engage deeply with the community through initiatives like clothing swaps, career fairs, and webinars. I love the vibrant, supportive environment and the opportunities to drive meaningful change in the sustainability space.

In Malaysia, the rigid post-colonial systems limited opportunities for effective climate action. Moving to Canada has allowed me to imagine climate-friendly futures and work on solutions without fear, creating a cascading impact from here. I am dedicated to fostering sustainable futures and making a positive difference in the world. 

Hello! I'm Amanda Page, and I'm thrilled to share a bit about myself. Growing up in Montreal, I was fortunate to be surrounded by vibrant city life, but my heart has always belonged to the great outdoors. My passion for nature was nurtured through my involvement in both Girl Guides and Scouts, where I learned the value of environmental stewardship and the joy of exploration. Moving to Saint John to pursue my studies in Marine Biology was a dream come true. The rugged coastline and pristine waters of the Bay of Fundy became my playground and classroom, shaping my perspective on sustainable living and the importance of preserving our oceans for future generations. Completing my Masters in Environmental Management further solidified my commitment to promoting sustainable practices in every aspect of life. I know live in Saint John with my 19-year-old budgie, I find joy in simple pleasures like walking, bird watching, hiking, swimming, and discovering new trails. These activities not only rejuvenate my spirit but also deepen my connection to the natural world that I hold dear.

I am the Outdoor learning Coordinator for the Great Minds Think Outside program offered by the New Brunswick Environmental Network. This program offers teachers with training to bring the classroom outside. The Great Minds Think Outside programs offers curriculum linked activities that fosters curiosity, innovative thinking. GMTO trainings allows teachers to provide immersive outdoor experiences, and hands-on learning activities to their students. There is an inherent connection between nature and the human mind, recognizing the profound impact outdoor settings have on cognitive processes and overall well-being. By stepping outside the conventional classroom our children get the opportunity to explore new perspectives, challenge assumptions and embrace a diverse way of thinking. 

Originally from Massachusetts in the U.S., I’m currently an MSc candidate in the Department of Natural Resources Sciences at McGill University. In my thesis, I am interested in better understanding how the use of data and tools allow us to address and comprehend the complexity of ecosystem structures, functions, and services. The goal of my research is to develop information that can be used in multi-disciplinary research projects and inform ecosystem management.

Before starting my MSc, I received my BSc in Environmental Science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. After earning my BSc, I spent two years working for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Research and Development on projects related to the Human-Well Being Index before moving back to the Northeast U.S., where I spent a year working for the U.S. National Park Service’s Northeast Archeological Resources Program as a GIS specialist.

It is a privilege to live and work on the Indigenous lands of the Esquimalt, Lekwungen, Songhees, and WSÁNEĆ peoples. I grew up amongst the southern Gulf Islands – the lands and waters that reside within the traditional and unceded territories of Coast Salish peoples. I am of mixed European settler ancestry, and my family has resided in what is known as British Columbia for four generations and has primarily engaged in the forestry and fishing industries. My family’s connection to the commercial fishing industry and my own experience working on my father’s fishboat have been instrumental in fostering my sense of place and identities. This heritage motivates my interest in fisheries management, food security, and coastal sustainability. Moreover, my previous experiences working as both a professional sea kayak guide and organic farmer have furthered my passion and appreciation for stewardship practices that support healthy environments. Beyond this, my interests include birding, kayaking, habitat restoration, and cooking delicious food with my partner!

I am an anthropologist and archaeologist based at the University of Victoria, which is located on the unceded territories of the Esquimalt, Lekwungen, Songhees, and WSÁNEĆ peoples. My PhD research takes a historical approach to examine the impacts of long-term climate change on Indigenous fisheries along Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Drawing upon Nuu-chah-nulth archaeological heritage and Traditional Knowledge, this research aims to better understand Indigenous fisheries practices in the context of historical climate change in order to identify resilience management practices that can support policy actions today.

I was born and raised in a rural town in the southern islands of the Philippines. It was not an easy childhood as my island was a war-torn area in my early years. However, my single-parent mother persevered as an elementary educator and school principal to ensure that not only I and my siblings have a chance for a good education but also the children in our communities. Remembering my mother and her passion to help and transform education in communities kept me optimistic about the future despite the challenges that threaten our planet. 

I organize and facilitate participatory workshops that bring together diverse environmental actors in social-ecological landscapes in Canada to co-envision the landscapes' plausible environmental futures. I also examine how such collaborative visioning processes serve as a space for social learning for knowledge and competencies for more sustainable, resilient, and equitable environmental decision-making.

