The 18-year-old Climate Motivator’s climate activism efforts have included successfully advocating against fossil fuel expansion
Matthew Tyhurst, a youth leader in the United Church of Canada, was recognized recently for his climate activism with a Youth Champion in Environmental Action and Awareness Award, granted by the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health (UNU-INWEH), a branch of the academic arm of the United Nations.
The awards were given at a benefit event at St. Lawrence Hall in Toronto on September 25 to four Ontario youth aged 15 to 24, who according to the UNU-INWEH, “demonstrate exceptional dedication to advancing environmental issues through activism, research, innovation, or community engagement” and “the ability to mobilize others toward sustainable solutions.”
Matthew, an 18-year-old student of Political Science and Legal Studies at the University of Waterloo, has worked both as a United Church Climate Motivator, a program which empowers youth to lead climate justice projects with local congregations, and a Youth Leadership Animator.
A public speaker on democracy and climate issues, in 2023 Matthew gave a speech to Halton Hills town council which played a role in persuading the town to reject the development of a fossil-fuel plant. He’s advocated for clean energy in communities of faith, and served on the Halton District School Board’s Environmental and Global Leadership Committee, devising a mock council curriculum to teach students the principles of municipal government and environmental stewardship.
“I am honoured to be a recipient of the United Nations Youth Champion in Environmental Action and Awareness Award alongside three other incredibly talented changemakers. This award recognizes the important role youth have in community mobilization and advocacy,” said Matthew. “I am thankful for the leadership opportunities the United Church has given me through the Climate Motivator and Leadership Animator programs. This award is proof of the transformative power of youth programming and first-third ministry.”
Other award recipients have worked on projects including expanding clean water access in the Global South, aiding in industrial waste reduction, and amplifying awareness of issues such as plastic pollution and water scarcity.
“These awards highlight what’s possible when youth are empowered to lead,” said Professor Kaveh Madani, Director of UNU-INWEH. “Each of these remarkable young people proves that environmental action is not limited by age—it’s driven by vision, courage, and purpose. Their leadership gives us hope that the next generation will not only inherit the planet, but actively reshape it for the better.”