A Climate and Sport Initiative Program
A Climate and Sport Initiative Program
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PRESENTED BY 
Sports aren’t just what Canadians play, they reflect who we are. We’re good sports. We’re all about what’s good for the team. We’re polite off the proverbial field, but fierce and determined competitors on it. The proof? We have won 13 Olympic gold medals (and counting) in ice hockey. We have clinched an NBA Championship. We have turned out Grand Slam tennis champions and world-renowned soccer stars. And thousands of us have grown up playing shinny in backyard rinks, streaking down the wing of a soccer pitch, and skiing on some of the most beautiful mountains the world.
Climate change threatens to put an end to outdoor sports in Canada and around the world. Together, we can beat it. Together, we can protect our favourite sports for future generations.
By doing a few simple things to reduce our carbon footprints, each and every one of us can make a difference. Join our team of MVPs and let’s take it to climate change!
Hayley Wickenheiser
Olympic gold medalist, author and motivational speaker
Seven World Championships; six Olympic appearances; five Olympic medals; four Olympic Gold medals—Hayley Wickenheiser is a titan of sport and a leader both on and off the ice.
Most recently recognized by her peers through an induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, her hockey IQ is highly respected in all areas of the game. She has played in or coached at four NHL development camps with the Philadelphia Flyers, the Edmonton Oilers and the Toronto Maple Leafs—the first woman in history to have done so. She also still holds the record for the most assists, points and goals for the Canadian Women’s National team.
Hayley joined the Canadian National Women’s Team at just 15 years old and had a career spanning 23 years, retiring in 2017 to begin her pursuit of a career in medicine, which she is currently studying at the University of Calgary. She is a member of the Order of Canada, a member of the IOC Athlete’s Commission, Founder of The Canadian Tire Wickenheiser World Female Hockey Festival, the Vice Chair of the Calgary 2026 Bid Committee and most importantly, a mom to her grown son Noah.
Why are you taking action on climate change?
Climate change is affecting not only hockey but communities and people all around the world and we need to do something about it. This is why I am really proud to be part of the Climate and Sport initiative wherein we can use sports to engage, inspire, and educate Canadians and people around the world to save our climate.
Todd Ernst
Director Aviation Infrastructure, Energy & Environment
As a senior business risk and sustainability professional, Todd has extensive experience with environmental policies aimed at combatting climate change.
With diverse practical experience including environment, engineering, accounting, internal audit and project management, Todd has done substantial work in both industry and consulting with public and private sector organizations ranging from venture start-ups and local NPOs to Fortune 500 companies and large government organizations.
Why are you taking action on climate change?
I’m excited to be a part of this initiative as I see the way climate change is affecting Canada and the world. I’ve been on the frontline helping the GTAA reduce GhG emissions, and know the impact these steps can have on improving our environment.
Darryl Gray
Director, Education and Training
Darryl Gray is the Director of Education and Training at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). With over 20 years of experience at TRCA, Darryl provides leadership to a diverse team that supports TRCA’s vision for The Living City and focuses on improving access to learning opportunities for all throughout our jurisdiction. These are focused along two key pillars: education and sector-based services. These include school and community learning activities, family programs, youth employment and mentorship, professional training, sustainable technology performance evaluation, sustainable neighbourhood and eco-business activities, amongst others.
Chief among Darryl’s goals is to strengthen TRCA’s role as a leader in education and training through the redevelopment of TRCA learning programs with an emphasis on building partnerships to improve health, learning and economic outcomes through an environmental and sustainability lens in the communities we serve.
Darryl holds a Bachelor of Arts from McMaster University and is presently completing a Diploma in Municipal Administration.
The Climate and Sport Initiative uses sport as a platform to educate, engage and empower Canadians to protect our planet for future generations. The multi-year initiative will harness the power of sports to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change and to equip the public with concrete actions they can take to address it.
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is the operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport. Toronto Pearson served more than 50 million passengers in 2019, making it Canada’s busiest airport. The GTAA’s vision is to make Toronto Pearson the best airport in the world.
The GTAA is committed to environmental sustainability and in this regard is a leader in the aviation industry. To help combat climate change, initiatives focus on reducing greenhouse gas (GhG) emissions through energy reduction and adapting the airport to the changing climate. At the end of 2020, the GTAA had successfully reduced almost 60% of its emissions against a 2006 baseline.
GhG reduction program highlights:
To learn more about the GTAA’s Environment program, please visit www.torontopearson.com/environment, or visit us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.