On the Radar
ON THE RADAR | THE LOCALER
Environmental Advocacy
Activist Aliénor Rougeot keeps fighting for the planet.
By Dick Snyder
DURING THIS YEAR'S FEDERAL CAMPAIGN, climate activists noted that something important was missing from the dialogue. Discussions around climate issues were notably absent, says Aliénor Rougeot, a senior program director for climate at Environmental Defence. For her, it’s the most important issue of all. “Climate underpins everything,” she says. “If you ask people what they care about, they’re going to talk about immediate needs, but the reality is climate change threatens all of your immediate needs.” Rougeot was born in Aix-en-Provence in the south of France and moved to Canada at the age of 17. She studied economics at the University of Toronto before joining Environmental Defence four years ago. While at school, she was inspired by environmental activist Greta Thunberg to organize a series of climate “strikes” that drew thousands of supporters and led to her recognition by Corporate Knights magazine as one of 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leaders in 2019. Her interest in human and environmental rights drives her work at Environmental Defence, where she focuses on equitable and just treatment for workers affected by the transition to sustainable energy solutions. “How do we make the energy transition equitable for workers and communities? So, it’s working with unions, working with municipalities and with Indigenous Peoples,” she says. A recent success was the introduction last year of the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, which acknowledges that climate change has a disproportionate negative impact on vulnerable groups and marginalized individuals, such as those with mental health issues or whose jobs and housing situations may be in peril. Ultimately, Rougeot’s goal is to work with governments to enact more forward-thinking legislation and policies that are good for both the planet and its passengers.
Aliénor Rougeot helps spread the message about the impacts of climate change. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF JOSHUA BEST
ON THE RADAR | PLAYLIST
What Songs Do You Road-Trip to, Sarah Harmer?
BURLINGTON NATIVE Sarah Harmer is cherished as much for her vividly detailed songs — winningly delivered in her crisp, inimitable voice — as she is for her tireless environmental activism. She was honoured earlier this year with a Humanitarian Award at the Junos — and the statuette was presented by David Suzuki, no less. Of course, Harmer and the Junos go way back: 10 nominations yielded two wins, in 2005 and 2007. Harmer has eclectic musical taste. “These favourites are good company," she says, explaining that her playlist ranges from high-energy fist-pumping tunes or "on a wistful cruise down a summer road,” she says, dubbing her list “Harmer Songs for Highways and Byways.” –Kim Hughes
PHOTO: COURTESY OF VANESSA HEINS
We are providing a preview of the artist’s playlist. The full playlist can be experienced directly on Spotify with a free account. Songs may not be appropriate for everyone. Listener discretion is advised.
On the Radar
ON THE RADAR | THE LOCALER
Environmental Advocacy
Activist Aliénor Rougeot keeps fighting for the planet.
By Dick Snyder
DURING THIS YEAR'S FEDERAL CAMPAIGN, climate activists noted that something important was missing from the dialogue. Discussions around climate issues were notably absent, says Aliénor Rougeot, a senior program director for climate at Environmental Defence. For her, it’s the most important issue of all. “Climate underpins everything,” she says. “If you ask people what they care about, they’re going to talk about immediate needs, but the reality is climate change threatens all of your immediate needs.” Rougeot was born in Aix-en-Provence in the south of France and moved to Canada at the age of 17. She studied economics at the University of Toronto before joining Environmental Defence four years ago. While at school, she was inspired by environmental activist Greta Thunberg to organize a series of climate “strikes” that drew thousands of supporters and led to her recognition by Corporate Knights magazine as one of 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leaders in 2019. Her interest in human and environmental rights drives her work at Environmental Defence, where she focuses on equitable and just treatment for workers affected by the transition to sustainable energy solutions. “How do we make the energy transition equitable for workers and communities? So, it’s working with unions, working with municipalities and with Indigenous Peoples,” she says. A recent success was the introduction last year of the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, which acknowledges that climate change has a disproportionate negative impact on vulnerable groups and marginalized individuals, such as those with mental health issues or whose jobs and housing situations may be in peril. Ultimately, Rougeot’s goal is to work with governments to enact more forward-thinking legislation and policies that are good for both the planet and its passengers.
Aliénor Rougeot helps spread the message about the impacts of climate change. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF JOSHUA BEST
PHOTO: COURTESY OF VANESSA HEINS
ON THE RADAR | PLAYLIST
What Songs Do You Road-Trip to, Sarah Harmer?
BURLINGTON NATIVE Sarah Harmer is that rarest of artists. She is cherished as much for her vividly detailed songs — winningly delivered in her crisp, inimitable voice — as she is for her tireless environmental activism. She was honoured earlier this year with a Humanitarian Award at the Junos — and the statuette was presented by David Suzuki, no less. Of course, Harmer and the Junos go way back: 10 nominations yielded two wins, in 2005 and 2007. As might be expected from someone so deeply alive in the world, Harmer has eclectic musical taste. “These favourites are good company whether I’m head out the window with fists pumping, or on a wistful cruise down a summer road,” she says, dubbing her list “Harmer Songs for Highways and Byways.” –Kim Hughes
We are providing a preview of the artist’s playlist. The full playlist can be experienced directly on Spotify with a free account. Songs may not be appropriate for everyone. Listener discretion is advised.