It can be tempting, in the face of the U.S. government’s all-out war on climate progress and the inertia of fossil fuels in the energy system, to succumb to despair on behalf of future generations. But that is a luxury we cannot afford, and young people know this best of all.
When we look to youth, we see a defiance that should make petro-powers nervous. We see creativity coupled with practicality. We see realism and inventiveness together. In short, we see the kind of power that real change actually requires.
At Corporate Knights, we have the privilege every year to open a window on some of the brightest and most creative young minds that are rising to the climate and energy-transition challenge. From Indigenous renewables champions to healthcare advocates; from the founders of boutique green-finance firms, to activists, scholars and fungi enthusiasts, the 2025 crop of Canada’s leaders in sustainability under 30 reminds us that hope is, indeed, not lost.
In fact, it is in full bloom, with a maturity that understands that there is no sense in sidestepping the enormity of what looms ahead. Our 30 Under 30 have deep ties to parts of the planet hardest hit by climate change. Or they’ve used their own experiences navigating climate grief to write books that will help other children do the same. They’re working on cutting-edge innovations, stripping greenhouse gas emissions out of old buildings and supply chains, mentoring others in climate advocacy and effecting political change.
“I’ve learned that true progress comes from the courage to question, learn, unlearn and relearn,” says Samita Rimal, Nepal’s only female hydropower engineering graduate in 2019, who now leads a green hydrogen project in Nova Scotia.
We also found inspiration in a conversation with U.K. climate activist Mikaela Loach, the 27-year-old author of a climate-justice road map called It’s Not That Radical. Loach brought it back to courage, too. Bite-sized doses of courage to keep marching forward. She had a prescient message for her peers that we asked this year’s 30 Under 30 to reflect on: “You’re not being asked to become someone different than who you are. We need a diverse movement with different perspectives, ideas and skills. But we need all of us to try to be a little bit brave, every day.”
Read on about this year’s winners and where they each find courage.
How we found the 30:
Every April, Corporate Knights opens the 30 Under 30 nominations to the public. An internal team narrowed the list of submissions down to a short list of 50, then our panel of judges each submitted their top 30 picks, and we tallied the votes. (Note: Judges abstained from voting for anyone involved in their organization.)
Judges
Kyra Bell-Pasht
Director of research and policy
Investors for Paris Compliance
Rosa Galvez
Canadian senator and president of the
ParlAmericas climate change network
Adria Vasil
Former managing editor at Corporate Knights
Bestselling author of the Ecoholic book series
Julien Beaulieu
Environmental policy researcher at Imperial College London and lecturer in law at the University of Sherbrooke
Past 30 Under 30 winner
Leah Gotkin
28, Toronto, ON
Senior manager, climate change – Scotiabank
Leah Gotkin began her career promoting electric vehicle adoption in Canada, then advanced sustainability strategies at Upswing Solutions, with an emphasis on equity and Indigenous engagement. Now at Scotiabank, she drives the bank’s $350-billion climate-finance initiative and supports decarbonization across high-emission sectors.
"My courage comes from a belief that climate action can unlock shared value. Everyone has a ‘why,’ and the beauty of working in climate is that competing ‘whys’ can co-exist."
Marissa Louie
25, Toronto, ON
Associate manager, climate reporting – TD Bank Group
Marissa Louie has helped TD Bank Group strengthen its ESG disclosures and has been instrumental in shaping communication around its plan to achieve net-zero by 2050. She led a rigorous review of external disclosure practices to help ensure credible climate-reporting in alignment with regulatory and stakeholder expectations and acted as a lead writer for its the TD and Indigenous Communities in Canada report.
"Sustainability reporting can be a catalyst for change. It’s not just about producing reports – it’s about connecting ambitions, promoting transparency and accountability, and integrating sustainability into business-as-usual."
Samita Rimal
27, Halifax, NS
Specialist, energy transition – Eastward Energy
Samita Rimal became Nepal’s only female graduate of hydropower mechanical engineering in 2019. Today, she leads Nova Scotia’s first green-hydrogen production and blending project. She has also co-founded the Student Energy chapter in Newfoundland.
“Growing up in Nepal’s energy poverty and now leading energy transition projects in Canada, I’ve learned that true progress comes from the courage to question, learn, unlearn and relearn.”
