Green bonds are going from 'niche' to 'mainstream': Can Canada catch up?
“I don’t even feel 16 at this point,” says Aliya Hirji. “Climate action has aged me 20 years — in a good way.” Photo provided
By David McKie
These days, as the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan decides where to invest its billions, every move it makes is green-tested by future investors — environmental crusaders like Aliya Hirji. At 16, Hirji, is younger than most organizers in her youth-led climate change advocacy group, Fridays for Future Toronto. She studies the financial markets and their intersection with climate change. These days, as the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan decides where to invest its billions, every move it makes is green-tested by future investors — environmental crusaders like Aliya Hirji.
At 16, Hirji, is younger than most organizers in her youth-led climate change advocacy group, Fridays for Future Toronto. She studies the financial markets and their intersection with climate change.
“A lot of adults in my life have thought that I’m ‘going to grow out of it,’” says Hirji, referring to her climate activism.
“And dealing with those (critics) is not always the most fun. But it’s part of the job.”
Hirji’s job is a part-time youth climate activist, pushing for more green investments.
During the pre-COVID-19 days, Hirji and the other climate change activists with Fridays for Future Toronto would hit the streets with signs advocating for a greener economy.
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