Born in Europe, raised in the Caribbean and Belgium, I have long nurtured a connection to nature through my love for the ocean. I love to go out kayaking with my dog Gnocco and spend time with friends.

People depend on nature and nature is affected by people. Nurturing this relationship is essential for current and future generations to maintain a good standard of living. However, understanding how this relationship is changing can be challenging. Countries all around the world are trying to understand how this dependency is changing. My work focuses developing methods and approaches to track change in this relationship and report at local, regional and global scales.

I've lived most of my life on Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe & Huron-Wendat Territories near Lake Ontario as a settler Canadian. I feel most familiar with the Great Lakes landscape, especially the people and trees there. A big source of my hope about the future(s) comes through grassroots solidarity projects by/for people and non-humans. I like to paint, go on urban nature walks and share good food. 

I started my PhD after 10 years working at local scales on sustainability projects like climate vulnerability mapping and conservation planning. In those jobs, I found a lot of the discourse on how people relate to nature tended toward a pretty narrow, often financial, lens. In my PhD I am researching the ways in which different people’s everyday relationships with trees give insights into how and why people care for nature and nature cares for people. My goal is to inform more just and sustainable futures.

I am a freelance ecologist and Naturalist! Currently, I work as a student field technician at Parks Canada. In the past, I have worked on projects such as the Kluane Red Squirrel Project in the Yukon and Ancient Forest Exploration and Research in Ontario. Along with continuing my education, currently I am conducting pollinator surveys with homeowners in the GTA. My project focuses on giving agency to the homeowners so that they can better connect with the biodiversity present within their properties.

As someone with an educational background in both the arts and sciences, I always try to integrate creative visual problem solving into my work. Through my career so far, I’ve worked on a wide range of projects concerning everything from wetland health to wildlife behavioral assessments. I have become very familiar with the various issues in the field of ecology, ranging from the challenges of working outdoors in blackfly season, to burnout in a highly vocational industry, to conflicts around resource management between conservation groups, private sector industry, government and indigenous groups. I am fascinated by the varied relationships we all hold with the natural world around us, and strive to bring those perspectives forward in my work. I’m always happy to chat about trees and insects!

I grew up living and playing in the Pacific coastal rainforest and surrounding mountains. Now I live on the east coast with my husband (Colin), our pup (Pipit) and cat (Radish). I'm a big bird nerd and carry my binoculars with me wherever I go. When indoors, I enjoy playing Wingspan, making crafts, swing-dancing, and curling. 

My research takes place in Siknikt, Mi’kma’ki aka the Chignecto Isthmus, a land bridge that connects Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. I’m interested in how birds use human-made landscapes of the isthmus. This area used to be extensive saltmarshes that were drained starting in the 1600s for agriculture. In the past half a century, efforts have been made to recreate wetland habitats on the isthmus to compensate for loss of saltmarshes. My research looks at how birds use these human-made wetlands (“impoundments”), as well as the agricultural fields (“dykelands”) and natural saltmarshes. I’m also interested in how local stakeholders perceive and respond to landscape and wildlife changes.

I am a Mexican Biologist born and raised in one of the largest and most biodiverse deserts of North America, the Sonoran Desert. I have a special affection for mexican cacti and succulents. Although I'm a strongly warm weather creature, I'm very thankful of my journey through Canada as an early career researcher, where I've had the opportunity to appreciate many beautiful and interesting landscapes such as wetlands, forests, rocky beaches, and collaborate with amazing colleagues across the country. 

My research focuses on integrating social and ecological dimensions to understand how some human activities such as traditional agricultural practices, or climate adaptation strategies, change the landscape and modify ecosystem services. I am also interested in participatory approaches to assess the engagement of urban communities in activities that preserve biocultural assets and build social capital, such as conservation through restoration, expansion and occupation of urban green spaces, and environmental activism.

Hey! I feel really lucky to live in a neighbourhood that fosters real human and more-than-human connection, and I have a few ideas for how it got to be that way. I'm really excited about environmental personhood, library socialism, urban wetlands, and skill sharing, and I'm particularly nerdy about mushrooms & synthesizers.

Future Ecologies is a podcast exploring our eco-social relationships through stories, science, music, and soundscapes. Every episode is an invitation to see the world in a new light — weaving together narrative and interviews with expert knowledge holders. The format varies: from documentary storytelling to stream-of-consciousness sound collage and beyond. We focus on long-form audio because it is uniquely immersive, portable, and rich with experimental potential. Our mission is to uplift the public understanding of ecological principles, to promote sustainable practices and environmental restoration, and to deepen our listeners' connection with the living world.

