Undergraduate student awarded for her environmental advocacy
By: Serena Alshayeb | Estimated time: 1 minute
Bethany Poltl, an undergraduate student in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development, was recognized as one of Starfish Canada’s Top 25 Environmentalists Under 25 in 2024; an award program that celebrates and rewards young leaders for creating positive change in their communities.
Bethany has worked with many organizations in the past. She is a World Wildlife Living Planet Leader and See it, Be it, STEM it mentor. She volunteered with the Canadian Environmental Network, monitored the Waterloo Eco Summit, and has been part of clubs on campus such as the United College green team, Faculty of Environment ambassador, vice-president of finance for the Environment Student Society, and operations director for campus compost.
During her co-ops at the Sustainability Office at UWaterloo, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and Daniel and Partners Law, Bethany worked on creating discussions between communities on sustainability and familiarizing herself with environmental law.
Bethany has completed a thesis focusing on the relationship between greenspace reduction and human wildlife around the Niagara Region. Her research was highlighted in places such as; Canada Association of Geographers Conference in NL (Aug 2024), Latornell Conservation Symposium (Oct 2024) and at the Pathways: Human Dimensions of Wildlife Conference in Spain (Oct 2024) and will be presented at the UWaterloo Climate Conference on February 7.
She is passionate about environmental photography and believes that by using her voice and research, she can make an impact on others to make change and educate them. She has written over 60 articles that can be read at UWaterloo Imprint Magazine, as well as earlier articles in the Radicle and The Local (NOTL newspaper).
Bethany is one of 25 students across Canada to have been recognized by Starfish Canada. Congratulations Bethany, what an incredible achievement!
The Starfish Canada uplifts youth changemakers. They provide the essential education, resources, communities, and recognition for youth to thrive as leaders in shaping a climate-resilient future.
