As the world gears up for the pivotal United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, in Dubai this November, Quebec’s academic institutions have taken a proactive step to kindle understanding and collaboration. On October 18, the first of six engaging webinars took place. It was organized by eighteen universities from Quebec, a testament to their commitment to shed light on global climate issues.

This innovative series, organized by the Réseau universitaire québécois en développement durable (RUQDD), showcases the rich tapestry of academic expertise across Quebec. Their collective mission is not only to share insights from Quebec’s climate research and solutions butalso to highlight the nuances and implications surrounding the forthcoming COP28 discussions.

The first inaugural webinar, entitled “Everything you need to know about COP28”, brought together eminent experts to address the myriad dimensions of climate change. Dominique Anglade, an Associate Professor at the HEC Montreal School of Sustainable Transition, powerfully articulated the universality and inequalities of climate change, stating, “The fight against climate change impacts everyone. However, while facing this universal storm, the boats we’re in differ significantly. Climate change accentuates disparities, especially between the Global North and South. We aim to unpack COP28’s themes, making them accessible and relatable to everyone.”

In a deep dive into history, Frédéric Fabry of McGill University explored humanity’s longstanding reliance on fossil fuels. He illustrated how cheap energy has been the linchpin of modern societal growth, saying, “This energy affordability ushered in resource abundance, sparking population growth and surging energy consumption.” Yet, he warned of the perils ahead, cautioning that persisting on this trajectory would herald dire consequences by 2100.

Shining a light on representation imbalances at global climate meets, Annie Chaloux from the University of Sherbrooke highlighted that the delegation scales often tip in favour of developed nations. “While Canada regularly presents a robust team, it’s worth noting the disparity. Quebec alone occasionally outnumbers delegations from some developing countries.”

Joseph EL-Khoury of Université de Montréal brought the discussion closer to home, emphasizing Montreal’s urban transition challenges and potential. He deliberated on Montreal’s ambitious aim of carbon neutrality by its 400th anniversary in 2042 and posited, “Could Montreal spearhead this movement, setting an example for global cities to emulate?”

These webinars, while undoubtedly educational, also serve as a clarion call for collective action against the looming climate threat. As the global community preps for the landmark discussions at COP28, the contributions from the first webinar and the upcoming ones will offer invaluable guidance.​To further bolster this initiative, Magali Simard-Galdes, a renowned opera singer and Radio-

Canada columnist with expertise in Sustainability Management, will be moderating the series. This series, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #13, aims to foster decisive action against the challenges of climate change.

The Quebec government, recognizing the significance of these webinars, has extended financial support, aligning with their 2030 Plan for a Green Economy. Benoit Charette, Quebec’s Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife, and Parks, extolled the series, emphasizing the indispensable role of Quebec’s academic community in this endeavor.

For those eager to participate in the upcoming webinars, detailed schedules and registration are available on www.unis-climat.teluq.ca . The webinars, spanning from October 18 until November 22, will be broadcasted live every Wednesday from noon to 1:00 pm. Furthermore, two of these sessions will be presented before a live audience in Montreal, enhancing the experience.

Photo: Unity in Wisdom: Quebec’s Academic Luminaries Combine Forces for Climate Action. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo

With notes from Mary Baskin, Marie-Eve Turpin and Lily Ryan