Vera Allue has pursued climate action since she was 15 and living in her native Spain, where she started a recycling and waste sorting project. Now 19, the first-year economics and political science student represented U of T Mississauga at the annual United Nations conference on climate change, COP29, held in 2024 in Azerbaijan. Her mission: to spotlight UTM’s sustainability initiatives, learn from global leaders and bring back fresh ideas.

How have you continued your passion for climate action since arriving at U of T Mississauga?
I attend climate-related events or groups at least once a week. I recently went to a tri-campus food symposium that tackled climate and agriculture challenges, as well as local food security. That got me thinking – what if we started a sustainable cooking program for students?

What were your impressions of the COP29 conference?
I was struck by how few young people attended. Many climate leaders say youth should be at the centre of climate discussions, but this wasn’t the case in Azerbaijan.

What do you think is keeping young people out of high-level climate discussions?
Youth are told that they’re essential to climate action, but they’re not given the tools to be part of the conversation. They don’t know how to engage with leaders in the field or how to navigate an event like COP because there isn’t the training for them.

You were at COP29 to share strategies from UTM’s Climate Positive Plan. What did you highlight?
People were interested to learn about U of T’s environmental research and degree programs, especially their multidisciplinary approach. I also talked about the sustainable features in our campus buildings, such as solar arrays, green roofs, rainwater systems and geothermal heating and cooling. Since U of T has been ranked the most sustainable university in the world for two years in a row, we have a reputation for innovation, and people were eager to learn more.

What will you do next?
There is an immense gap in youth involvement in policymaking and I want to help change that. I’m collaborating with UTM’s Office of Sustainability and the Career Centre to help students understand the importance of “green skills” – the knowledge and capabilities to address climate challenges. And I’m already thinking about COP30, which I hope to attend!

Favourite sustainable meal?
Vegan stuffed eggplants

Best nature spot at UTM?
The Nature Trail during fall

Must-see in Azerbaijan?
The Gobustan mud volcanoes