About Us

FES Logo

N:OW for Net-Zero is a project by FES. FES is a youth-led, youth-serving sustainable development organization. FES is a not-for-profit corporation whose registered charity number is 801430307 RR0001.

FES is an accredited organization by the United Nations and has a special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). As the final generation that can solve climate change, FES empowers youth to create a more inclusive, fair, prosperous, and sustainable future.

Our Work

At its core, this is a project focused on connecting youth with educational and hands-on experiences for a net-zero now. More than anyone, youth feel the urgency and anxiety of the climate crisis. Empty promises of a ‘net-zero future’ are far removed from their lives. That's why our programs focus on supporting students with resources and tools—so they can be the leaders and changemakers of a great transformation, starting in their own schools and communities.

 

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Our Funders

This project was undertaken with the financial support of Environment and Climate Change Canada via the Net-Zero Engagement Fund. This was a funding opportunity made available by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to respond to the Net-Zero Advisory Body (NZAB)’s mandate related to engagement. It aims to support initiatives and projects that build awareness, dialogue, and capacity on net-zero, with an initial focus on youth and/or families.

WHO IS ECCC?

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is the lead federal department for a wide range of environmental issues, including climate change. ECCC is responsible for implementing, monitoring, and reporting on Canada’s Climate Plan, including emissions reduction targets and net-zero commitments.

WHO IS NZAB?

The Net-Zero Advisory Body (NZAB) is an independent advisory body mandated by the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act to give advice on how Canada can achieve its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Our Team

N:OW for Net-Zero / FES staff are all youth (aged 30 and under) and act as a support system for the youth-led climate and net-zero movement in Canada. Collectively, these team members manage all services operating under N:OW for Net-Zero.

N:OW for Net-Zero wouldn't be where it is today without the foundational leadership of Jessica Leblanc and Sophia Lindfield, who expertly guided the project through its pilot years. As we continue to build upon their legacy, we remain deeply grateful for their invaluable contributions.

For additional FES staff and board members, check out the FES website.

Recent Steering Committee

The Steering Committee is a mix of educators, students, climate activists, and subject matter experts from various regions across what is currently referred to as Canada. They collectively guide and inform N:OW for Net-Zero’s programmatic direction and evaluate grant applications. 

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Audy Noor

(She/Her)

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Audy Noor is an Urban and Regional Planning student at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her strong passion for solving environmental-related issues from a young age has blossomed into one that seeks to achieve environmental justice for both people and the planet. Audy has a strong interest in the intersection between urban planning, the environment and Indigeneity and how to design public spaces that uplift all three of those principles. Audy dedicates much of her time to volunteering in grassroots initiatives since she believes that community engagement is the key to building a better world. In her free time, she enjoys reading nonfiction books, taking walks in nature, and spending time with family and friends.
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Rohan Mishra

(He/Him)

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Rohan is an environmental professional with a diverse and rich background. Originally from India, he spent 25 years experiencing the natural beauty of the Himalayas and Western Ghats, while also witnessing the environmental challenges which have evolved into existential crisis for many of India’s urban areas. This inspired him to pursue a Master of Environmental Management at the University of New Brunswick (UNB). Currently, as the Environment & Sustainability Lead for the Town of New Glasgow in rural Nova Scotia, Rohan applies his global perspective to local governance. His work focuses on promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, and community resilience, bridging global insights with local action for a sustainable future.
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Sam Casey

(She/Her)

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Sam Casey is a dedicated sustainability professional with a profound commitment to youth empowerment, community development, and innovative placemaking. Holding an Honours BA in Environmental Governance from the University of Guelph, Sam possesses a nuanced understanding of the critical need for inclusive and effective governance systems to address the escalating triple planetary crisis. Over the past five years, Sam worked to advance campus sustainability initiatives at the University of Guelph. Her work has encompassed co-designing and implementing numerous youth-led projects, campaigns, and events that drove meaningful action on campus and in the community. Sam is also a passionate advocate for climate justice and local climate action. She co-founded the Community Climate Council, an organization dedicated to climate justice in Peel Region, Ontario. Additionally, she contributes her expertise as a board member for the Guelph Climate Action Network and Guelph Tool Library, furthering local and regional sustainability initiatives.
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Will Burton

