Youth Lead the Way at 5th Annual Climate Action Summit
Cornwall, Ontario – The spirit of collaboration and hope was on full display at the 5th Annual Youth Climate Action Summit (YCAS), held on November 4th at the Benson Centre in Cornwall. Hosted by the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network (FABN) in partnership with the City of Cornwall, their Youth for Climate Action Working Group and The River Institute, the Summit brought together young leaders from across the region for a powerful day of learning, connection, and climate action. This year’s Summit saw 80 students and educators from 15 schools and organizations gathering to share ideas, gain hands-on experience, and begin shaping their own community-driven solutions to climate challenges. The day featured 15 workshops, discussions, and collaborative sessions — all designed to equip youth with the confi dence and tools to act locally while thinking globally. Several of these were offered in French. “Climate change is a real threat. As we plan to ensure that our communities are climate resilient, it is truly inspiring to see the next generation taking action today, for tomorrow,” said Cornwall Mayor, Justin Towndale who welcomed youth to the summit.
The opening keynote by Dr. Ojistoh Horn inspired participants to ground their actions in community care and Indigenous knowledge. Highlights from the day included: event-planning, a tour of Cornwall’s water purifi cation plant, and a climate café where youth could explore their feelings related to climate change. Students participated in dynamic conversations around active transportation, sustainable food systems, and water stewardship throughout the day.
As in past years, the Summit culminated in the development of Climate Action Plans (CAPs). These are actionable projects that youth will take back to their schools and communities. All Summit participants will have the opportunity to apply to FABN for $500 in seed funding to help bring their ideas to life. Funded CAPs from the 2024 Summit included: a composting pilot program, a local/seasonal cooking workshop series, a bee and pollinator themed literacy fair, and an in-classroom recycling program.
At a time when climate impacts are being felt across the region and the world, YCAS serves as a reminder that empowering youth is essential to people with a sense of agency and belonging by connecting them to mentors, resources, and each other in ways that spark long-term change.
FABN extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated youth volunteers who helped organize the event, and to the many teachers, community leaders, and organizations who continue to support this growing network of changemakers. Special gratitude goes to our event partners and sponsors — Intact Insurance, Canarm, the Social Development Council SDGCA, Your Credit Union, Transition Cornwall +, Poptronic VR, Chromatographic Specialties Inc., John D. Warner Insurance Brokers Inc., Marlin Orchard and Biscuits Leclerc, whose generosity and vision make the Youth Climate Action Summit possible.
More information about FABN and YCAS can be found at frontenacarchbiosphere.ca/event/youth-climate-action/.
