Apr. 20: Advancing Climate Solutions in a Politically Polarizing World

The Wall Catalyst Emeriti cohort meet monthly to share research experience and engage with guest lecturers on the topic of the “Climate and Nature Emergency”. These lectures and panel sessions are hosted at the Institute and will be open to the public as well as available over Zoom in the months ahead.

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Description

Over the last century, scientific understanding of the causes and consequences of global warming has evolved to the point that it is, for all intents and purposes, an extremely well understood problem. The fundamental question facing society is whether the present generation has a moral and/or ethical obligation to future generations in terms of the type of world we leave behind as our legacy. Science alone cannot, and will not, ever answer this question.

In this talk Dr. Weaver will explore the challenges and opportunities associated with curbing the increase of atmospheric greenhouse gases, with particular emphasis on the complexities arising from the ongoing political polarization of society. Emphasis will be on the need for more evidence-based decision-making within the political establishment if we collectively wish to reverse the disturbing trend towards decision-based evidence-making in the formation of provincial and national policy.

Dr. Andrew J. Weaver

Dr. Weaver is a Professor in the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences at the University of Victoria. He was also the Canada Research Chair in Climate Modelling and Analysis until he was elected as a BC Green Party MLA in the 2013 BC Provincial Election representing the riding of Oak Bay-Gordon Head.

In 2015 Dr. Weaver assumed leadership of the BC Green Party, leading them to an historic election result in the 2017 provincial election with three elected MLAs holding the balance of power in an NDP minority government. He returned to UVic after completing two terms as an MLA.