Conference Themes
Sustainable Systems
Political, Societal, and Governance Practices
Sustainable Systems
Tangible systems we engage with that provide structure to our daily routine.
Topics include: climate finance, clean energy, resilience, technology & innovation, degrowth, urban design, transportation, etc.
Planetary Health
Political, Societal, and Governance Practices
Sustainable Systems
The planet and it's health
Topics include: biodiversity, oceans, the arctic, land use, nature-based solutions, food & health, planetary boundaries, etc.
Political, Societal, and Governance Practices
Political, Societal, and Governance Practices
Political, Societal, and Governance Practices
Practices and movements created over time to lead society forward.
Topics can include: youth-led politics, policy & regulations, climate justice, youth stories of climate action, capacity growth, education, UNFCCC, etc.
Keynote Speakers
Naila Moloo
Naila Moloo is a 17-year-old curious about leveraging technology for climate solutions. She is currently developing flexible solar cells leveraging nanomaterials where she has built out nanowire electrodes. Naila is also working with Pond Biomaterials on building a bioplastic from duckweed where she has been experimenting in the Carleton University lab in Ottawa. She co-hosts The Curiosity Podcast which has been heard in 46 countries. Outside of STEM, Naila is the author of the “Chronicles of Illusions" fantasy novel duology.
Dr. Suzanne Simard
Dr. Suzanne Simard is a Professor of Forest Ecology at the University of British Columbia and the author of the book, Finding the Mother Tree.
She is a pioneer on the frontier of plant communication and intelligence; and has been hailed as a scientist who conveys complex, technical ideas in a way that is dazzling and profound. Her work has influenced filmmakers (the Tree of Souls in James Cameron’s Avatar) and her TED talks have been viewed by more than 10 million people worldwide.
Suzanne is known for her work on how trees interact and communicate using below-ground fungal networks, which has led to the recognition that forests have hub trees, or Mother Trees, which are large, highly connected trees that play an important role in the flow of information and resources in a forest. Her current research investigates how these complex relationships contribute to forest resiliency, adaptability and recovery and has far-reaching implications for how to manage and heal forests from human impacts, including climate change.
Suzanne has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles and presented at conferences around the world. She has communicated her work to a wide audience through interviews, documentary films and her TEDTalk “How trees talk to one another”.
Opening Speakers
Dr. Guangyu Wang
Dr. Guangyu Wang
Dr. Guangyu Wang
Dr. Guangyu Wang is an Associate Dean of the Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia and Director of the Asia Forest Research Centre. He has been working intensively in the forest sector in the USA, Canada, and China. He has published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers, policy reports and books. Currently, his research focuses on key issues and challenges related to protected areas, sustainable forest management, forest fire, climate change impact and adaptation using big data, GIS and computer modelling.
Zi Han Xuan
Dr. Guangyu Wang
Dr. Guangyu Wang
Xuan Zihan is the 2023 Global North Focal Point of YOUNGO, the official children and youth constituency of the UNFCCC. He has previously interned at the UNFCCC and WMO, and currently reads MSc Environmental Change and Management at the University of Oxford.
Julie Dabrusin
Dr. Guangyu Wang
Julie Dabrusin
Julie Dabrusin is a long-time resident of Toronto-Danforth who is committed to building up federal support for a strong, safe and sustainable city. She advocates for public transit, housing, the arts and small businesses. Julie has worked with the community on strengthening gun control and taking action to fight climate change. Currently, she is a Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and a Member of the Natural Resources Committee.
Darren Wang
Dr. Guangyu Wang
Julie Dabrusin
Darren Wang is a Grade 12 student attending Prince of Wales Mini School. He is deeply passionate about employing STEM-driven solutions to combat the global climate crisis, particularly focusing on clean water accessibility and rights. He has conducted thorough research on potential desalination technologies that could help alleviate the issue, and serves as the Co-Chair for LCOY Canada 2023. Leading the BC Water Rights project, Darren is actively working to promote this cause and has recently managed to successfully publish an MP-supported petition to the House of Commons.
Eileen Zheng
Eileen Zheng
Eileen Zheng
Eileen is a high school student from Vancouver British Columbia. Having spent most of her life surrounded by nature in a small town in interior BC, she has always been passionate about the environment and climate advocacy. At LCOY 2022, Eileen spoke about sustainable mining, which prompted her to be invited to speak at multiple large mining conferences. There, she talked to CEOs and government officials about the importance of sustainability in the mining industry to ensure a green future for today’s youth. Outside of LCOY Eileen can be found attending climate events, going on sunrise runs, and deepening her knowledge about climate change through environment-related university courses.
Joyce Tang
Eileen Zheng
Eileen Zheng
Joyce is a Grade 12 student at Basis International School. She is the Co-Chair of LCOY Canada 2023, an environmental activist and a striving architect. She has pursued the intersection of nature and the arts where she transformed a Kindergarten's barren rooftop into an eco-friendly dream garden.
LCOY Canada 2023 Supporters
University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering
LCOY Canada 2023 Sponsors
Employment and Social Development Canada
LCOY Canada 2023 Coalition Members
The OATHE Project
LCOY Canada 2023 Co-Hosts
University of British Columbia Asia Forest Research Centre
The Asia Forest Research Centre is a cross-departmental entity within the Faculty of Forestry, with the ability to promote regionally specific research to enhance forestry practices and knowledge in Asia. Seeking to enhance the research capacity at UBC, the Centre facilitates forestry research by both domestic and international students and scholars. A comprehensive network involving scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders will be extended by research and support conducted at the AFRC and will further advance Asian forestry research.
Human and Nature Youth Club
Human and Nature Youth Club is focused on providing educational and fun programs for youth, with an emphasis on developing their naturalistic intelligence and social responsibility. We are focused on empowering the next generation of leaders to develop a life-long drive for environmental activism.