Help shape the future of the region. Share your thoughts on innovative solutions to challenging regional issues. Join to hear new ideas and have your say.
Metro Vancouver’s Sustainability Dialogues introduce significant regional issues for dynamic discussion. Expert panelists and engaged participants provide fresh and stimulating perspectives on climate, land use, resilience and more.
Climate Action Dialogues – 2023 to 2025
Metro Vancouver’s
Climate 2050 is a high-impact climate action strategy aimed at ambitious, crucial targets — community resilience, a 45% reduction in greenhouse gases generated within the region by 2030, and net-zero emissions by 2050. These Climate Action Dialogues will contribute to the strategy’s implementation by engaging residents and opinion leaders across the region in the steps and pace needed to move forward. Dialogues in this series include economic opportunity and policy drivers, decarbonizing buildings, lowering emissions from transportation, and land use decisions and the impact on climate goals.
Upcoming events
Metro Vancouver kicked off its Climate Action Dialogue series in 2023 with a focus on the economic imperative of taking action on climate. This dialogue series is a forum to bring people together to learn about and discuss issues of regional importance.
Join us for the next Climate Action Dialogue on Human Health and Wellbeing in November 2024, where we'll explore the outcomes for health and wellbeing when we take action on climate. Panelists will discuss extreme weather and public health, and the role of proactive climate action—like urban green spaces, better building designs, and robust emergency systems—in lowering these risks. The dialogue will also highlight innovative solutions in urban planning, housing, and local government efforts that improve quality of life, promote equity, and support economic growth through job creation and reduced healthcare costs.
Surrey session
Thursday, November 21 from Noon to 1:15 pm (doors open at 11:30 am; optional 30-minute networking session to follow)
Surrey Civic Hotel – Civic Ballroom
Register for the Surrey session
Vancouver session
Tuesday, November 26 from 9:00 am to 10:15 am (doors open at 8:30 am; optional 30-minute networking session to follow)
SFU Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue – ICBC Salons 10-30
Register for the Vancouver session
Online webinar session
Thursday, November 28 from Noon to 1:15 pm Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Register for the online session
Previous events
| Previous event presentations | Previous event presentations | <div class="ExternalClass28CE242E0CEF4EAAAC2D5B71CA9A551F"><h3>Transportation (May 2024)</h3><p>This dialogue focused on transportation, the largest source of regional greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Metro Vancouver’s Climate 2050 Transportation Roadmap outlines strategies to achieve a carbon-neutral, resilient system by reducing emissions and protecting the network from climate impacts. How can we move people and goods without relying on individual vehicles? By providing convenient, less stressful, and cost-effective transportation options, we can reduce GHG emissions, improve air quality, manage congestion, and promote health through active transportation.</p><p>Residents and opinion leaders from business, academia, and government joined for insightful discussions with expert speakers, audience Q&A, and networking, as we navigate the path to a sustainable and resilient future for the movement of people and goods in our region.</p><p>Recording of the Surrey Session – May 28, 2024</p><p>
<i class="fa-light fa-video" aria-hidden="true"></i> <a href="https://vimeo.com/953258125?share=copy">Watch the video</a><br></p><p>Speakers:</p><ul style="margin-top:-10px;"><li>Opening Remarks - Mike Bose, City of Surrey Councillor, Metro Vancouver Board Director, and member of Metro Vancouver’s Climate Action Committee</li><li>Moderator - Uytae Lee, Founder, About Here</li><li>Eve Hou, Senior Manager, Policy Development and Decision Analysis, TransLink</li><li>Peter Klitz, Transportation Policy and Planning Team Lead, City of Surrey</li><li>Peter Ladner, Board Chair, B.C. Cycling Coalition</li><li>Morgan Braglewicz, Air Quality Planner, Metro Vancouver</li><li>Venkatesh Gopal, Principal Consultant, movmi Shared Transportation Services</li></ul><p>View the <a href="/events/Documents/speaker-bios-transportation-dialogues.pdf.pdf" target="_blank">speaker bios</a>.<br></p>
<hr /><h3>Decarbonizing buildings (November 2023)</h3><p>This dialogue explored the economic case, and challenges and opportunities from decarbonizing the region’s buildings. Buildings are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, second in this region only to personal vehicles. Fossil fuels, including natural gas, release greenhouse gases when we use them for heat and hot water. Metro Vancouver's Climate 2050 Buildings Roadmap outlines the strategies and actions for all homes and buildings to be zero emissions and resilient by 2050. Residents and opinion leaders from business, academia, and government joined for engaging speakers, audience questions and answers, and networking.</p><p>Speakers:</p><ul style="margin-top:-10px;"><li>Conor Reynolds, Director, Air Quality & Climate Action Services, Metro Vancouver<br>
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<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span><a href="/events/Documents/climate-action-dialogues-conor-reynolds-presentation-nov-2023.pdf" target="_blank" title="Presentation slides">View the presentation slides</a></li>
<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-video"></i></span><a href="/media-room/video/889710324">Watch the video</a><br></li></ul></li><li>Representatives from businesses and education share their experiences with decarbonizing buildings:
