RRU alum Megan Lohmann a climate change changemaker

In the battle against the climate crisis, we need leaders who drive change and inspire others. Megan Lohmann, a Royal Roads University alum, has emerged as one of these exceptional individuals, recognized as a runner-up in the Change Maker category of the 2023 Women of the Year Awards by BC Business. With her unwavering commitment to combating climate change, Lohmann has become a symbol of environmental stewardship and a force to be reckoned with.

Lohmann says her experience completing her Master of Science in Environment and Management at Royal Roads not only equipped her with invaluable skills and knowledge but also challenged the way she interacts within her field. 

Collaborating alongside seasoned professionals, Lohmann gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of climate change and the pressing need for innovative solutions. She recognized the power of collaboration and the importance of engaging communities, local governments, and Indigenous communities in the fight against climate change. Her ability to bridge gaps, foster partnerships, and inspire collective action has been instrumental in advancing climate initiatives across regions.

Lohmann, who is the Acting Executive Director of the Community Energy Association, believes that her educational experience empowered her to navigate the complexities of climate change and equipped her with the tools needed to tackle pressing environmental challenges. Armed with this newfound expertise, Lohmann has spearheaded ground-breaking projects that have had a tangible impact on sustainability efforts.

"We need to be comfortable with a bit of a long game and with being patient and empathetic while pushing for new directions and outside-the-box solutions," says Lohmann.

Her nomination for the BC Business Women of the Year Awards came as a pleasant surprise, reflecting the significant impact she has made in regional collaboration, particularly in high-impact climate initiatives. One of her most notable projects, Accelerate Kootenays, has brought small and rural communities together to establish the first electric vehicle network in Canada. Through this innovative endeavor, Lohmann has demonstrated her ability to foster collaboration, challenge conventional approaches, and unlock the potential of communities. The results were remarkable, with notable increases in electric vehicle adoption and the promotion of sustainable tourism.

But Lohmann 's dedication extends beyond this ground-breaking project. in her role at the Community Energy Association, she has been instrumental in driving climate action at the community, local government, and Indigenous community levels. Under her leadership, the CEA has supported foundational planning, policy implementation, infrastructure projects, and capacity building. With a focus on leveraging networks and regional-scale initiatives, Lohmann has fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing, amplifying the collective efforts against climate change.

"It's not just about individual actions; from a professional perspective, it's equally important to push the envelope and deliver solutions that have a larger regional impact," Lohmann says.

In light of her recent recognition, Lohmann says it’s important to think long-term and take bold action. Her guiding company with her husband, situated on the melting Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park, serves as a stark reminder of the urgency we face. It reinforces the need for systemic change, where bold solutions and collective commitments are vital.

"The urgency of climate change demands a balance between short-term actions, like retrofitting homes or transitioning to electric vehicles, and long-term commitments to regional-scale projects that yield significant impact," Lohmann says.

As concerned citizens, we must reflect on our own roles in the fight against climate change. Lohmann's journey resonates with the challenges of our time: a call for courage, resilience and unwavering dedication to safeguarding our planet. Her story inspires us to harness the power of education and innovation to drive meaningful change.

"I think the opportunity now is to be more intentional in evaluating where we spend our energy and what we advise communities to pursue,” says Lohmann. “We have to act now, but with a long-term commitment and a willingness to try something new and different. It's about pushing the envelope and realizing that impactful change takes time and collaboration."

Interested in learning more about our Master of Science in Environment and Management program? Visit the program page or request more information.