Panel Organizer: Rabiz Foda, Terre Policy Center, IndiaScience and technology are key enablers of economic development. Natural resources are the core of Canadian economic competitiveness. Traditionally, energy is derived from natural resources. The tsunami of extraction of carbon from earth and its explosive addition to the environment for ‘mass production’, has led to deteriorating global climatic conditions.
To address the nexus between energy, water, health and food, and a transition from resource based to knowledge driven economy, a scientific evolution in energy and disruptive innovations in technology are needed for sustainable development. “There will come a day, far off but inevitable at some point, when traditional energy sources will no longer be needed. In preparing for that day, we have two critical responsibilities. One is to sustain the planet between now and then, so that we can pass this treasure on to our children – better than we found it. The second is to get ahead of the curve on innovation”. Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, at CERAWeek March 9, 2017, USA.
August 2016 was reported to be the 16th consecutive month of record-breaking heat. In the words of World Bank President, “…it would take more than $1 trillion a year over the next 15 years for countries to get their climate agenda on track. This may be viewed as a trillion-dollar opportunity for the private sector to help cut greenhouse gas emissions and create climate-smart investments on the ground. This could be an opportunity to take a potential disaster and turn it into one of the greatest win-win situations: Investments in clean energy driving economic growth”.
In this session, speakers will discuss their vision and strategic directions, policy and planning initiatives for disruptive innovations and transformative challenges for Canada. Analyze trends and ability of Canadian science and technology to harness the power of collaboration in a global leadership role for ‘enabling our future with sustainable energy’ – a golden thread that connects rapid economic growth, increased social equity, and an environment that promotes global development and prosperity.
Some points for discussion are:
- Enabling Canada’s Science and technology, R&D with emerging economies.
- Climate action from scientific evolution to technological revolution.
- Reorienting scientific temperament towards social innovations, technological entrepreneurship, policies and green growth to contribute to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Innovative approaches in areas of Smart Campus, energy efficiency,
- Adoption of new partnerships including knowledge and technology transfer.