<ul><li>Alexandre Hebert, Manager, ZEB Learning Centre, BCIT<br>
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<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span><a href="/events/Documents/climate-action-dialogues-alexandre-herbert-presentation-nov-2023.pdf" target="_blank" title="Presentation slides">View the presentation slides</a></li>
<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-video"></i></span><a href="/media-room/video/889709244">Watch the video</a><br></li></ul></li><li>Christopher Naismith, Chief Executive Officer, Audette <br>
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<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span><a href="/events/Documents/climate-action-dialogues-christopher-naismith-presentation-nov-2023.pdf" target="_blank" title="Presentation slides">View the presentation slides</a></li> </ul><br></li><li>Sina Salari, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, SISA Energy <br>
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<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span><a href="/events/Documents/climate-action-dialogues-sina-salari-presentation-nov-2023.pdf" target="_blank" title="Presentation slides">View the presentation slides</a></li> </ul><br></li><li>Dave Ramslie, Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer, OPEN Technologies <br>
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<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span><a href="/events/Documents/climate-action-dialogues-dave-ramslie-presentation-nov-2023.pdf" target="_blank" title="Presentation slides">View the presentation slides</a></li>
<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-video"></i></span><a href="/media-room/video/889711979">Watch the video</a><br></li></ul></li><li>Jordan Fisher, Chief Decarbonization Officer, FRESCo <br>
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<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span><a href="/events/Documents/climate-action-dialogues-jordan-fisher-presentation-nov-2023.pdf" target="_blank" title="Presentation slides">View the presentation slides</a></li>
<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-video"></i></span><a href="/media-room/video/889709402">Watch the video</a><br></li></ul></li></ul><br></li><li>Darla Simpson, Retrofit Program Manager, Zero Emissions Building Exchange (ZEBx)<br>
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<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span><a href="/events/Documents/climate-action-dialogues-darla-simpson-presentation-nov-2023.pdf" target="_blank" title="Presentation slides">View the presentation slides</a></li>
<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-video"></i></span><a href="/media-room/video/889709887">Watch the video</a><br></li></ul></li></ul>
<p>View the <a href="/events/Documents/speaker-bios-climate-action-dialogues.pdf" target="_blank" title="Speaker Bios - Climate Action Dialogues">speaker bios.</a><br></p>
<hr /><h2>Economic opportunity and policy drivers (May 2023)</h2><p>This Dialogue focused on the urgency of taking climate action, and the economic opportunities that open with that action. It explored the validity of the assertion that while ambitious climate policies have long been viewed as a drag on the Canadian economy, it is now clear that the bigger risk is moving too slowly and missing opportunities. This topic kicked off the Climate Action Dialogues series with two sessions in person, including one on live stream.</p><p>Speakers:<br></p><ul><li>Dr. Simon Donner, UBC, member of Canada’s Net-Zero Advisory Body
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<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span><a href="/events/Documents/climate-action-dialogues-simon-donner-presentation.pdf" target="_blank" title="Presentation slides">View the presentation slides</a></li>
<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-video"></i></span><a href="/media-room/video/832334235" target="_blank" title="video">Watch the video</a></li></ul></li><li>Jonathan Arnold, Research Lead, Clean Growth, Canadian Climate Institute
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<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span><a href="/events/Documents/cad-solidifying-metro-van-as-leader-in-global-low-carbon-transition-Jonathan-Arnold.pdf" target="_blank" title="Presentation slides">View the presentation slides</a></li>
<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-video"></i></span><a href="/media-room/video/832333629" target="_blank" title="video">Watch the video</a></li></ul></li><li>Jeanette Jackson, CEO, Foresight Canada and Invest Vancouver Board Member
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<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span><a href="/events/Documents/cad-cleantech-innovation-jeanette-jackson.pdf" target="_blank" title="Presentation slides">View the presentation slides</a></li>
<li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-video"></i></span><a href="/media-room/video/832333694" target="_blank" title="video">Watch the video</a></li></ul></li></ul><p>View the
<a href="/events/Documents/climate-action-dialogues-speaker-bios.pdf" target="_blank">speaker bios</a>.</p></div> |
Previous dialogue series
Clean Air Plan – virtual dialogues featuring current climate priorities (2021)
Metro Vancouver’s
Clean Air Plan (2021) is the regional plan for managing air quality and greenhouse gases. It includes key actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in this region, in pursuit of 2030 emissions targets. It also includes actions to reduce health harming air contaminants. This virtual dialogue series attracted 1000’s of viewers in early 2021.
