The EOWC Supporting Youth Engagement: Municipal Climate Internship

The second year of the Municipal Climate Internship has concluded!

The Municipal Climate Internship provides young environmental leaders, age 18-30, with the opportunity to work and learn alongside municipalities that are invested in advancing local climate change solutions. Interns receive a six-month paid internship placement with a host municipality and take part in cohort-based leadership and professional development.

Throughout the program, interns will gain first-hand experience and knowledge in municipal climate issues, solutions, and local decision-making. Interns will be exposed to various municipal government and political processes and will become well-versed in how climate change is integrated into municipal planning. The knowledge, experience and professional skills gained will help prepare participants for careers as local climate leaders.

Environment Leadership Canada has partnered with the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) member municipalities. In January of 2025, four interns started their placements in the partner municipalities of the United Counties of Leeds and Granville, Prince Edward County, City of Kawartha Lakes, and Hastings County.

Find out more about the Municipal Climate Internship on Environmental Leadership Canada’s website and social media.

Meet the 2025 Interns

Napanee, Ontario – Roberta Green

Roberta Green (she/her), from Napanee, Ontario, is closely connected to the traditional territory of the Kenien’keha:ká. She holds an Environmental Management Technician Diploma from Fleming College and a Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Studies from Trent University. Roberta is passionate about environmental stewardship, focusing on innovative, inclusive climate change solutions.

In her community of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, she led a youth initiative to plant 150 white cedar trees, revitalizing traditional medicines in open spaces. Her dedication to restoration extended to her work with the Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest, where she helped a remediation project on Belle Island by removing invasive species such as buckthorn and spongy moths.

As part of the Municipal Climate Internship Program with Environmental Leadership Canada, Roberta is furthering her knowledge of climate change and environmental practices. Over the next six months, she is exploring implemented strategies, proposed initiatives, and solutions through a multicultural lens. Roberta’s commitment to environmental advocacy and community engagement drives her mission to create sustainable and inclusive solutions for future generations. 

Ottawa, Ontario – Amrit Kaur

Amrit Kaur (she/her) is an environmental professional based in Ottawa, Ontario, on the unceded and traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation. She grew up in Punjab, India, where she developed a deep appreciation for science and sustainability through her academic and community experiences. Amrit holds a master’s degree in chemistry and has furthered her education at Algonquin College, completing programs in Environmental Management and Assessment and Regulatory Affairs. These studies have provided her with expertise in environmental policies, compliance, and sustainable practices.

Amrit began her professional career working in customer service and quality assurance, where she developed strong organizational and communication skills. Her interest in environmental stewardship and social equity grew through her engagement with diverse communities as an immigrant and minority group member. These experiences have shaped her passion for advancing equity and sustainability within semi-rural municipalities and exploring innovative solutions that foster environmental resilience and social justice.

In her free time, Amrit enjoys exploring local parks and trails, connecting with nature, and participating in community initiatives that promote sustainability. She is excited to deepen her understanding of municipal processes and contribute to impactful climate change solutions through this internship. Amrit is dedicated to building meaningful connections and creating a positive difference in her community.

Belleville Ontario – Molly Langabeer

Molly Langabeer (she/her) completed a degree in Biology and Environmental Science at Queen’s University, where she explored conservation science through her thesis research on seabird genomics. Her work with Quinte Conservation further solidified her understanding of environmental challenges, revealing gaps between scientific research and practical policy action. Despite clear evidence of the need for change, she saw firsthand how policies often failed to protect ecosystems in her community.

These experiences motivate Molly to focus on environmental policy and bridge the divide between research and action. She is passionate about supporting policies that empower conservation efforts, drive sustainable business practices, and build resilience in local communities.

Through this internship, Molly aims to advance climate solutions in Prince Edward County while gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges rural communities face in mitigating and adapting to climate change. She is eager to collaborate with local leaders and residents to develop impactful strategies for addressing environmental and climate issues. In her community of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, she led a youth initiative to plant 150 white cedar trees, revitalizing traditional medicines in open spaces. Her dedication to restoration extended to her work with the Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest, where she helped a remediation project on Belle Island by removing invasive species such as buckthorn and spongy moths.

As part of the Municipal Climate Internship Program with Environmental Leadership Canada, Roberta is furthering her knowledge of climate change and environmental practices. Over the next six months, she is exploring implemented strategies, proposed initiatives, and solutions through a multicultural lens. Roberta’s commitment to environmental advocacy and community engagement drives her mission to create sustainable and inclusive solutions for future generations.

Brooklin Ontario – Ashtyn Nauffts

Ashtyn Nauffts (she/they) currently lives in Brooklin, Ontario (Durham Region), the traditional and treaty territories of the Nations covered under the Williams Treaties, including the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, Alderville First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, and the Chippewa Nations of Georgina Island, Beausoleil and Rama.

Ashtyn’s passion for the environment and sustainability led her to a degree in Environment and Urban Sustainability at Toronto Metropolitan (formerly Ryerson) University, as well as a post-graduate certificate in Sustainable Waste Management from Fleming College; she also has an undergraduate degree in History. Ashtyn’s work experience in waste management and environmental outreach has let her live in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec and Manitoba and allowed her to continue growing and pursuing her passion by leveraging her education and further developing her knowledge and skills in this area.

In her spare time, Ashtyn has been an active member of Climate Justice Toronto, as well as other environmental organizations, and regularly volunteers with her local political party. She loves the outdoors, especially being close to water. Ashtyn is also very interested in sustainable agriculture and frequents local farmers’ markets as often as possible. Ashtyn is very excited to have been offered this internship which will allow her to combine her background and interest in the environment with her passion for climate and social justice. She is especially looking forward to the opportunity to make a difference at the community level.