Finding Your Climate Action Intersection
For our Earth Day panel this year, we decided to tackle one of the biggest challenges when it comes to tackling climate change. Climate anxiety is real! How do we create capacity and joy instead of becoming overwhelmed and exhausted?
Instead of trying to absorb the big picture, let’s reframe our approach with actions that spark our interest as individuals. By finding the intersection between climate action, our passions, our skills, and our network, we can increase our impact.
On April 22, 2022, we brought three speakers together to speak about finding that intersection in their careers. Here’s a brief summary of their journeys:
Tom Finkle
Tom Finkle is currently the Marketing Manager at Nada Grocery, a Vancouver-based package free grocery store and delivery service. It focuses on reimagining our food system to be more sustainable, advocating a “buy what you need” mentality.
Before Tom worked at Nada, he had a more traditional marketing agency role.
“At [that] time in my career, I was seeking to work with brands that align with my values and could lead to bigger conversations that create community and collective action to a common goal.”
Now, Tom uses his skills to educate new and existing customers to change their behaviour. He’s a champion for change, creating tangible impact on our local and wider food system.
Moronke Harris
Moronke Harris is currently working towards her PhD in Oceanography at the University of Victoria. She researches deep sea oceanography, with a focus on hydrothermal vents thousands of meters beneath the ocean’s surface.
Moronke’s career in oceanography is a combination of her interests for chemistry, biology, travel, public speaking, and exploration of the unknown. She is also a passionate science communicator and is working to make science more accessible through public engagement and art.
“I discovered these interests through exploring new things, watching documentaries, and following what made me happy. It wasn’t always easy, but sometimes the hard things are more satisfying than the easy things could ever be, once you complete them.”
Dr. Elaine Leung
Dr. Elaine Leung is a marine biologist and the Founder of Sea Smart. As a young person, she knew she wanted to have a positive impact but was not sure what she wanted her career to be.
After high school, Elaine had the chance to work with sea lions on a marine research project. This early work experience sparked a passion for ocean animals and exploration. She went on to complete her PhD, travelling around the world to work with and research marine mammals. Propelled by the speed at which endangered species are disappearing from our oceans, Elaine founded Sea Smart in 2016. She combines her passion, science knowledge, and communication skills to empower young individuals to take action.
“I’ve seen how the power of individual action can create huge waves of change… that is why I began Sea Smart. Kids can be ocean superheroes if they are given the opportunity.”
Getting Started
What are some top tips to finding your climate action intersection?
Make a list of your key skills and interests
Reach out to people in industries you’re interested in
Think about the real-world impact you want to have
Want to hear more? For the full panel, watch Finding Your Climate Action Intersection on our YouTube channel. Or, sign up for our monthly newsletter for ocean conservation tips, resources, and events.
