Ontario Climate Action Series
The climate crisis is a growing threat to businesses, governments, and individuals around the world, but Ontario is well positioned to lead in the global green economy. Under the banner of the Ontario Economic Summit, the Ontario Climate Action Series is taking place from Fall 2021 to Spring 2022.
The Ontario Climate Action Series includes:
- A policy report analysing climate change in Ontario, organizational leadership, and policy recommendations for governments to take action.
- Sustainability seminars focused on different opportunities for climate innovation in Ontario – including cleantech, hydrogen, small modular reactors, zero-emission vehicles, and natural resources.
- A blog series highlighting private sector sustainability efforts in different sectors of our economy.
- An advocacy and communications campaign to build awareness around Ontario’s climate advantage.
Objectives
The Ontario Climate Action Series examines the impacts of climate change on communities & businesses, showcase on-going leadership within Ontario, and encourage governments to enable further investment and innovation in climate action. Throughout the Series, we will demonstrate how Ontario can leverage its clean energy system, innovative cleantech sector, talented workforce, and other competitive advantages lead the global transition to net-zero.
Events
Canada Infrastructure Bank Fall Market Update | Nov 29, 2023
The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is an impact investor, addressing some of Canada’s most pressing infrastructure and sustainability challenges. CIB is supporting Canada’s economic development and environmental stewardship across Canada, from partnerships to bring clean power to Indigenous communities to enabling electric vehicle charging across the country.
On November 29, 2023, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce hosted CIB CEO Ehren Cory and Globe and Mail Business Columnist Andrew Willis to discuss about CIB’s newest partnerships, innovative opportunities for project support in local communities, and new focus areas to address some of Canada’s most urgent infrastructure needs.
Building Business Resilience to Climate Change | May 5
Every business is affected by climate change to some extent, whether the risks are obvious or insidious.
On May 5, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and Partners in Project Green (PPG) hosted a webinar to learn about the local impacts, as well as practical mitigation and adaptation strategies that businesses can use to improve their resilience.
Zero-Emission Vehicles: The Road Ahead | March 24
Transportation accounts for the largest share of Ontario’s greenhouse gas emissions. In 2021, the federal government mandated that 100% of all new car and passenger trucks be zero-emission by 2035. How will we get there, and what will the transition mean for Ontario’s auto sector, its drivers and passengers, and the environment?
On March 24, the OCC hosted a panel of experts to learn about the technology, infrastructure, and policies needed to drive zero-emission vehicles in Ontario.
As the indispensable partner of business, the OCC and its Energy Policy Council are dedicated to confronting climate change in a meaningful way that supports economic growth.
How Sustainable are the Natural Resource Sectors?| February 24
Oil and gas, forestry, and mining account for a significant share of jobs and tax revenues in communities across Ontario. But what of their environmental impact? Thanks to new technologies and major investments, the natural resource sectors are both reducing their own greenhouse gas emissions and developing the tools needed to support broader decarbonization of the global economy.
On February 24th, the OCC hosted a webinar with a panel of experts on how these sectors are investing in sustainable innovation.
SMRs: Small Reactors, Big Impact | February 10
Small modular reactors (SMRs) are taking off in Canada. While they are smaller than traditional nuclear reactors, they promise the same benefits – low emissions, reliable baseload power, and the ability to operate around the clock under all weather conditions. With the right investments, SMRs will support Ontario’s long-term energy needs, enable the decarbonization of heavy industry, and offer an alternative to diesel in Northern and remote communities domestically and abroad.
On February 10th, the OCC hosted a webinar with a panel of industry experts to discuss the economic and environmental benefits of Ontario-made SMRs.
Low-carbon hydrogen is a win-win for the climate and Ontario’s economy. It can be used to store energy and reduce emissions from heavy industry, long-distance transportation, and heating systems. Further, global demand for hydrogen is expected to blossom as its commercial viability is proven – providing Ontario with a promising export opportunity.
On December 10th, the OCC hosted a webinar to learn how businesses in Ontario are developing and using hydrogen – and how the government is supporting them.
Clean, Green, and Sustainable Technology – Ontario’s Advantage | Nov 10
When it comes to cleantech, Ontario punches well above its weight. Researchers and companies across the province are developing an array of low-carbon solutions to support climate action – from battery storage and hydrogen to biochar, water treatment devices, vertical farms, carbon capture, and the world’s first battery-powered underground mine.
As the value of the global market is expected to reach $2.5 trillion in the next year, the OCC and a panel of experts held a virtual event to learn more about Ontario’s competitive advantage, key challenges faced by the sector, and opportunities to unlock its long-term economic and environmental potential.
The Climate Catalyst: Ontario’s Leadership in the Green Global Economy | Nov 4
Climate change is a threat to communities in Ontario and around the world. Recognizing that net-zero is no longer a distant ambition but an urgent necessity, businesses in Ontario are adopting innovative solutions to lead the global transition.
On November 4, the OCC held a launch event for the release of its latest policy report, The Climate Catalyst: Ontario’s Leadership in the Green Global Economy.
The event featured a panel of experts – from the energy, transportation, insurance, and post-secondary sectors – to share how they are confronting climate change and what kinds of policies should be implemented to support them.
How to Get Involved!
Stay in the know by joining our mailing list.
We invite you to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn and engage with our hashtags for our Ontario Climate Action Series.
- Primary hashtags: #ONChamberNetwork #ClimateChange #ClimateAction
- Secondary hashtags: #Decarbonize #CleanHydrogen #CleanEnergy #ZeroEmissionVehicles #EVs #mining #MineralExploration #SMRs #Nuclear #SustainableForestry
Other Work on the Climate Crisis
Association of Power Producers of Ontario (APPrO): Ontario’s Clean Energy Advantage
Ontario Power Generation (OPG): Climate Change Plan
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC): Disaster Resources
University of Toronto: Climate Positive Campus Plan
Enbridge: Net-Zero By 2050 Plan
Thank you to our Partners!
