Youth Leadership

Amber LeBlanc is an environmental researcher from Canada's East Coast. She has dedicated her career to understanding the ocean, from microplastics in seafood and air to policies that shape how we protect marine ecosystems. Through her work and voice, she represents a new wave of leadership grounded in both science and compassion.

From the Atlantic to the World Stage

Growing up beside the Atlantic Ocean, Amber developed a deep respect for its beauty and power, a connection that led her to pursue environmental studies at Dalhousie University, where she focused on microplastics. Her research has taken her from the coastlines of Eastern Canada to California, where she’s analyzed microplastics in seafood, seawater, and even the air we breathe.

Now, her work bridges science and society, helping translate complex research into real-world action. She’s passionate about fostering collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and communities and centering compassion in leadership.

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Stepping into the One Ocean Youth Panel

Amber joined the One Ocean Youth Panel after an invitation from the City of Bergen, who had taken notice of her work in San Francisco Bay. What started as a conversation turned into a commitment to global collaboration.

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As part of this year’s SOS Kick-Off in Bergen, Amber took to the stage with Alfredo Gira Head of the World Economic Forum's Ocean Action Agenda to share her story, and the experience left a lasting impression:

“Being part of the SOS kickoff felt like coming home—the audience’s engagement, especially from my fellow Canadians, showed how deeply the message resonated. It was a powerful reminder that collective action thrives when values align, and I left feeling even more optimistic about what we can accomplish together. Events like this don’t just talk about change; they ignite it.”

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Lessons in Global Connection

Through the panel, Amber has connected with youth across cultures, revealing how different regions experience the ocean in distinct yet deeply interlinked ways. She’s learned that while ocean challenges are global, solutions must be place-based, shaped by local knowledge and values.

At the core of this journey? Collaboration. “These issues are too big for one person or institution to solve alone,” Amber says. “But together, we can create real progress.”

A Call for Youth Power

Amber believes it’s time for youth to have meaningful seats at decision-making tables, not just symbolic roles. From mentorships to co-led projects, she calls for intergenerational partnerships built on respect and trust.

And storytelling, she says, is vital: “Our stories help others see the impact we’re already making and why our voices matter.”

Looking Ahead

Amber envisions a future where young leaders drive sustainable innovation, creating alternatives to single-use plastics, rethinking supply chains, and using digital tools to scale global collaboration.