Leonie Murdoch
2026 National Youth Climate Activism Essay Entry
Leonie is a 17 year old from BC.
I have had the privilege of growing up surrounded by towering trees, vast views of the Pacific Ocean, and mystifying mountains on the west coast of British Columbia. I have always felt drawn to the natural spaces I call home. When I was younger, I was constantly learning and sharing about the natural environment. When I was only seven years old, I hosted an information booth at a campground where passersby could view bird eggs, feathers, and learn about birds’ life cycles. I created a diorama sharing facts about fish and promoting ocean protection to share with my class at age nine. I also wrote a letter to the prime minister detailing the importance of protecting wildlife and taking environmental action. When I was 11, I created painted rocks and other products to sell to raise funds for climate nonprofits. Five years ago, when I stepped out the front door to see the community I know choking in wildfire smoke, my ambition didn’t stop. It grew.
Throughout secondary school, I made an impact through my school’s Eco Club. From advertising and club events, to participating in invasive species removal, to coordinating our school's contribution to the district-wide Sustainability Cup, I find myself constantly seeking new ways to encourage sustainability. This year, I took on the role of co-president to increase my impact within the school. In this position, I have been working with other high schools with support from the Regional District of Nanaimo to organize a beach cleanup this spring. I have also planned the creation and selling of wax wraps to demonstrate waste-free alternatives and promote our club values at a large community event. I will be attending the upcoming Sustainability Cup banquet as a representative of our school.
Image courtesy of NDSS ECO CLUB instagram.
During my time with the Eco-Club, I have realized that because they aren’t connected to nature, many people don’t understand why it is imperative that we preserve the environment. I wondered if I could help inspire people in my community to feel the same initiative I do to protect it. So, I created Eco-Excursions.
Photo by Leonie Murdoch
Photo by Leonie Murdoch from this blog post read more about the Phantom Hemlock Looper
Visit the Eco Excursions Website & Blog
Through this organization, I lead walks in local parks with groups of maximum 8 people. Each walk has a different theme and includes facts about how species in the area benefit their surroundings. In one event, I had participants find mushrooms throughout our walk and would share information on each one found and its ecological role.
Advertising my events was challenging, and I struggled to reach interested individuals. However, I took a course on marketing green projects and reached out to my city’s Climate Action Coordinator for support. I have now run several full events educating my community on the environment around us.
I am always looking for new ways to learn and develop my environmentalism. Over the past few years, I have attended several climate summits and conferences, such as the Invasives 2026 Annual Forum and the Nanaimo Climate Connections to connect with like minded people and learn about local projects.
I also participate in a climate themed book club run by the Youth Eco-Stewards Program, where I am able to dive deeper into the climate crisis through literature and conversation.
I have always been dedicated to educating and learning about the beautiful environment in which I reside. I shared my passion for the environment through many wildlife and climate-focused projects as a kid. I have increased my climate activism as co-president of my school’s Eco Club, as well as through my own organization. I hope to amplify my impact by continuing community work throughout my post-secondary studies, within my career, and beyond.
As part of the submissions application we asked participants to answer these 3 questions in addition to their essay or video.
What future goals do you have around your environmental and climate work, and do you have any future projects in mind?
In September, I will be attending the University of Waterloo for their 5-year Honours Environment and Business program. Throughout this program, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between humans and the environment. I will complete 5 co-op terms throughout my degree to gain hands-on work experience. Upon graduation, I hope to work in sustainability consulting with the ultimate goal of supporting businesses in their pursuit of climate neutrality or positivity.
I intend to keep doing community work through the UW Impact Alliance and as a member of the Youth Eco-Stewards program run by Invasives Canada. I also plan to pursue my passion of climate education by continuing to share and gain environmental knowledge wherever I go.
If you could share one message of hope for your community, what would it be? Briefly explain why you would choose this message.
If you feel overwhelmed by the climate crisis, you are not alone. Through my volunteer work in the environment, I have met a vast network of people throughout Canada who are dedicated to climate action. There are so many inspiring environmental initiatives within the community led by individuals who feel a sense of urgency on the matter. It is important to know that we are surrounded by people who understand the gravity of the situation. We must reach out and build our own networks, as teamwork and leadership are some of the most important tools for effecting change and building a greener world.
Who or what inspires you to work on climate change?
British Columbia is a kaleidoscope of incredible natural landscapes and I feel deeply connected to the natural world. The more I learn about natural systems, the more I feel inclined to protect them. One statistic that sticks with me is that the top 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions. For this reason, I am determined to increase sustainability in the world of business as a sustainability consultant. I am inspired by Nadina Galle, who focuses on how technology can be applied to support bringing nature into urban areas. Her work shows us that we can make the modern world sustainable, and that innovation and technological advancement can be an asset to addressing the climate crisis.