When age isn't an obstacle to climate action
Ella Larsen recording footage for the 2025 Voice of 1,000 report on Climate Change. Photo courtesy of: ellalarsen.com
By Patricia Lane & Ella Larsen
Ella Larsen shows age is no obstacle to climate action. The 14-year-old student from Saanich, BC, has been helping shape a better future since she was eight. This fall, as she enters Grade 9, she is intent on transforming beverage services at the University of Victoria.
Tell us about some of your past work.
When I was eight, I participated in CarbonRewind, a contest sponsored by a local charity to encourage us to take responsibility for our own ecological footprints. I interviewed the mayor of Victoria about bike safety. Since then, I have worked with the Saanich mayor and the districtโs engineering department to make a major street more pedestrian- and bike-friendly. I participated in a survey sponsored by SoWCool of 1,000 youth about their attitudes to climate change. Also with SoWCool, I make videos explaining aspects of climate science for other kids, like this one, which shows kids how plants absorb carbon dioxide. Too Much Carbon Too Much Heat has almost 4,000 views now! Another video I made for the Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs helps kids see how their attention to recycling can Rubbish or Refurbish the Ocean.