Greenpeace Canada's new director highlights 'unstoppable' young generation

Greenpeace Canada's new executive director says she's taking over as "an unstoppable wave" of young people is propelling climate action to the top of the political agenda.

Christy Ferguson takes the helm of the Canadian chapter of the global environmental advocacy organization after 15 years at Greenpeace, where she has overseen an array of campaigns, from stopping tar sands expansion to protecting the Arctic against offshore drilling.

"We're truly delighted that Christy is taking the helm at Greenpeace Canada," Brigid Rowan, co-chair of the Greenpeace Canada board, said in a press release. "She’s exactly the person we need to lead a Greenpeace for a new generation at this critical time: compassionate, collaborative, inclusive, and solutions-oriented, yet uncompromising on our values and what matters most.”

"Greenpeace became iconic in the 1970s for the courageous actions of a group of young people determined to create a future free from violence, where nature and humanity can thrive,” Ferguson said in a statement. “Today, eighty per cent of our staff is under the age of 45 and we're witnessing an unstoppable wave of Gen Z and Millennial activism propel climate action to the top of the political agenda."

"I'll be focused on supporting these young people and making our organization more diverse and accessible. Together, we can counter divisive populist politics by leading with empathy to solve our common challenges."