Larissa Gross, a Canadian-born engineer renowned for her expertise in sustainable energy policy, has died at the age of 35 after a battle with breast cancer. She spent the last decade living in the UK, where she became a respected figure at the climate change thinktank E3G in London, celebrated for her dry humour, unwavering loyalty, and deep commitment to creating a better world.
Early Life and Environmental Awareness
Born in rural Manitoba, Larissa was the daughter of Jennifer Thompson, a nurse, and Zack Gross, an international development worker and university lecturer. Growing up surrounded by farming and fishing communities, and with her parents hosting guests from around the globe, she developed a strong environmental consciousness from a young age. This early exposure shaped her future path in engineering and sustainability.
Academic and Professional Journey
After attending Gimli high school, Larissa studied engineering at Carleton University in Ottawa. There, she joined Engineers Without Borders, which led to an internship in Malawi and, following her graduation in 2012, development work in Kenya and Uganda. In 2014, she co-founded the Pollen Group, a consultancy supporting economic development across Africa and South Asia. In 2017, she moved to the UK to pursue a master’s degree and research post in energy policy at Sussex University, marking the beginning of her significant contributions to the field.
Career at E3G and Personal Life
Larissa began working at E3G as a research manager in 2019, later advancing to programme lead in energy transition. In London, she met Ben Butler, and they began dating, quickly integrating into a close-knit friendship group. Despite her professional focus on cooling and sustainable energy, she secretly excelled as an extraordinary log-fire builder, a skill that became legendary among friends during a trip to Northumberland in 2023, where she showcased her pyrotechnic talents in the chilly weather.
Health Battle and Legacy
In the summer of 2024, Larissa started experiencing fatigue and hip pain, leading to a hospital visit and a diagnosis of stage-4 breast cancer. Throughout her illness, she remained a brilliant friend with a delightful sense of humour, offering wise counsel and unwavering support to others. When cancer limited her ability to pursue passions like hiking and travelling, she created the "Chemo Club," where friends took turns accompanying her to treatments, enjoying hours of heartfelt and silly conversations. She cherished fun moments with her nieces, Surah and Maxine, whether in person or online across the Atlantic.
Last March, friends and family gathered from far and wide to celebrate her 35th birthday, and in October, Larissa married Ben. She is survived by her husband, her parents, and her siblings, Zoe and Ben. Her legacy as a dedicated engineer and compassionate individual continues to inspire those who knew her.