Adrien Roy
29, Toronto, ON
Manager – Quinn and Partners
Adrien Roy has completed more than 60 climate projects focused on baselining greenhouse gas emissions, modelling decarbonization pathways, and building net-zero transition plans and strategies. He has helped set six science-based net-zero targets covering 1.5 million tonnes of GHGs.
“In 2025, the climate battle is shifting from developing new solutions towards implementing existing solutions at scale. It’s become clear that no single person, company or technology will solve the climate crisis independently. The courage needed to win this battle is therefore rooted in collaboration.”
Armaan Makhani-Kotadia
22, Waterloo, ON
Youth climate educator and planetary health researcher – McMaster University | The Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care | TEDx
At McMaster University, Armaan Makhani-Kotadia has contributed to a campaign to reduce plastic water bottles on campus and install more water refill stations, and he co-founded a fund that awards marginalized students for sustainability initiatives. He is also part of the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care, contributing to national networking hubs and training resources to address greenhouse gas emissions from healthcare buildings.
“My courage is guiding me to weave together health, equity and climate action – threads too often kept apart. I bring the skill of transforming climate anxiety into agency, helping young people step into their own power as leaders rather than bystanders.”
Annabelle Liao
24, Vancouver, BC
Project lead | founder and director — Kambo energy group | Project Arrowroot
Annabelle Liao has held roles in cleantech at Foresight Canada, climate finance at Vancity, and community wealth building at Social Innovation Canada. Beyond that, she’s volunteered in grassroots and international organizations advancing global climate action and led a team at ClimaTalk that created resources to de-jargonize international climate negotiations. She also founded and is the director of Project Arrowroot, an NGO funded by the Canada Service Corps and Re-Earth Initiative that paves paths to green careers for young people.
“I place my hope in the 95% of young people around the world who are worried about the impacts of climate change and the 85% of Canadian high school students who want more climate education.”
Sehjal Bhargava
28, Saskatoon, SK
Family medicine physician – University of Ottawa, Harvard University
Sehjal Bhargava’s passion for affecting the social determinants of health has led to a focus on climate change and its impacts on health. She has served as Saskatchewan chair and is currently Ontario co-chair of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment. In 2021, she launched PaRx, a program that encourages Saskatchewan physicians to prescribe time in nature to improve patients’ health.
“As a physician, I firmly believe that we are only as healthy as our environment. I am driven by experiences to look outside of the clinic and toward policies that focus on improving the health of people and the planet.”
Ali Tapaquon
29, Oskana kâ-asastêki, SK
Principal and founder – Tatâga Inc.
Ali Tapaquon is founder and CEO of Tatâga Inc., a consultancy that integrates traditional ecological knowledge with modern strategy to advance environmental, social and cultural sustainability. Tapaquon developed the Reconciliation Assessment Report – a tool that helps organizations operationalize sustainability through Indigenous rights, knowledge systems and anti-racism.
“My sôhkitêhêwin (courage) comes from the teachings of my culture and Peoples. Our ways are rooted in responsibility and stewardship for the land, waters and skies. I intentionally practise Indigenous strategy to guide organizations in seeing climate action not as a technical fix, but as a relational duty to future generations and to themselves.”
Yazan Zamel
25, Toronto, ON
President – Sustainable Engineer Association
As an energy-efficiency consultant, energy analyst and now guided projects coordinator at Student Energy, Yazan Zamel champions net-zero energy projects in low-income communities. He has coordinated more than a dozen solar installations in underserved areas, reducing diesel reliance. He is president of the Sustainable Engineers Association at the University of Toronto and founder of the Ray of Hope program that connects refugees and youth with education and jobs.
“I find hope in young people realizing that their voices matter and in communities lighting up with renewable power, which is proof that climate justice is possible when we act together.”
Zeina Seaifan
25, Montreal, QC
Scholar-activist – McGill University | Shake Up the Establishment
Zeina Seaifan is a scholar-activist pursuing a PhD at McGill University, researching migration and environmental justice. She now leads the policy committee at Climate Sirens, a feminist climate-justice organization where she mentors 12 women in climate advocacy, and volunteers at Shake Up the Establishment. Seaifan has led national environmental consultations, co-authored policy reports and created accessible educational tools for youth and newcomers.