My name is Mohamed, most people call me Mo. I am Libyan and Red River Metis, born and raised in Winnipeg. My favourite thing to do is just getting out into the land by skiing, canoeing and backcountry camping.

Waterways Recreation is a youth-focused, Indigenous-led non-profit organization that partners with Indigenous communities, agencies, and partners to deliver canoe programs, which promote wellness and culturally relevant recreation to Indigenous youth across Manitoba.

As a graduate student, I love to learn and collaborate with other curious minds. As a sustainability practitioner and change maker, I love to innovate and translate ideas into projects that create positive impacts. As a human, I derive deep joy from breath, new experiences, and most living and loving beings, including my pet-bestfriend Eucalypt.

I study place-based transformations towards more socially and ecologically sustainable cities. Through my work, I hope to better understand how the 'seeds' of Good Anthropocenes can be nurtured and amplified to catalyze and accelerate radical and meaningful change. This matters because seeds, existing initiatives with potential to realize visions of a better world, can inspire a transition away from current unsustainable ways of living and towards a just and more resilient future where people and nature thrive.

Hello earthlings! I am originally from Pakistan and that is where I feel most connected to. I am extremely passionate about climate change and biodiversity loss. In my free time, I love exploring vintage stores and thrifting around Toronto. I also really enjoy reading poetry and also occasionally write.

CCC is a youth-led movement, mobilizing folks at the community level, striving for a just and habitable future.

My name is Sophie (she/her) and I am a sustainability student and environmentally-engaged artist from Ottawa, Canada. I aspire to progress just, youth-led, climate action. I believe that art is a powerful way to invite people into conversations about sustainability issues and help them develop ideas for their solution. From a young age, I have been using art to engage community members of all ages and backgrounds with sustainability issues. I hope to continue this work in the future, specifically in leveraging art as a means to amplify youth perspectives about climate change and the future we want to create. I love to spend my free time outdoors, connecting with my human and non-human community. I am an avid hiker, camper, and swimmer and am always looking out for the next adventure!

Zine for Hope is a youth-led collaborative creative project working to foster climate optimism. We designed and printed a zine on the theme of climate hope, including creative submissions of a variety of forms by youth in Montreal. Alongside the zine, we host events called Climate Creation Circles, to invite young people within and outside of the climate space to engage in conversations about climate change. At these events, participants can create art together to help them navigate their emotions and ideas. 

I love nature, and have always been passionate about marine conservation. I also love teaching the next generation of scientists, and in particular enjoy working with youth to engage them in marine stewardship. I am a mom of a lovely one year old boy, a hyper dog, and an independent cat. I love naps, but don't get enough of them these days! 

Diversity of Nature (DoN) is a BIPOC-led scientific outreach initiative that provides free immersive programming to BIPOC and other under-represented youth across Atlantic Canada. DoN aims to increase BIPOC representation within STEM by offering our program free of cost, letting students see themselves in leadership positions, and fostering long-term mentorships with successful BIPOC graduate students. Our graduate student teachers also benefit by taking on leadership positions and transmitting their knowledge of the natural sciences to the next generation of scientists. 

Hello! My name is Ting. I am originally from Taiwan, a small island surrounded by the sea and featuring beautiful mountain views. I started my master in information studies at McGill University last year and moved to Montreal. Aspiring to learn more and practice sustainability in my daily lives, I have became one of the facilitators at ECOLE. 

The ECOLE Project (Educational Community Living Environment; Espace Communautaire et Logement Educatif) seeks to bring together students, faculty and staff members of McGill University and Montreal residents in the pursuit of sustainable living through alternative and applied education, community building and engagement, and intentional, collective living. ECOLE is an ongoing experiment that strives to be a model and hub for sustainable urban living, consisting of 10 McGill students as facilitators. The Facilitators incorporate sustainable living practices, use consensus-based decision making and anti-oppressive practices, and complete micro projects on an aspect of ecological and/or social sustainability. 

I grew up in a mountainous part of China (Guiyang, Guizhou) and enjoyed the coastal and agricultural landscapes (Fuzhou, Fujian and Cedar Falls, Iowa) I lived in during my undergraduate and master's studies. These places full of different environmental features and ways of living inspired me to imagine how a sustainable world might look like and how we can contribute to it. 

My research focuses on identifying spatial areas where different communities and groups of people benefit from nature for different socioeconomic activities and quantifying how much nature contributes to these benefits and how these benefits change under climate and management changes.