| Presentations | Presentations | <div class="ExternalClass28CE242E0CEF4EAAAC2D5B71CA9A551F"><h2>A Carbon Neutral Region by 2050: what will it take to get there? – a look at models for action and collaboration.</h2><h3>Tuesday January 26, 2021</h3><ul class="fa-ul"><li>
<span class="fa-li">
<i class="fa-light fa-video"></i></span><a href="https://vimeo.com/505114149/bc3f725954" target="_blank">View the presentation</a><br></li> </ul>
<br>
<p>Speakers</p><ul><li>Conor Reynolds, Division Manager Air Quality and Climate Change Policy, Metro Vancouver -
<a href="/events/Documents/bio-conor-reynolds.pdf" target="_blank">Bio</a></li><li>Morgan Braglewicz, Senior Policy & Planning Analyst, Air Quality & Climate Change Policy, Metro Vancouver -
<a href="/events/Documents/bio-morgan-braglewicz.pdf" target="_blank">Bio</a></li></ul><hr /><h2>Agriculture – a focus on climate action impacts and solutions.</h2><h3>Tuesday February 2, 2021</h3><ul class="fa-ul"><li>
<span class="fa-li">
<i class="fa-light fa-video"></i></span><a href="https://vimeo.com/507723597/5b7e165333" target="_blank">View the presentation</a></li> </ul>
<br>
<p>Speakers</p><ul><li>John Lindner, Air Quality Planner, Air Quality and Climate Change, Metro Vancouver -
<a href="/events/Documents/bio-john-lindner.pdf" target="_blank">Bio</a></li><li>Theresa Duynstee, Senior Planner, Regional Planning, Regional Planning & Housing Services, Metro Vancouver -
<a href="/events/Documents/bio-theresa-duynstee.pdf" target="_blank">Bio</a></li></ul><hr /><h2>Nature & Ecosystems – a focus on adaptation, land protection, urban trees and more.</h2><h3>Tuesday February 9, 2021</h3><ul class="fa-ul"><li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-video"></i></span><a href="https://vimeo.com/510456578/f3de015ca0" target="_blank">View the presentation</a></li> </ul>
<br>
<p>Speakers</p><ul><li>Jason Emmert, Senior Planner, Air Quality and Climate Change, Metro Vancouver -
<a href="/events/Documents/bio-jason-emmert.pdf" target="_blank">Bio</a></li><li>Edward Nichol, Regional Planner, Regional Planning & Housing Services, Metro Vancouver -
<a href="/events/Documents/bio-edward-nichol.pdf" target="_blank">Bio</a></li><li>Josephine Clark, Park Planner II, Planning & Resource Management, Regional Parks, Metro Vancouver -
<a href="/events/Documents/bio-josephine-clark.pdf" target="_blank">Bio</a></li></ul><hr /><h2>Clean Energy – what’s the conversation in this region?</h2><h3>Tuesday February 16, 2021</h3><ul class="fa-ul"><li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-video"></i></span><a href="https://vimeo.com/513614787/88c09f49e9" target="_blank">View the presentation</a><br></li> </ul>
<br>
<p>Speakers</p><ul><li>Conor Reynolds, Division Manager, Air Quality and Climate Change Policy, Parks and Environment, Metro Vancouver -
<a href="/events/Documents/bio-conor-reynolds.pdf" target="_blank">Bio</a></li><li>Nicole Chan, Project Engineer, Air Quality & Climate Change, Parks & Environment, Metro Vancouver -
<a href="/events/Documents/bio-nicole-chan.pdf" target="_blank">Bio</a></li></ul><hr /><h2>Local Government Water and Wastewater Infrastructure – innovation, climate action impacts and opportunities.</h2><h3>Tuesday February 23, 2021</h3><ul class="fa-ul"><li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-video"></i></span><a href="https://vimeo.com/518332059/052110e9ba" target="_blank">View the presentation</a></li> </ul>
<br>
<p>Speakers</p><ul><li>Jason Emmert, Senior Planner, Air Quality and Climate Change, Parks and Environment, Metro Vancouver -
<a href="/events/Documents/bio-jason-emmert.pdf" target="_blank">Bio</a></li><li>Jesse Montgomery, Division Manager, Environmental Management/Watershed Services, Metro Vancouver -
<a href="/events/Documents/bio-jesse-montgomery.pdf" target="_blank">Bio</a></li><li>Dana Zheng, Program Manager, Liquid Waste Services, Metro Vancouver -
