Olivia Xing
2026 Eco-Hero
FINALIST
Olivia Xing
Age 16
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Monarch Missions: Advancing Climate Literacy and Youth Policy Advocacy
At 16 years old, debater and environmental advocate Olivia Xing is empowering Canadian youth to shape local environmental policy through her organization, Monarch Missions. Growing up in British Columbia, Olivia noticed the declining monarch butterfly population during visits to local gardens, inspiring her initial drive to protect endangered wildlife. Realizing that many of her peers shared her passion for nature but lacked actionable pathways, she expanded Monarch Missions into a national youth-led climate platform run by a core team of 15 high school students and supported by over 50 volunteers.
Monarch Missions advances climate literacy, policy advocacy, and community fundraising. The organization hosts an annual Youth in Climate Policy Conference for over 100 participants, featuring workshops on environmental justice and public policy led by industry professionals. During the conference, youth draft policy proposals addressing climate inequities and present their ideas directly to local Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and city councillors. Beyond policy advocacy, Olivia and her team have delivered workshops at major youth sustainability summits, led community library discussion groups and raised over $10,000 to support wildlife and conservation projects.
Olivia integrates her expertise in international competitive debate and public speaking to advocate on environmental issues like e-waste and rewilding. She plans to pursue university studies in environmental policy and law to continue shaping climate solutions on an international scale.
"Monarch Missions gives youth a platform to transform their passion into direct action. When young people learn how to engage with climate policy and use their voices, local ideas become lasting solutions."