“Worldwide, climate devastation is informed by the twin flames of colonialism and extraction. We’re advocating for sustainable systems rooted in Indigenous perspectives and other overlooked knowledges.”
Andrea Kilibarda
26, Montreal, QC
Co-founder, head of client delivery and impact – Climate Finance Advisors
Andrea Kilibarda co-founded a climate-finance advisory firm based in Montreal. To date, her firm has supported the sustainable alignment of approximately $3 billion in assets on behalf of asset owners, collectively targeting a reduction of approximately 500,000 tonnes of financed carbon-dioxide-equivalent emissions by 2050. She has also worked with developing countries on plans to align finance with sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“We are facing the greatest financial challenge of our time: closing the $7.4-trillion annual climate finance gap. I find hope in the growing movement of purpose-driven leaders building a new investment paradigm that reimagines capital as a force for good.”
Rasul Huseynzade
20, Vancouver, BC
Youth ambassador, sustainability champion, policy adviser and human rights advocate – Jane Goodall Institute – Roots & Shoots
A former UN Development Programme champion and UNICEF youth advocate, Rasul Huseynzade has co-founded various youth-led organizations, including The Children’s Union, a regional Fridays for Future and Youth for Climate Turkiye. He currently serves as a youth adviser to the Jane Goodall Institute, Aga Khan Foundation, It Gets Better Canada and The King’s Trust Canada. He is also a climate ambassador for the World Bank Group.
“I had to go through many difficulties, but I feel like this journey shaped me in every way, because it taught me to be a team, it showed me that change doesn’t come easy and it doesn’t just happen; it made me realize that change is a process.”
Astrid Wilson
27, Bella Bella, B.C.
Economic development coordinator – Heiltsuk Economic Development Corporation
Astrid Wilson is intimately involved in supporting sustainable, culturally grounded economic development in her home community of the Heiltsuk Nation, on the central coast of British Columbia. In 2022, she helped organize the Commission for Environmental Cooperation’s Joint Public Advisory Committee gathering, in Victoria, ensuring that Indigenous voices and perspectives were meaningfully included in international environmental dialogues.
Kiemia Rezagian
28, Windsor, on
Engagement and training director – Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment
Kiemia Rezagian has designed and run an advocacy and mobilization program for physicians, spearheaded by the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment. The program aims to empower physicians to increase their involvement in climate crisis advocacy. To date, it has trained some 150 health professionals, and its success is based in large measure on Rezagian’s leadership.
“Doctors see every day how unhealthy environments lead to sickness and even death. I’m helping them tell these stories so more people see what is at stake.”
Paris Liu
24, London, ONTARIO
Master’s student in environmental policy at Sciences Po; former climate change project assistant at ICLEI Canada – Sciences Po
Paris Liu co-developed McMaster University’s first climate change civil engineering course and co-founded a national working group through the Canadian Federation of Engineering Students to embed climate education into engineering curricula across Canada. She spearheaded zero-waste programs at McMaster, including Coffee to Compost, diverting more than 270 kilograms of waste from landfill, and co-founded Students for Bike Share, a campaign to secure discounted bike share passes for undergrads.
“I am especially passionate about exploring how low-carbon, resilient solutions can tackle both the climate and housing crises, particularly in post-disaster contexts.”
Sarah Machane
29, Montreal, QC
Innovation lead – CASCADES
Sarah Machane works to embed sustainability into the everyday practices of healthcare providers. Through her role with CASCADES (Creating a Sustainable Canadian Health System in a Climate Crisis) as the innovation and regional lead for Quebec, she has helped reduced unnecessary diagnostics and supported initiatives such as reducing carbon dioxide emissions from anesthetic gases and lowering medical imaging’s carbon footprint.
“For me, courage is about consistently showing up, even when we feel out of place and the challenges feel so much bigger than us. My energy goes into community: strengthening networks, trying to break silos and helping people connect across disciplines.”
