Mark Leiren-Young, an environmentalist, shares his insights on the challenges within Canadian ecopolitics in his new book, "Greener Than Thou: Surviving the Toxic Sludge of Canadian Ecopolitics." Leiren-Young has witnessed the internal conflicts of political parties, including the Green party's leadership under Elizabeth May and the New Democratic Party's (NDP) struggles influenced by figures like Avi Lewis and Naomi Klein, who promoted the controversial "Leap Manifesto."

In an interview with Brian Lilley, Leiren-Young reflects on his experiences working to elect politicians he believed were dedicated to environmental causes. However, he became disillusioned as he observed these leaders more focused on infighting than on effective governance. He argues that the political landscape is marred by a lack of cooperation and effectiveness among parties that should be united in their environmental goals.

Leiren-Young suggests that for those genuinely interested in meaningful change, it may be more beneficial if these political parties ceased to exist. He emphasizes the need for a new approach to environmental politics that prioritizes action over conflict. His observations highlight the complexities and challenges faced by those advocating for ecological issues in Canada, raising questions about the future of environmental advocacy within the current political framework.

The interview was recorded on October 31, 2025, and provides a critical perspective on the state of Canadian ecopolitics, as seen through the eyes of someone deeply invested in the movement.