Communicating to encourage positive change

These in-their-own-words pieces are told to Patricia Lane and co-edited with input from the interviewee for the purpose of brevity.

Charlotte Gilmour is increasing demand for action on climate change. As managing director of Environmental Impact for Yulu Impact Communications, this Vancouverite supports not-for-profits, governments and companies taking leadership to increase pressure on decision-makers to protect what we love. 

Tell us about Yulu.

We partner with global brands and socially-innovative organizations to amplify their impact as they inspire systemic change in both climate decision-making and social justice. For example, Ocean Wise wanted to get more young people involved in the work of taking plastics out of the ocean. We asked young people in many countries what would allow them to feel supported as they did this, and in response, set up the Ocean Wise Innovator Lab. From around the world, 175 young people met the challenge to come up with their own ideas. The winners got cash prizes and some media exposure in their own region. Just as importantly, everyone received a digital certificate in recognition of their participation. 

Also in Canada, we helped the World Wildlife Fund raise money at its “Climb for Nature” events in Vancouver. The Nature Trust of British Columbia is a long-term partner, and we used media and news events to help them spread the word about their successes in conserving special places. 

In the United States, our partners include Pano AI, which has developed technology for rapid identification and notification of wildfires. 

We ask how we can move the needle toward implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development goals. While half our staff are focussed primarily on climate change, we always use a wide lens and are proud of our contributions in other areas, like supporting UNICEF to raise millions to accelerate its efforts in delivering the COVAX vaccine. 

Over the last three years, we have generated more than 1,500 media stories and at least three million page and post impressions on social channels. In the process, we have generated investment for climate start-ups, donations for nonprofits, adoption of sustainable climate adaptation solutions and centred-community and Indigenous leadership into decision-making and program development.

How did you get involved?

I had a career in corporate public relations. After I had my second child, I wanted to go back to work but knew that I had to pivot away from just helping large corporations make more money, to making a better future for my kids. I approached Yulu, whose work in social justice I had admired, and persuaded them to allow me to grow their environmental and climate communications work. 

What makes it hard?

It can feel overwhelming. We can do so much to reduce emissions bit by bit and then, one wildfire season can wipe out all the gains. It is easy to feel powerless. 

What gives you hope?

My children are aged 8 and 10. They are in love with nature and very savvy about the need to take action to protect it. Their energy and smarts inspire me. 

I volunteered my time and skills to help the student climate strikers in September. They are also smart and committed and their energy is palpable. 

What do you see if we get this right?

We have re-shaped power, so decisions are made by the communities that will be directly affected. Eco-anxiety has been replaced with the certainty that all our voices matter, and we appreciate our natural world and our part in it. Everyone has enough. 

What advice would you have for young people?

You have power. Being young might mean you cannot vote, but you still have a voice. It will be more powerful if you raise it with others. A better world is coming if we work together.

What would you say to others who might be in the middle of their careers and wanting to make a difference?

If you have influence within an organization, stay there and use it. We need everyone. If you are at decision-making tables, ask if everyone who will be impacted is at the table. A world that is sustainable for some is not enough.

What about older people?

You have the gifts of time and some experience and wisdom to share. Bring meaning to your own life by building a legacy of a better future for young people.