<a href="/events/Documents/bio-dana-zheng.pdf" target="_blank">Bio</a></li></ul><hr /><h2>Introducing Metro Vancouver’s Clean Air Plan – how we can reach 45% emission reductions by 2030?</h2><h3>Tuesday March 9, 2021</h3><ul class="fa-ul"><li>
<span class="fa-li">
<i class="fa-light fa-video"></i></span><a href="https://vimeo.com/521637109/bcba7a8331" target="_blank">View the presentation</a></li> </ul>
<br>
<p>Speakers</p><ul><li>Roger Quan, Director, Air Quality and Climate Change, Parks and Environment, Metro Vancouver -
<a href="/events/Documents/bio-roger-quan.pdf" target="_blank">Bio</a></li><li>John Lindner, Air Quality Planner, Parks and Environment, Metro Vancouver -
<a href="/events/Documents/bio-john-lindner.pdf" target="_blank">Bio</a></li></ul> <br></div> |
Metro 2050 – planning for land use and population growth (2020)
Metro 2050 is the region’s shared vision of how projected population, housing, and job growth will be managed over the next 30 years. Metro Vancouver staff co-presented with Municipal and other community planners to explore new ideas. This series was presented throughout the region, with a full turnout at each location.
| Presentations | Presentations | <div class="ExternalClass425DA6B6395148C6B5B630542E907959"><h3>Planning for healthy, complete communities and greenspaces, North Vancouver</h3><ul><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/1-JamesStiver-MetroVancouver.pdf" target="_blank">James Stiver - Metro Vancouver</a></li><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/2-LaurieBates-Frymel-MetroVancouver.pdf" target="_blank">Laurie Bates-Frymel - Metro Vancouver</a></li><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/3-SeanGalloway-CityofNorthVancouver.pdf" target="_blank">Sean Galloway - City of North Vancouver</a></li></ul><hr /><h3>Planning for affordable housing in transit corridors, Vancouver</h3><ul><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/1-HeatherMcNell-MetroVancouver.pdf" target="_blank">Heather McNell - Metro Vancouver</a></li><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/2-SusanHaid-CityofVancouver.pdf" target="_blank">Susan Haid - City of Vancouver</a></li><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/3-Lee-AnnGarnett-CityofBurnaby.pdf" target="_blank">Lee-Ann Garnett - City of Burnaby</a></li></ul><hr /><h3>Planning to integrate growth, land use and transportation, Surrey</h3><ul><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/1-HeatherMcNell-MetroVancouver.pdf" target="_blank">Heather McNell - Metro Vancouver</a></li><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/2-PeterLipscombe-TransLink.pdf" target="_blank">Peter Lipscombe - TransLink</a></li><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/3-MarcySangret-CityofDelta.pdf" target="_blank">Marcy Sangret - City of Delta</a></li><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/4-PatrickKlassen-CityofSurrey.pdf" target="_blank">Patrick Klassen - City of Surrey</a></li></ul><hr /><h3>Planning for employment growth and transportation, TriCities</h3><ul><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/1-ErinRennie-MetroVancouver.pdf" target="_blank">Erin Rennie - Metro Vancouver</a></li><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/2-TabrinaClelland-TransLink.pdf" target="_blank">Tabrina Clelland - TransLink</a></li><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/3-AndrewMerrill-CityofCoquitlam.pdf" target="_blank">Andrew Merrill - City of Coquitlam</a></li></ul></div> |
Climate 2050 – developing a climate strategy for the region (2019)
Metro Vancouver’s
Climate 2050 is a strategy that will guide climate change policy and action for Metro Vancouver for the next 30 years. In turn, policies set by Metro Vancouver create change for organizations, agencies and people across the region. This series attracted viewers across the region, and helped shape the Climate 2050 Strategic Framework.
