Henri Boisseau-Ouellet
2024 Youth Climate Activism Award - Essay Entry
Peter Allan of I-SEA presenting Henri with his cheque and YCAA certificate in Quebec.
Henri is a passionate 15 year old climate activist from Quebec. His essay is in French and if youโd like to view it in itโs original format hereโs the PDF (or use our on page translator on the bottom right of this screen).
Hello! My name is Henri Boisseau-Ouellet, and I am fifteen years old. Since I was very young, I have been passionate about the environment. Whether through the media or discussions with my parents, I have informed myself about climate issues and formed my own opinions on the subject. The environment concerns me greatly for several reasons. I have undertaken various projects or actions in my life, and I will present a few of them in this text.
Why?
While planning the writing of this text, I wondered why I was so concerned about the ecological crisis. I realized that it was mainly due to two factors: future consequences and our responsibilities in this major crisis. We are already witnessing some disruptions caused by climate change. I cannot imagine a future where we live under these conditions. Moreover, the climate crisis is not equitable. What I mean by this is that it does not affect everyone in the same way. I believe this is why I feel responsible for the environment. As a citizen of a wealthy country that has the means to protect and adapt to climate change, I believe it is our duty to make progress and raise awareness about climate issues.
Climate Issues
Awareness is just one element of my crusade. I am very concerned about sustainable mobility, greening, and inclusivity. I have also taken action on several of these issues. For example, at the age of twelve, I led a green alley project from start to finish. I will talk more about this in the next paragraph, which focuses on my climate engagement.
My Climate Engagement
I mentioned the green alley earlier, but my first "real" involvement was participating in the climate march in Montreal, led by Greta Thunberg in 2019. I joined the protest with my friend and my family, including my grandmother. It was a great opportunity to convey my message and have meaningful intergenerational discussions. Around the same time, I launched a project of weekly demonstrations near our metro station to raise awareness in our neighbourhood about the climate crisis
Visit the website for the full story (use your browsers built in translation capabilities for English speakers).
The following summer, I led the green alley project I mentioned earlier, the Ruelle des Confettis. I had to gather over 150 signatures, discuss and convince the neighbourhood, and even deal with some resistant individuals. Despite everything, the project came to fruition and led to a significant change in how people use our alley, particularly regarding car traffic. I also got involved in a plant distribution with รcoquartier, of which I am still a part. If I had more space, I could also mention my ecological reporting project, รco Infos, for which I went to interview mayors at COP15. I also joined the Youth Council of my district, which aims to advise municipal elected officials.
In conclusion, I have always been involved in climate change efforts, whether by raising public awareness or taking individual actions, and I intend to continue doing so!
Henriโs Website + Instagram + Youtube Channel
Some of Henriโs nature photography courtesy of his Instagram.
As part of the submissions application we asked participants to answer these 3 questions in addition to their essay or video.
What future goals do you have around your environmental and climate work, and do you have any future projects in mind?
I would like to continue raising awareness about the environment, whether by writing articles for รco Infos or other platforms. I have also changed my diet in recent years, and I plan to continue making changes to adapt to the climate situation. I would also like to take a stand to make a difference, such as stopping school trips by plane.
If you could share with us one message of hope for our planet, what would it be?
Together, we are capable of achieving great things. If we continue to separate and fear others, we will achieve nothing. I would like us to unite and be supportive in the climate crisis.
Who or what inspires you to work on climate change?
The young activists who take a stand and sue governments or large companies inspire me a lot. I find them very courageous!