Achieving balance with the power of connection and technology

It can be easy to fall into the belief that climate change is all bad news, but if the lively discussions that took place at last month’s Climate Change Symposium at Kingston Grand Theatre are any indication, we have ample reason to hope for a future that includes meaningful climate action.

Co-presented by City of Kingston and Sustainable Kingston, attendees heard from an enthusiastic and passionate set of speakers under the theme, “Balance: Climate, Nature and Technology.” The symposium was emceed by Ali Hassan, host of CBC’s Laugh out Loud and Canada Reads, and opened with welcomes from Mayor Bryan Paterson and a beautiful, heartfelt land acknowledgement from Kingston Grand Theater’s Elder-in-Residence, Grandmother Kathy Brant.

Our first speaker was Ewa Jackson, Managing Director at ICLEI Canada. Drawing on her expertise in local climate adaptation and resilience, Ewa’s presentation on communicating climate change served to inspire and encourage those of us seeking to shift perspectives on climate action. For those who sometimes wonder if our words can really make a difference, Ewa showed us that by focusing our energy on “the moveable middle”, we can absolutely have an impact on the climate conversation. The audience exercise got the creative juices flowing as participants explored how they might discuss various climate-change topics.

Following Ewa’s presentation, between two fiddle-leaf figs sat our panel of experts on biodiversity, Indigenous-led conservation and community engagement. The panel consisted of Holly Evans, Watershed Planning Coordinator at Cataraqui Conservation; Shannon Lem, Executive Director of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network; and Maureen Buchanan of All Our Relations Land Trust. The audience heard their perspectives on a variety of topics including Indigenous cultural considerations when it comes to land use and ecology, and meaningful actions we can take that support the conservation of ecosystems and the species that inhabit them right here in our city. As it turns out, we don’t have to go far to experience and appreciate nature in Kingston— it’s all around us!

Last but by no means least, we welcomed Bob McDonald, author, science journalist and host of the CBC radio show Quirks and Quarks. With the power of technology, and speaking about technology, Bob joined us via Zoom from BC with a lively and engaging address to the symposium. Bob talked about the many ways we are already having positive impacts on emissions, and described new and exciting technologies that would have been mere science fiction a couple of decades ago. From repurposing and reframing oil production to UV-absorbing, electricity-producing crystal glass, Bob took us on a journey from the present into a surprisingly near future. In fact, if the title of his newest book is to be taken literally, “The Future is Now”.

This year’s Climate Change Symposium wouldn’t have been possible without the support of sponsors St. Lawrence College, Queens University, Cyclic Materials and Toast & Jam.  Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy the symposium, and a big thank you to our guest speakers and dedicated volunteers! We also thank everyone who submitted questions during our Q&A periods, your curiosity and passion inspires us all. Until next year, we encourage you all to seek balance in climate, nature and technology!