MONTREAL, Jan. 25, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The Montreal International Women's Forum is launching a brand-new initiative: the CONTINUUM Thought Leadership Conference, the first edition of which will focus on climate change. This event, open to all, will be held at the St. James Club on Wednesday, February 10, 2016, and will bring together several well-known speakers and participants, including Julie Payette.
A scientific review to know the truth
In a post-COP21 context, CONTINUUM will address climate change by exploring the scientific, economic and social aspects. Climate disturbances have considerable impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity. The case of the Arctic is cause for special concern Moderated by Louise Otis, the Science Panel will present the current state of scientific knowledge available on climate change and will be composed of Rémi Quirion, Chief Scientist of Quebec, and Dr. Jean-Pierre Savard, Oceanographer and Scientific Program Coordinator, Ouranos .
Climate change from an economic point of view
From an economic point of view, Quebec is one of North America's pioneers, with the creation of a carbon market in 2013. This carbon market requires industrial enterprises and energy distributors to acquire greenhouse gas emission allowances. Is this process effective? For a better "ecofiscal" approach, should Quebec impose higher taxes on gasoline or the purchase of particularly polluting cars, for example? Combining the best-known economic practices and converging the visions of ecofiscal research, private enterprise and the financial community, the Economic Panel will be composed of Chris Ragan, Chair of Canada's Ecofiscal Commission, Sophie Brochu, CEO of Gaz Métro, and Karen Clarke-Whistler, Chief Environment Officer of TD Bank Group. It will be moderated by Milla Craig, founder of Millani Perspectives and an expert in sustainable investment.
Innovative practices
Adaptation to climate change also requires education, awareness and knowledge sharing. Moderated by Carolina Gallo, Director of Communications and Public Affairs of ABB in Canada, the Social Panel will present concrete examples of leading-edge interventions by philanthropic organizations. It will bring together Catherine Bachand, CEO of the One Drop Foundation, Melanie Goodchild, National Director for Aboriginal Programs at the Canadian Red Cross, and Louis-Alexandre de Gaspé Beaubien of the de Gaspé Beaubien Foundation and initiator of AquaHacking.
"After discussion with experts who will present analytical tools and courses of action on climate change, the CONTINUUM participants can think about ways to pool their resources to contribute to the fight against global warming, from a local and global point of view," explained Françoise Lyon, President of the IWF – Montreal Chapter and First Vice-President of Pembroke Private Wealth Management Ltd.
The Chief Operating Officer of the Montréal Science Centre, Julie Payette, will review and close the event.
CONTINUUM is made possible by financial contributions from Pembroke Private Wealth Management Ltd., ABB, Cundari, Hydro-Québec and Intact, for which the International Women's Forum warmly thanks them.
CONTINUUM 2016
Wednesday, February 10
At the St. James Club, 1145 Avenue Union
Conference: from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Cocktails: form 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Bilingual event with simultaneous translation and open to all
To register by February 4: http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/inscription-conference-sur-les-changements-climatiques-post-cop21-a-paris-19792537011
About the International Women's Forum
Established in the United States in 1990, the International Women's Forum includes nearly 5,000 women leaders on six continents. Founded by Patricia Gabel in 1993, the Montreal Chapter has 85 members, including entrepreneurs, managers, humanitarian workers, professionals and elected representatives. The organization's vision is to create a future where women are fully represented in positions of highest decision-making authority in Canada. Its mission is to bring together accomplished women to develop and exercise leadership and to leverage a global network.
SOURCE Montreal International Women's Forum
Source: Montreal International Women's Forum; Information: Diane Jeannotte, Diane Jeannotte Communications, 514-772-8019, [email protected]
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