(image created with Ai)
What if the environment around you could inspire a change in how you live and act? This is what happened to me. What follows is my story.
Growing up in Quebec, my father would often bring me and my brother on different nature related activities close to home. During these outings our father would talk to us about the beauty of the environment in our surroundings. His love and passion for nature was clearly expressed and demonstrated through his teaching. My father also pursued his interests into a career as a marine biologist, and taught college for 35 years. When he was teaching, he often brought me swimming at a lake located close to the college. I loved being there in the summer. One of the activities that I really enjoyed most was snorkeling around the shores of the lake, especially where dead trees had fallen in the water. These trees were quite the attraction for many different species of fish in their natural lake habitat. Weather and temperature permitting, I could swim with the fish for hours on end, completely immersed in the joy of observing them. It was a wonderfully serene experience.
(image created with Ai)
I appreciated my good fortune that granted me such easy access to the lake, and knew it was not to be taken for granted. Not all towns and cities had such beautiful and accessible natural water features located conveniently close to them.
When I finished high school, I decided to study history in college. It was a subject that had always interested me. I found it interesting to trace the origin and evolution of our society, and how it came to be as we know it today.
In 2017, near the end of my college degree, I became interested in environmental advocacy. It all started with the election of Donald Trump as the 45th American President, his consistent state of denial regarding the connection between human behaviour and climate change.
(MSNBC on YouTube, available at https://youtu.be/yqgMECkW3Ak.)
To challenge this denial of human responsibility, concerned scientists from all over the world united under the March for Science banner. One such event took place in Montreal.
(CTV News Montreal on YouTube, available at https://youtu.be/4Y4C7nn2XX0.)
The first time I met the March for Science - Montreal team, I was writing an article about them for a student newspaper. I would never have guessed that I would decide to join them. But seeing firsthand how difficult it was for them to find volunteers to help organize their event, I decided to volunteer myself. I became their communication manager.
(My speech at the March for Science of Montreal event in 2017 in front of over 1000 people)
After this event, I knew I wanted to work in the environmental field and would continue advocating.
In 2018, I started my studies at Bishop's University in the Environmental Studies and Geography program. This program focused a lot of attention on climate change, our impact on the environment and how to discuss related issues.
During my first year of university in 2017, the March for Science - Montreal team members turned their attention to other pursuits, and so I assumed the responsibility. I did not want to disappoint fellow activists and supporters of the cause or allow our accomplishments to be forgotten. Hence, I decided to organize the event in 2018.
(March for Science of Montreal 2018 edition)
For this edition of the event, I decided to work behind the scenes as it was not possible for me to be in Montreal in person. I was still able to put together a new team, speak with journalists on the phone, and be in contact with the Montreal Police.
Once the event was finished, the new team also turned to other pursuits, so I had to think of a way to keep up the momentum of the March for Science. I decided to change the name to Science Advocates Canada and advocate online long-term without having to organize in-person short-term events.
(Science Advocates - Canada logo from https://www.facebook.com/ScienceAdvocatesCA.)
After graduating from university in 2021 with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Geography, I moved to New Brunswick where I got my first employment contract in Shippagan. When that contract ended, I found my way to Saint John where I have been ever since. Throughout my time in New Brunswick and whenever I am near the Bay of Fundy or the ocean, I am reminded of what my father taught me; do not take the environment around me for granted, because we are very fortunate for its existence.
Having that in mind and in appreciation of Saint John and Bay of Fundy region, I wanted to find a way to give back to this community that has done so much for me. Hence, I volunteered for the Atlantic Canada Climate Network.
You may be wondering why I have shared this life experience with you. I am hoping to encourage you to find ways to have a positive impact in your community. I know it can be difficult, especially when it comes to climate action and the climate crisis, so I’ve created a list of ideas to help you decide what works for you.
· Organize, support or join a climate march/protest
· Organize, support or join a tree-planting event
· Organize, support or join a cleanup event
· Start a blog about climate issues in your area
These are just some examples of what you can do. Just remember, we are all in this together!