Nanaimo Climate Connections 2025: A Resounding Success
On September 12 and 13, 2025, the Nanaimo community came together (250 of us!) in a powerful way for Nanaimo Climate Connections 2025, a two-day gathering that celebrated collaboration, courage, and commitment to climate action. Kicking off on Friday night with beautiful nature-inspired music of Elise Boulanger, the event was a vibrant success, drawing a remarkable turnout of residents, activists, youth leaders, and community organizations all dedicated to addressing the climate crisis head-on.
Attendees getting inspired! (photo credit: Patrick Poyner Del-Vento)
The program featured an inspiring lineup of speakers who shared their expertise and wisdom. Geraldine Manson, Snuneymuxw Elder, grounded the event with teachings that reminded us of our deep responsibility to the land and waters. Seth Klein, public policy expert and author, delivered a rousing call to treat the climate emergency with the urgency of wartime mobilization. Andrew Gage of West Coast Environmental Law spoke powerfully about climate accountability and the importance of holding governments and corporations responsible. Meanwhile, Laura Lynch, CBC journalist and host of What on Earth, shared encouraging messages of solutions and hope.
Geraldine Manson, Andrew Gage, and Seth Klein (photo credit: Patrick Poyner-Del Vento)
In addition to keynote talks, the event was rich with panel discussions and breakout sessions. Topics ranged from local climate solutions and renewable energy to Indigenous climate resilience, intersectional activism, climate storytelling, network building and youth-led activism. These interactive sessions gave attendees the chance to exchange ideas, build connections, and leave with tangible next steps for climate action.
Intersectional Climate Action: Lessons From Movement-Makers
From left to right:
Aggie Black
Karry Eilers
Susan Swift
Savannah Barratt
Over the course of the event the energy in the room was undeniable. Community groups set up tables showcasing ongoing projects, while participants engaged in spirited conversations about what comes next. The sheer number of attendees underscored how deeply Nanaimo cares about shaping a sustainable and just future.
We want to express our deepest gratitude to the volunteers whose hard work, dedication, and tireless energy made the event possible. From welcoming guests and managing logistics to coordinating sessions and supporting speakers, their behind-the-scenes efforts ensured everything ran seamlessly. A huge thanks as well to all the community organizations who joined us in our Community Fair!
Nanaimo Cycling Coalition and Mid-Island Electric Vehicle Association (photo credit: Patrick Poyner-Del Vento
Nanaimo Climate Connections 2025 was more than an event—it was a movement in motion. To everyone who spoke, participated, organized, and volunteered: thank you for making this gathering a beacon of hope and determination. Together, we are building the climate-resilient future our communities need. The chorus of “You’re down with LNG? Oh no, not me!” led by the one and only Dan Parker at the end says it all. Mic dropped.
Nanaimo Climate Action Hub is incredibly grateful to the City of Nanaimo and Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions, whose funding made NCC25 possible. Thank you also to our sponsors whose contributions helped make the event a memorable experience for our nearly attendees: Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE); Frack Free BC; Nanaimo Foundation; Plant-Based Cities Movement; and The Climate Reality Project Canada.
Would you like to have a Nanaimo Climate Connections 2026? We would love to hear from you!