The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, will begin the closing plenary session at GLOBE Forum 2024, in this pre-recorded address. For the first time in many years, Minister Wilkinson will not be at GLOBE Forum as he will be representing Canada at the International Energy Agency (IEA) Ministerial in Paris, a critical event that frames the global discussion around the energy transition. As the Vice Chair of the IEA this year, Minister Wilkinson will be advancing Canada’s climate priorities on the global stage.

Long-term watershed security is critical for the future of British Columbia. First Nations and the Province have worked together to co-develop a Watershed Security Strategy. Join this session to learn about how the diversity of perspectives and approaches of First Nations and the Province came together to develop a Strategy that will realize better watershed outcomes for British Columbia.

Historically, economic growth and environmental conservation have often been at odds. Now, more than ever, we need to work together to generate a transformational shift in our ways of thinking and actions to protect and manage the health of ecosystems. Join this interactive session to discuss partnership-based approaches and frameworks to create pathways that mutually benefit our ecosystems and economy for current and future generations.

The Pacific Coast Collaborative (PCC) is a vital partnership for advancing regional cooperation and climate action and is making strides in the decarbonization of the transportation industry, including sharing the ambitious goal of ending new sales of  light-duty gas-powered vehicles by 2035. The PCC has successfully implemented the West Coast Electric Highway from Vancouver to San Diego, and is actively collaborating on interoperable charging technologies, a consistent user experience, and aligned infrastructure investments. Join us to hear from PCC partners on how cross-border collaboration is mitigating emissions, promoting economic growth, and driving action for a net-zero future. 

Reaching net zero requires industry to develop, advance, and adopt clean solutions across sectors. While some of these technologies exist, substantial investment is needed to scale and commercialize these solutions and enable the transition to a clean economy. In this session you will learn about funding opportunities for innovative projects and examples of funding partnerships that promote investment in technology advancement to accelerate industrial decarbonization.    

What does a just and equitable transition mean? Why is it important? And what challenges does Canada face when applying the concept to its own economy? Hear from cross-industry experts as they explore perspectives on how Canada’s financial sector can apply the concept of a just transition to help build a sustainable future. 

This interactive panel session will examine how Indigenous stewardship of waters has evolved over time, through the strategic weaving of traditional guardianship responsibility with modern methods and technology. Speakers will discuss how building partnerships across First Nations, governments, and philanthropy has been key to making impactful changes to conservation efforts of the Great Bear Sea and beyond. The session hopes to invoke thoughtful reflection and conversation on how to reimagine roles of marine conservation today, as we collaboratively build a shared legacy for tomorrow. 

Over 160 businesses in Canada have committed to net-zero by 2050 or earlier through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge. Together, they are spearheading Canada’s clean industrial advantage and the path toward a sustainable future. Join us for a dynamic discussion with participating companies to the Net-Zero Challenge who will speak to their motivations and experience, as well as the challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned in pursuing net-zero commitments and planning.

It is becoming increasingly challenging to deny that the world is experiencing the rapidly increasing impacts of a changing climate. However, the debate around how we take action to curb global warming continues to be a highly politicized issue. In most jurisdictions, we face a stark reality that bipartisanship is the only assured path to decarbonizing at scale and speed. Join this timely session to discuss how we can foster support for climate action across the political spectrum. 

In BC, Canada, and around the world we need to protect and restore our planet, while enabling families and businesses to thrive in the clean economy of the future. Join this plenary armchair dialogue with the Hon. David Eby to hear how BC is taking action for a more regenerative, resilient, and net-zero economy.