Simon Fraser University's (SFU) Mark Jaccard has been awarded the Order of British Columbia in recognition of his outstanding career contributions to global climate action.
Jaccard was appointed by the British Columbia Utilities Commission as chair and chief executive officer in September 2023, a position he previously held from 1992-1997. He is currently on a leave of absence from his role as Distinguished Professor in the School of Resource and Environmental Management at SFU.
Professor Mark Jaccard, OBC, FRSC
A sustainable energy economist, author, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and internationally respected climate expert, he has demonstrated unwavering commitment to confronting the myths and misinformation that hinder progress on the climate-energy crisis.
Since the 1980s, Jaccard's Energy and Materials Research Group has developed innovative analytical and policy tools to help governments, environmental advocates and industry identify the most effective and timely responses to the climate emergency, while promoting more sustainable flows of energy and materials.
As Chair and CEO of the B.C. Utilities Commission in the 1990s, he introduced regulatory innovations that strengthened the province's energy management capacity and were later adopted across the country.
Jaccard has served on numerous national and international bodies, including the National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy, the C.D. Howe Institute, the Canadian Climate Institute, and the B.C. Climate Solutions Council.
Globally, he has contributed to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development, and the Global Energy Assessment.
Three of his books have been shortlisted for the Donner Prize, Canada's top award for public policy writing. His book, Sustainable Fossil Fuels, won the prize in 2006, and his most recent publication, The Citizen's Guide to Climate Success: Overcoming Myths That Hinder Progress, continues to influence public discourse.
"I am honoured to receive this recognition," said Jaccard. "At this time, it is especially important for me to acknowledge the family, friends, colleagues and students who have supported and inspired me on this journey."
Jaccard's accolades also include being named CUFA B.C.'s Academic of the Year in 2009 and receiving SFU's Sterling Prize for Controversy in 2010.
On B.C. Day, 14 other exceptional individuals were named to the Order, the province's highest honour. SFU honorary degree recipient, author and publisher Alan Twigg, is among this year's recipients.
Established in 1989, the Order of B.C. recognizes individuals from all walks of life and fields of endeavour who have made extraordinary contributions to the province and beyond.
Nominations for the Order are open to the public, and the deadline for internal submission to SFU is November 15, 2025.