Fatou Dieng
29, Montreal, QC
Climate solutions lead – Manifest Climate
As an immigrant, Fatou Dieng has worked to elevate the voices and needs of marginalized communities. As a climate strategist, she helps organizations understand and implement climate-related strategies and regulations. She has advocated at the Quebec National Assembly for the creation of a youth committee on climate and sustainability. In Senegal, she helps steward her family’s farm as a site of resilience, food sovereignty and ecological restoration.
“My courage comes from entering spaces that many of my people cannot access. When I speak of a ‘happy ending,’ I mean not only the fight against climate change and its unequal impacts but also our struggles against oppression, injustice, genocide, and racial and social disparities.”
Samuel and Michael Marty
undisclosed/23, Frog Lake First Nation
Samuel: Renewable relations liaison
Michael: Community energy manager
Samuel and Michael Marty are cousins and proud members of Frog Lake First Nation. With the goal to make their community self-sufficient and not reliant on fossil fuels, they have both been working to advance clean energy initiatives. Through capacity built from Indigenous Clean Energy’s programs, Samuel has been leading clean energy projects ranging from net-zero housing design to community communications that showcase his Nation’s green energy initiatives. As clean energy manager, Michael is advancing projects that reduce carbon emissions while fostering economic self-sufficiency and cultural resilience among Indigenous youth.
“We are all inherently stewards of the land. Mother Earth has nurtured us with the love and generosity only a mother can give. Now, it is our turn to return that love, to care for our planet with the same compassion.”
“I find hope in seeing our communities not just adapt but thrive, building resilience, cultural pride and sustainable futures together.”
Julia Wright
21, Montreal, QC
CEO – MycoNurseries
Fungi enthusiast Julia Wright co-founded a “mushroom club” to grow oyster mushrooms from spent coffee grounds. They have transformed the project into MycoNurseries, a registered non-profit that grows and distributes mushrooms to food-insecure communities while providing experiential education to youth about sustainable fungiculture. Wright also works at McGill University’s Office of Sustainability as a Sustainable Labs intern.
“The climate crisis can be overwhelming, but I believe that even small actions, when many do them, can make a difference. I place my energy into acting locally and practically."
Sonia Vinogradova
26, Ottawa, ON
Co-founder – Spark Source Consulting
As co-founder of Spark Source Consulting, Sonia Vinogradova builds what she calls triple planetary solutions: projects that treat energy, ecology and economy as one system. She has led two solar installations on farms in Eastern Ontario, saving 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually and cutting energy costs by 40%. She has secured more than $70,000 in public funding for clean energy and is scaling the model through new partnerships.
“The solutions to create a low-waste, low-emissions economy exist, and I’m implementing them.”
Inaam Chattha
22, Toronto, ON
Medical student – Green Mind Canada
As an immigrant who grew up in a remote Albertan town, Inaam Chattha understands how climate change, mental health and access to resources are deeply connected. He founded Green Mind Canada to create space for young people to talk about climate anxiety. He also wrote three children’s books that help children understand climate emotions and feel empowered to act. He is an Ocean Wise ambassador.
“My courage is guiding me to nurture spaces where young people can share their fears about climate change and feel empowered to act.”
Tianna Philippot
28, Teulon, Manitoba
Founder – Renewable Roots
Tianna Philippot is from rural Manitoba (Treaty 1, homeland of the Red River Métis Nation) and largely credits her connection with the environment to her Indigenous identity. Philippot is the founder of Renewable Roots, an organization dedicated to connecting her community to accessible and sustainable agriculture. Her wheelchair-accessible greenhouse will operate on clean energy in a repurposed container, demonstrating the interconnected relationship of food and energy sovereignty.
“I am continuously understanding the depth of the interconnected relationship between personal and climate resilience. Each exists because of unwavering determination and thoughtful navigation through pain, grief, passion and desire for balance.”
Jumanah Khan
29, London, ON
Owner and director; research associate – White Egret Consulting; Dalhousie University
As program manager for ALUS (Alternative Land Use Services) Elgin, Jumanah Khan led the restoration of more than 400 acres of environmentally sensitive land, managed substantial budgets and coordinated with diverse partners to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem benefits. Her efforts include the diversion of an estimated four tonnes of total phosphorus from Lake Erie and its tributaries.
“My skills lie in translating data into narratives – helping transdisciplinary knowledge and worldviewsspark community-driven action.”
