Climate Solutions Innovation Series June 23rd and June 24th, 2020
Join Simon Fraser University and the City of Burnaby to get a virtual front row seat to learn about the cutting edge of BC’s climate response innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic. #Free webinar – RSVP now: http://get.sfu.ca/SIfpTR
Conversations between Simon Fraser University researchers, students, and the City of Burnaby – Local Government will uncover ways in which innovative climate change solutions might be designed and implemented in a COVID-19 reality.
In each webinar, researchers will engage in 10-minute pitches followed by a pitch from a local solution-seeker. There will be time after the pitches for all (webinar) participants to ask pressing questions to the speakers.
In addition, a brief presentation on the new PICS collaborative research program and its current funding opportunity will help frame the discussion on targeting new collaborations in pursuit of high-impact climate solutions.
Tuesday June 23, 2020, 5pm-6pm
WEBINAR 1: Building more sustainable and resilient cities: new opportunities for innovative solutions
Green Solutions to Build Cities Resilient to Climate Change and Pandemics
Speaker: Dr. Zafar Adeel, Executive Director, Pacific Water Research Centre, Professor of Professional Practice, School of Resources and Environmental Management, SFU
Some researchers suggest that the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the current pandemic give us an early indication of the potential climate-change impacts in the near-future. Canadian cities must be at the forefront of offering innovative solutions to adversity whether it comes from pandemics or climate change. Effectively managing safe water services – freshwater, stormwater, and sewerage management – in crisis situations is an essential component of resilient urban communities. Ongoing work in many Canadian cities must incorporate innovative, nature-based infrastructure solutions that can cope with adversity, while providing green and sustainable jobs.
Click here to register and for more information.
Wednesday June 24, 2020, 11am-12pm
WEBINAR 2: Developing greener transportation systems in light of COVID-19
1) Pedalling Toward Recovery
Speaker: Moreno Zanotto, Cities, Health and Active Transportation Lab , SFU
The prevailing COVID-19 pandemic has caused a sharp decline in transit ridership, partially due to physical distancing concerns. Whether transit riders switch to driving or cycling will depend upon how cities respond to this challenge. We will discuss the current state of cycling in Burnaby, key strategies to support active transportation, and the implications for sustainable mobility planning.
2) Supporting sustainable transport policy post-Covid 19
Speaker: Zoe Long, Research Manager, Sustainable Transportation Action Research Team, SFU
How will citizens change their travel behaviour in a post-Covid 19 world? Potential impacts include a shift in transport away from public and shared modes towards more private vehicles. Policies that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in private vehicles will be needed more than ever. We will discuss such possible outcomes in the context of citizen support for low-carbon transport policies.
3) A New Transportation Plan for Burnaby
Speaker: Renée de St. Croix, Senior Planner, City of Burnaby BC
Transportation plays a key role in everyday life. The level of joy, ease, accessibility, and safety, in addition to time, cost, and distance often determine how we choose to move about the City. The new plan envisions a balanced and inclusive system that offers accessible and safe mobility in support of a healthy, green, prosperous, and connected community. We will discuss the draft proposals for Phase 2, including the city wide targets (vision zero, mode shift, and emissions reduction), big moves, policies, and networks that are intended to increase the City’s resiliency and achieve the vision.
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