| Presentations | Presentations | <div class="ExternalClassA6A688CBC58F46818A00F46627FEC882"><h3>Shaping Climate 2050, Vancouver</h3><ul><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/May30-mv-climate2050-overview.pdf" target="_blank">Metro Vancouver - Climate 2050 Overview</a></li><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/May30-2018Climate2050Dialogue-MattHorne-CityofVancouver-RenewableCityActionPlan.pdf" target="_blank">Matt Horne - City of Vancouver - Renewable City Action Plan</a></li><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/May30-2018-Climate2050Dialogue-AlexBoston-RenewableCities.pdf" target="_blank">Alex Boston - Renewable Cities</a></li></ul><hr /><h3>Shaping Climate 2050, Surrey</h3><ul><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/June14-MattOsler-CityofSurrey.pdf" target="_blank"></a><a href="/events/sustainability-dialogues/DialoguePublications/June14-MattOsler-CityofSurrey.pdf" target="_blank">Matt Osler - City of Surrey</a></li><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/June14-MVClimate2050Overview.pdf" target="_blank">Metro Vancouver - 2050 Overview</a></li></ul><hr /><h3>Shaping Climate 2050, Richmond</h3><ul><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/June13-PeterRussell-CityofRichmond-Climate2050.pdf" target="_blank">Peter Russell - City of Richmond</a></li><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/June13-NaomiRobert-InstituteforSustainableFoodSystemsKPU-Climate2050.pdf" target="_blank">Naomi Robert - Institute for Sustainable Food Systems Systems, Kwantlen Polytechnic University</a></li><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/June13-MVClimate2050Overview.pdf" target="_blank">Metro Vancouver - Climate 2050 Overview</a></li></ul><hr /><h3>Shaping Climate 2050, TriCities</h3><ul><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/June8-RobynWark-BCHydroEnergyStepCode.pdf" target="_blank">Robyn Wark - BC Energy Step Code</a></li><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/June8-NeilMacEachern-CityofPortCoquitlam-Climate2050.pdf" target="_blank">Neil MacEachern - City of Port Coquitlam</a></li><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/June8-MVClimate2050Overview.pdf" target="_blank">Metro Vancouver - 2050 Overview</a></li></ul><hr /><h3>Shaping Climate 2050, North Shore</h3><ul><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/MVClimate2050Overview.pdf" target="_blank">Metro Vancouver - Climate 2050 Overview</a></li><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/June7-CarolineJackson-CNV-Climate2050.pdf" target="_blank">Caroline Jackson - City of North Vancouver</a></li><li>
<a href="/events/Documents/June7-2018-PatBell-CommunityEnergyAssociation-Climate2050.pdf" target="_blank">Pat Bell - Community Energy Association</a><br></li></ul></div> |
Promotional resources
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<p>
<i class="fa fa-download fa-light" aria-hidden="true"></i> <a href="/events/Documents/aq-cad-poster-8.5x11.pdf" target="_blank">8.5x11</a><br><span id="ms-rterangecursor-start"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end"></span><i class="fa fa-download fa-light" aria-hidden="true"></i> <a href="/events/Documents/aq-cad-poster-11x17.pdf" target="_blank">11x17</a></p></div></div></div> |
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<p>Climate Action Dialogues – Transportation (0:30)<br></p></div></div></div><span id="ms-rterangecursor-start"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end"></span><br> |