(He/Him)

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Will lives in Winnipeg / Treaty 1 Territory and has a decade of experience in the Manitoba K-12 public education system including at the elementary and senior years, in traditional and alternative learning environments, as both a classroom teacher and school leader. His current interest and scholarship focus is on place-based pedagogies, climate change education, and interdisciplinary approaches to the K-12 curriculum. Will is actively involved in the Manitoba K-12 system, leading projects that involve educating pre- and in-service teachers on climate change education, collaborating with UNESCO Schools and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in action projects, and supporting classroom community action projects. Enrolled at Lakehead University’s Ph.D. in Educational Studies program, under the guidance of Dr. Ellen Field, Will’s dissertation focuses on the design and facilitation of place-based pedagogies in the K-12 Manitoba education system. Will currently teaches pre-service and in-service teachers in the University of Winnipeg Faculty of Education.
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Kristopher Buffalo Macdonald

(He/Him)

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Hello my name is Kristopher. I have just graduated from high school at Holy Trinity and I am 18 years old. I’m currently going into training to become a plumber.
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Kara Wickstrom-Street

(She/Her)

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Kara Wickstrom-Street is a High School Social Sciences teacher in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Treaty 1 territory) that is passionate about climate education and inspiring youth to take action. As co-chair of both the staff and student ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) committees at Miles Macdonell Collegiate she has helped to implement a multitude of student lead projects aimed at promoting environmental stewardship in the school community. These projects include the construction of a community garden, implementing a school wide composting program and de-paving a portion of the school parking lot to create an outdoor learning classroom and greenspace. Kara is the Vice President of the Manitoba Social Sciences Teachers Association and a Board Member of the Social Sciences Educators Network of Canada. She has two teenage children that are active in sports and loves hockey, soccer, golf and spending time outdoors.
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Jodie Hon

(She/They)

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Jodie is an experienced Project Engineer (P.Eng) with a passion for sustainability and innovative energy solutions. She has experience leading the design and construction of large, low-carbon district energy systems including geo-exchange, waste heat recovery from cooling, and electric boilers. Currently she is working as the Innovation and STEM Manager for Iron & Earth, a non-profit that enables sustainable, community-driven climate solutions and reduces barriers for those seeking a future in the green economy. She is a strong advocate for intersectional climate justice and community-led solutions.
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Graham Tomori

(He/Him)

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Hi there, my name is Graham Tomori and I'm a 16 year old from St. Catharines, Ontario. I go to Eden High School here in St. Catharines and I am the president of my school's Greenhouse club. I really enjoy running and a majority of my time is filled up jogging around and taking care of my plants. I plan to attend University in the United States pursuing a degree in International Relations and Business. I love the Earth and all the living things on it and hope I can help support people willing to work against Climate Change!
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Elizabeth Rya

(She/Her)

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Elizabeth Ryan is currently a Nova Scotian educator. She has over twelve years experience with a background in Atlantic Canadian studies with a focus on colonialism and its effects on indigenous peoples and their practices. She is of Mi’kmaq descent and deeply values their traditional views of their place with nature. It is her passion to bring a mix of these traditions with modern ideas to youth to introduce the concept and ideas of sustainability and its role in best harvesting practices. Outside of work, she maintains a small hobby farm with her fiancé and two children. She enjoys hiking, fishing, reading, and engaging with nature.
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Brock Leaman

(He/Him)

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Brock is a builder with Red Seal certifications in both Carpentry and Cabinetry, specializing in passive solar design and green building practices. He is a high school educator and is passionate about equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. In addition to his educational role, he also currently serves as an armored officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, bringing a strong sense of discipline and leadership to all endeavors. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, actively applying sustainable practices on his small family farm, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship and innovative land management.