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Well, that was an Earth Week. Our federal government released a budget for the first time in two years, with $17.6B going to a green recovery. The Biden administration hosted a Leaders Summit on Climate with new emissions-reduction commitments announced by Biden (50% by 2030) and Trudeau (at least 40% by 2030). And several of our allies and partners were recognized by the Clean 50!
Earth Day has often felt problematic for many of us – one day for people to do a small deed or for companies to do a little greenwashing, and then continue on with the status quo, in the absence of the bold action and systems change that we’ve needed for so long.
But this year it felt a little different. From Greta Thunberg to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to Mark Carney, the range of voices advocating for climate action are getting louder and becoming impossible to ignore. It feels like we’re making progress, and now is the time to keep pushing for change.
We’re incredibly encouraged and humbled by how hard people are working – from concerned citizens writing to their decision-makers, to land defenders and water protectors, to the cleantech entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and our members and partners that we get to work with every day. In true CSI fashion, we wish we could throw a big party to express our gratitude and support, but know that we will soon.
Onwards,
Shea & Barnabe
Shea Sinnott, Senior Program Manager, Climate Ventures
Barnabe Geis, Director of Programs, CSI
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 The Centre for Social Innovation launched Climate Ventures in 2018 with a mission to fast-track the success of early-stage entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders developing and implementing solutions to the climate crisis. Climate Ventures also works with governments, large companies and partners to solve challenges and scale solutions. Learn more at climateventures.org. |
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Anthea Sargeaunt, CEO of 2S Water, recognized with Clean 50 award
Anthea, of 2S Water, a CSI Earth Tech-accelerated venture, is advancing the capacity of industries for real-time monitoring of metals in water through the development of 2S Water’s sensor. The proper monitoring of the output of industrial facilities is vital for environmental stewardship, and with 2S Water’s sensor providing accurate, immediate measures of harmful metals, facilities can ensure safe, clean water. Real-time, accurate monitoring has been shown to reduce chemical usage by 30%, reduce water consumption, and prevent environmental contamination from industrial sites. Anthea is helping to make industries like mining, oil and gas, and pulp and paper safer.
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CSI Alumni turns food scraps into delicious snacks
Some food waste is to be expected – not everything grown can be consumed. But the stats show Canadians are wasting a lot. A United Nations Environment Programme report from March found that 2.94 million metric tonnes of household food is wasted every year in Canada, breaking down to an average of 79 kilograms per person. Monique Chan saw the severity of food waste first-hand while working in restaurants and at farmers’s markets in the years following her undergrad.
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Recapping the
Federal Budget
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Next Economy Trends in the Federal Budget
Shifting systems towards a people and planet first world requires market, policy and cultural change. We’ve always felt this in our bones, known it in our hearts and understood it intellectually. This budget has the potential to push on key market and policy levers, and it is no doubt influenced by the cultural changes afoot. Yes, there are critical pieces missing and plenty of room for improvement (notably, we’re missing the inclusion of a Universal Basic Income strategy and this budget needs to do more to support climate action), but this is an important budget that we believe holds potential for creating a more people and planet first world with some promising Next Economy trends.
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Climate Ventures Conversations: Nicole Rycroft of Canopy
Thursday, May 20, 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
We’re speaking with Nicole Rycroft, founder of environmental not-for-profit Canopy and winner of the US$3M 2020 Climate Breakthrough Award, about the partnerships, innovations, and solutions that are protecting our forests. |
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How To Navigate Social Venture Funding and Partnerships
Wednesday, April 28, 12:30 – 1:15 PM ET
CSI’s Social Innovation Specialist Jo Reynolds will share strategies to assess your investment readiness and introduce you to the current funding landscape for social enterprise ventures. This event is for CSI Members only. |
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What About Our Future? Movie Screening and Discussion
Thursday, April 29, 7:00 – 8:30 PM EST
What About Our Future? is a short film that follows the Sustainabiliteens — the organizers of the Vancouver climate strikes — as they organize protests, pressure politicians, educate younger teens, and attend school. The film screening will be followed by a panel question-and-answer session with the filmmakers and youth organizers. |
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On Environmental Racism, Climate Change, and Pathways to Justice
Wednesday, April 28, 10:00 – 11:30 PM EST
Join Gopal Dayaneni, co-founder of Movement Generation: Justice and Ecology Project, and Carla Maria Pérez, community organizer,for a powerful conversation exploring the connections between environmental racism and climate change, and how we can heal from them. |
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Environment and Cleantech Business + Policy Forum
Roundtables: May 4-7 | Forum: May 11-13
Hear from government representatives during ‘off-the-record’ policy roundtables, watch presentations from emerging environment and cleantech entrepreneurs, and network with industry professionals. |
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Indigenous Economics: Reclaiming the Sacred
June 10-12
Dive into discussions, workshops, panels and presentations led by Indigenous leaders, practitioners and scholars to redefine ecological economics from an Indigenous perspective. |
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| Want to post your opportunities to our job board? Find out what membership could look like for you! |
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Senior Lead, Strategic Initiatives x2 | Evergreen
Deadline: April 30
Evergreen is looking for two people to lead their Future Cities and Innovation initiatives. Your work will help drive decision making for new and emerging projects to help Evergreen advance their vision: cities that are inclusive, low-carbon, and sustainable at their core. |
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Project Management Lead | The Atmospheric Fund
Deadline: May 2
TAF is seeking someone to provide project management and stakeholder relations support for all Retrofits projects, ensuring they achieve the highest level of excellence. |
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Board of Directors | Green Thumbs Growing Kids
Deadline: May 7
There are four open positions with two-year terms on this CSI Member’s Board of Directors. You will actively contribute to committees, look for advocacy opportunities, and offer support to enhance their offerings. |
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Operations and Technology Manager | Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment
Deadline: Rolling
CAPE is looking for someone to maintain and improve their back-end operational systems and website. |
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Business Development Representative | Peak Power
Deadline: Rolling
Peak Power is looking for someone to be Peak Power’s face in their respective market. You’d be responsible for the entire sales cycle: from early prospecting to contract negotiations and execution. |
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| The Youth Climate Leadership Program provides 19- to 25-year-olds in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) the opportunity to grow leadership skills, network with peers and create climate action initiatives in their communities. Rolling applications accepted, summer program starts May 19. |
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| Springbay Studio, an Earth Tech accelerated venture, recently launched the League of Green Leaders: the world’s first online competition for climate action for 8- to 14-year-olds. You can register your child in the pilot right now! |
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If you’ve walked past CSI Spadina, you may have noticed some updates to the front of our building, courtesy of the School for Climate. This mural highlights the link between planetary health and personal health. |
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