Bonnie Gao

Topic

Powering the Future: Youth Inclusion for an Equitable Energy Transition

Department of Geography

Date & location

• Friday, September 5, 2025

• 10:00 A.M.

• David Turpin Building

• Room B215

Reviewers

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Denise Cloutier, Department of Geography, University of Victoria (Co-Supervisor)

• Dr. CindyAnn Rose-Redwood, Department of Geography, UVic (Co-Supervisor) 

External Examiner

• Dr. Sarah Marie Wiebe, School of Public Administration, UVic 

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Colin Goldblatt, School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, UVic

   

Abstract

Anthropogenic climate change is a far-reaching global crisis affecting current and future generations. A transition to renewable energy is needed to meet carbon emissions reduction targets. The energy transition must include considerations of future generations who will inherit the future energy system and the Earth. To uphold intergenerational equity while addressing the climate crisis, youth voices must be involved in the low-carbon energy transition. There is a limited understanding of youth in the energy transition. This thesis outlines how diverse youth have engaged with the Canadian low-carbon energy transition and the challenges and opportunities they have faced. Interviews were conducted with youth aged 18-35 from diverse backgrounds involved in the Canadian low-carbon energy transition. Findings were interpreted through the frameworks of intergenerational equity, energy justice, energy democracy, and intersectionality. This research will contribute to a better understanding of how youth have been involved with the energy transition and how to best engage with youth in the future.