Clara Phillips
25, Iqaluit, Nunavut
Development project manager – Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation
Clara Phillips is the development project manager for Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation, based in Iqaluit – Nunavut’s first 100% Inuit-owned renewable-energy developer. Phillips is currently managing the construction of the Anuriqjuak Nukkiksautiit Project, a wind and battery energy storage project located in Sanikiluaq, Nunavut. The goal of the project is to offset the community’s diesel fuel use by 70% while securing a revenue-sharing agreement with the Sanikiluarmiut people.
“I prioritize listening, an undervalued but essential skill in creating meaningful change and supporting community-led clean energy projects..”
Lara Varty
26, Courtenay, B.C
Coordinator, sector innovation – Foresight Canada
Lara Varty is an integral part of Foresight Canada’s B.C. Net Zero Innovation Network that is helping the province hit its target of a 40% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. She has supported the development of four cleantech innovation clusters centred on mining, water, forest bioeconomy and transportation. Her efforts have contributed to the network’s key accomplishments, including securing $78 million in private cleantech investment, forming 100 new partnerships and launching 26 projects with Indigenous participation.
“Creating space for honest and open dialogue about what barriers are in place in addressing climate issues is the first step in creating change.”
Lily YangLiu
16, White Rock, B.C.
Co-founder/high school student – DMUN Foundation
Lily YangLiu is deputy executive director of the DMUN Foundation, a youth-led, non-profit advocacy platform. She co-developed a climate curriculum with university professors and early childhood educators and has delivered workshops to students across British Columbia. In 2022, she launched Daily Climate News, a bilingual social media series engaging followers in China across WeChat and Xiaohongshu.
“I try to create spaces where advocacy is not just about sacrifice or urgency, but about community, creativity and resilience, recognizing that we are human, not machines.”
Gordon So
29, Toronto, on
Head of sustainability – Relocalize
Gordon So is an integral part of Relocalize, which creates microfactories that are closer to distribution points, eliminating middle-mile transportation and reducing cold storage needs. So spearheaded Relocalize’s carbon impact analysis in collaboration with the Oxia Initiative.
“Courage, to me, is proving that climate solutions don’t have to wait until 2050. They can transform industries today. I find hope in knowing that when better options exist for both business and the planet, they will always win.”
Alison Gu
29, Burnaby, B.C
City councillor – City of Burnaby
At 24, Alison Gu became the youngest city councillor elected in Burnaby, the third-largest municipality in British Columbia. She spearheaded a policy in her early days at city council that ensures all climate change motions include an equity lens, support reconciliation and be nature-based where possible. Since then, Gu has sat on a task force seeking to reduce building emissions with retrofits and pushed for infrastructure improvements to deal with severe weather events.
“I place my energy in the fights that teeter the line in being attainable and bold, realistic and impactful. I find hope mostly in loving community, but also in the small wins, knowing that every one has a real impact on people.”
Kimia Shafighi
27, Montreal, QC
CEO and founder – Biocene
Through Biocene, Kimia Shafighi is tackling the urgent issue of harmful algae blooms, which are exacerbated by climate change and threaten water quality, public health and biodiversity in urban and rural aquatic environments. Her innovation removes these blooms from the water and transforms them into valuable biomass, such as biofuel, bioplastics and biocoke, turning a major environmental hazard into a circular economic opportunity.
“Each step forward, no matter how small, reinforces my belief that change is possible. In the end courage is knowing it might not work, but doing it anyway, and doing it together.”
Drew Bernard
28, Lennox Island, P.E.I.
Project manager and housing administrator, L’nu Energy – L’nu Energy
Drew Bernard is a proud Mi’kmaq leader and the energy lead for Lennox Island First Nation, where he is guiding the development of multiple utility-scale solar and wind projects. As co-founder and VP of Awtij Energy, a member of P.E.I.’s Net Zero Advisory Committee, and project manager and housing administrator at L’nu Energy, Bernard has been unlocking energy solutions for homes, fleets and infrastructure across Atlantic Canada.
“I find hope in the rising strength of Indigenous voices across Turtle Island and beyond, and I place my energy everyday in uplifting Indigenous values on the world stage.”
