Larissa Gross, a Canadian-born engineer who became a leading voice in sustainable energy policy at the London-based climate change thinktank E3G, has died at the age of 35 following a battle with breast cancer. Remembered by friends for her sharp wit, unwavering loyalty, and profound commitment to environmental causes, her passing marks a significant loss to the global energy transition community.
A Life Dedicated to Global Energy Solutions
Originally from rural Manitoba, Canada, Larissa Gross relocated to the United Kingdom in 2017 to advance her expertise, undertaking a master's degree and a research position in energy policy at the University of Sussex. She had already built an impressive international career, having studied engineering at Carleton University in Ottawa, where her involvement with Engineers Without Borders led to an internship in Malawi and subsequent development work in Kenya and Uganda after her graduation in 2012.
Building a Career in Sustainable Development
In 2014, Gross co-founded the Pollen Group, a consultancy focused on supporting economic development across Africa and South Asia. Her professional journey culminated in her role at E3G, where she began as a research manager in 2019 and later rose to become programme lead in energy transition. Her work involved extensive international travel, sharing her knowledge on sustainable energy systems and policy frameworks.
Born to Jennifer Thompson, a nurse, and Zack Gross, an international development worker and lecturer, Larissa was raised in an environment that fostered early environmental awareness, influenced by her family's farming and fishing community roots and their global network of visitors.
Personal Passions and Private Strengths
Despite her professional focus on cooling technologies and renewable energy, Gross possessed a hidden talent for building log fires, which became legendary among her friends during a trip to Northumberland in 2023. Her ability to create warmth and comfort in chilly conditions showcased her practical skills and love for the outdoors.
A Courageous Battle with Illness
In the summer of 2024, Gross began experiencing fatigue and hip pain, which led to a hospital visit and a diagnosis of stage-4 breast cancer. Throughout her illness, she demonstrated remarkable resilience, continuing to offer love and support to others. She established a "Chemo Club," where friends took turns accompanying her to treatments, engaging in conversations that ranged from lighthearted to deeply meaningful.
Gross found joy in spending time with her nieces, Surah and Maxine, whether in person or connecting online across the Atlantic. In March 2024, friends and family gathered from around the world to celebrate her 35th birthday, and in October of that year, she married her partner, Ben Butler, in London.
Legacy of Friendship and Professional Impact
Larissa Gross is survived by her husband, Ben Butler, her parents, Jennifer and Zack, and her siblings, Zoe and Ben. Her legacy as a brilliant friend, a wise counsellor, and a dedicated engineer working towards a more sustainable world will be cherished by all who knew her. Her contributions to energy policy and her personal courage in facing cancer continue to inspire those in her professional and personal circles.
