Inside Montreal, journalist Louis-Philippe Messier travels mainly on the run, his office in his backpack, on the lookout for fascinating subjects and people. He speaks to everyone and is interested in all walks of life in this urban chronicle.
His name is Robert and he is 10 years old. Everyone takes him for the son of someone taking part in COP15, but no: he, the participant, takes the microphone on occasion.
Photo Louis-Philippe Messier
With his mother Alysa near the Chinese pavilion.
Robert is from Toronto and is in grade five. His mother Alysa prefers that I withhold her last name to avoid some online pettiness.
Greta Thunberg began her public life at 15; Robert, he has just turned 10 years old.
It’s the hubbub in the room when he seizes the microphone of a conference, yesterday.
The fifty or so adults present, taken aback by a voice so clear and so high-pitched, observe the silence.
“It’s important that the COP15 delegates overcome their disagreements to protect biodiversity and to allow my generation to have a livable planet,” says Robert.
Photo Louis-Philippe Messier
Certainly the most energetic of the COP15 participants, Robert will pedal up to six times a day on the musical bikes where, according to the employee, he accumulates more than 20 km per day.
Young YouTuber
His YouTube channel Robert at Children’s Climate Championship [Robert au Championnat climatique des enfants] earned him his accreditation. He interviews climate specialists who, of course, simplify their remarks to be understood by a child.
“It’s the first time I’ve spoken in front of so many people! he exclaims, proudly, after his speech. “If I’m nervous, I concentrate on my microphone: I talk into it, without thinking of people. »
Initially, it was because Robert was very anxious about climate disasters that his mother suggested a channel to demystify the subject.
“Every week I ask him if he wants to continue, I don’t want to twist his arm,” Alysa says.
Robert misses school for two weeks. His teacher, who considers the cause good, gave him her blessing.
“I brought delegates to tears a few days ago when I asked them what they were going to do before the world went silent…” he tells me.
“My son is here as a child to remind the delegates why they have to get along and some are moved by listening to him”, confirms Alysa.
The little boy walks and talks with adults from all over the world, who have taken a liking to him in Montreal. He will not soon forget his experience as a COP15 cadet.