George Brown College President Dr. Gervan Fearon issued a call to action to advance solutions that promote climate resilience at the recent 2024 Canada-Caribbean Institute (CCI) Symposium.
"As hubs of innovation, academic institutions are perfectly positioned to lead the way in addressing our climate challenges," he said.
Dr. Fearon delivered remarks virtually on October 16 to open the three-day symposium at McMaster University. He co-founded the CCI in 2019 with Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, to further strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two regions. The symposium theme was "Climate Crisis, Resilience, and Alternative Energy Sources," and the event provided a space for scholars, policymakers, and researchers from Canada and the Caribbean to collaborate on sustainable solutions for the future.
"This symposium addresses one of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change. Its impact touches every aspect of our lives, from health and housing to food security as well as highlights the important role played by colleges and universities in addressing important challenges of our times," Dr. Fearon said.
He emphasized how George Brown College is at the forefront of innovative solutions that not only address environmental concerns but also prepare students for meaningful careers in sustainability.
George Brown College's Commitment to Sustainability
Dr. Fearon highlighted George Brown's leadership in the development of sustainable building practices, specifically through its Building Information Modelling (BIM) program. He also noted the work of the School of Computer Technology in using data analytics to enhance climate resilience and the Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts in its efforts to reduce food waste through sustainable practices.
George Brown is also the first Canadian satellite centre of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, an international think tank headquartered at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus in Jamaica. The partnership will provide excellent learning opportunities for hospitality and tourism management students.
He also announced the upcoming opening of Limberlost Place, a net-zero mass-timber building set to open in 2025 at the college's Waterfront Campus. This innovative structure will serve as a living lab for students and faculty to explore new methods for building sustainable, smarter cities.
Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
Dr. Fearon's remarks highlighted the importance of collaboration between Canada and the Caribbean in addressing climate issues, pointing to the strong cultural, social, and economic ties between the regions.
"Together, we will explore sustainable development opportunities that benefit both Canada and the Caribbean," Dr. Fearon said, emphasizing the potential for cross-regional collaboration in developing climate-smart strategies.
He acknowledged George Brown's partnerships with institutions such as Brock University, York University, and Toronto Metropolitan University, while also recognizing the efforts of Caribbean universities including the University of Belize and the University of the West Indies in sustainability research.
"On behalf of George Brown College, I want to thank McMaster University for hosting this important event," Dr. Fearon said following the symposium, "and we commend its significant efforts in alternative energy sources and small modular reactors. All the contributors to the symposium are to be commended."
Employee and faculty contributions
George Brown employees and faculty members from across the college also shared their expertise at the symposium with the following presentations:
- Educating for Future Decision-Makers: Use of Climate Solutions Simulation as an Education Tool, Kay-Ann Williams
- Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development: Building Resilient and Healthy Communities and Infrastructure Systems, Carlos Avendano
- Innovation, Prosperity, Sustainability, Vibrancy: Partnerships for the Future, Matt Hexemer
- Transition Towards De-Carbonization in the Logistics Sector: Case Study of Hydrogen-Based Transportation Management Systems and Refrigeration Units, Aysegul Ozbakir Acimert
- Innovative approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Tammy B. Vaillancourt
Faculty members also highlighted research findings on posters for attendees. They included posters about artificial intelligence (AI) and the power sector by Moe Fadaee, Eltigani Hamadelniel Elfatih, Jeffrey Ching Lok Ng and Robert Kaczur, and the sustainability impact of the creative process in fashion design by Leah Barrett.
Dr. Elaine Lam serves as the liaison for GBC to CCI. Dr. Eileen De Courcy, Vice-President (Academic), has been instrumental in supporting faculty engagement and Dr. Krista Holmes has provided research opportunities with CCI and the recent symposium.
