CARE Conference
Integrated Approaches to Climate Change: Adaptation and Mitigation
March 2nd - 4th, 2025
Hosted by the Munk School, the 2025 CARE Conference brought together students, faculty, and leaders from public and private sectors to explore the theme, “Integrated Approaches to Climate Change: Adaptation and Mitigation.” This event served as a timely platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration about the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Participants engaged in thought-provoking panel discussions led by academic and industry experts, with sessions focused on key issues such as fossil fuels, electrification, and local climate initiatives. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in site visits at the University of Toronto and the University of Guelph, while social events like a reception and student poster presentations provided space for impactful conversations and connections.
In addition to being a forum for ideas, the CARE Conference strives to empower current Master’s students to develop the leadership and practical skills needed to drive meaningful change.
This event was made possible through the collaboration of the CARE partner institutions—Sciences Po, the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Guelph—and the generous support of the Fondation DRG,
2025 CARE Conference Photo Highlights
Conference Agenda: Sunday, March 2, 2025
Duke of York Pub, 2nd Floor
39 Prince Arthur Avenue, Toronto, ON
Welcome Reception (4:00pm - 6:00pm)
Gather at the Duke of York to meet fellow conference attendees and get to know each other over light refreshments.
Welcoming Remarks:
- Peter Wallace, Senior Fellow & CARE Program Lead, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy
- Ben Bradshaw, Associate Professor and Assistant Vice-President, Graduate Studies, University of Guelph
- Allison Macfarlane, Professor and Director of the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, University of British Columbia
- Mark Maloney, Executive Director and Vice Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs, Sciences Po Paris
Conference Agenda: Monday, March 3, 2025
Campbell Conference Facility, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy
1 Devonshire Place, Toronto, ON
***5pm Reception to be held at the Boardroom & Library at 315 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON
Welcome & Opening Remarks (8:40am - 9:10am)
Ariana Bradford, Executive Director, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy
Peter Wallace, CARE Program Lead & Senior Fellow, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy
Anastasia Jakub, Student Program & Project Officer, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy
Panel 1: Future of Fossil Fuels (9:10am - 10:25am)
Panelists
- Heather Exner-Pirot, Director of Energy, Natural Resources and Environment, Macdonald-Laurier Institute
- Peter Fraser, Member, Board of Directors, Canada Energy Regulator
- Keith Stewart, Senior Energy Strategist, Greenpeace Canada
Moderator: George Vegh, Senior Fellow, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy
Student Speaker: Carter Bray, Master of Public Policy Candidate
Break (10:25am - 10:45am)
Coffee break
Panel 2: Challenges of Electrification (10:45am - 12:00pm)
Panelists
- Tom Chapman, Principal, The Brattle Group
- Allison Macfarlane, Professor and Director of the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, University of British Columbia
- Marc Ringel, Director, European Chair for Sustainable Development and Climate Transitions, Sciences Po Paris
Moderator: Susanna Zagar, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Energy Board
Student Speaker: Mariana Higgins, Master of Public Policy Candidate
Lunch (12:00pm - 1:00pm)
Lunch break.
Panel 3: Adaptation and Mitigation at the Local Level (1:00pm - 2:15pm)
Panelists
- James Nowlan, Executive Director, Environment and Climate Division, City of Toronto
- Ron Saporta, Chief Operating Officer, Property Services & Sustainability, University of Toronto
- Nick Xenos, Executive Director, Centre for Greening Government, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Moderator: Leslie Woo, Chief Executive Officer, CivicAction
Student Speaker: Julia Brahy, Master of Global Affairs Candidate & CARE Scholarship Recipient
Break (2:15pm - 2:35pm)
Coffee Break
Panel 4: Integrated Panel (2:35pm - 3:35pm)
Panelists
- George Vegh, Senior Fellow, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy
- Leslie Woo, Chief Executive Officer, CivicAction
- Susanna Zagar, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Energy Board
Moderator: Peter Wallace, CARE Program Lead & Senior Fellow, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy
Get Ready for Campus Tour (3:35pm-3:45pm)
Get into groups in the Campbell Conference Facility to depart for tour
University of Toronto Campus Energy Tour (3:45pm-5pm)
Join staff from the University of Toronto's Sustainability Office to see UofT's new geoexchange system.
Reception + Student Poster Presentations (5pm-6:30pm)
Join us in the Library & Boardroom at 315 Bloor St W for a reception featuring poster presentations by 22 students from the CARE partner institutions. Students will be presenting their own research on a diverse range of topics related to the CARE core themes of environmental sustainability, climate change, biodiversity and energy transitions.
Remarks to be made by Peter Wallace, CARE Program Lead & Senior Fellow, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy and Evan Fraser, Director, Arrell Food Institute, University of Guelph
Conference Agenda: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Field Experiences hosted by University of Guelph
Departure from Toronto (7:30am)
Bus picks up attendees at two different locations. Students will be notified of the pick up locations and exact times.
Heartwood Farm & Cidery Visit (9:00am - 10:30am)
Val Steinmann and Brent Klassen are the visionary co-owners of Heartwood Farm & Cidery, a 42-acre diversified, ecological farm that integrates multi-species grazing with fruit and nut orchards, bee hives, maple syrup production and is also home to a growing craft beverage business. Participants will be provided a snack and cider.
Transportation to Elora Research Stations (10:30am - 11:00am)
Students will travel by bus to the Elora Research Stations
Elora Research Stations (11:00am - 12:30pm)
Tour of Dairy Facility:
- Christine Baes: first national genetic evaluation in the world to help select low-methane dairy cows which is expected to help reduce farm GHG emissions without affecting milk production (https://news.uoguelph.ca/2023/06/lower-burp-cows-to-be-bred-with-world-leading-methods-based-on-u-of-g-research/)
Tour of Beef Facility:
- Katie Wood- Department of Animal Biology. With her extensive background in cow feed efficiency, gut health, and methane emissions, Dr. Wood offers a wealth of knowledge on these critical topics. She will discuss the importance of reducing methane emissions, not just for environmental benefits, but also for improving feed efficiency.
Travel to the University of Guelph (12:30pm - 1:00pm)
Remarks on the bus regarding other research stations (drive by the other research stations – talk about plant ag, swine)
Lunch (1:15pm - 2:30pm)
Lunch at University Club, 5th floor UC
Soils at Guelph Panel and Presentation (2:45pm - 4:00pm)
Room 442 - UC
Panelists
- Claudia Wagner-Riddle: team has crafted tools to bolster climate change mitigation in agriculture and influenced adoption at a national scale
- Kari Dunfield: crop rotations, microbial communities, and greenhouse gas emissions
- Asim Biswas: the development of sustainable soil management strategies using sensor-based soil information.
Moderator: Heather White, KMB manager
Depart Guelph (4:15pm)
Transportation will be provided back to Pearson Airport for those from Sciences Po and UBC and the Campbell Conference Centre for U of T attendees
March 3rd - Conference Speakers
Principal, The Brattle Group
Director of Energy, Natural Resources and Environment, Macdonald-Laurier Institute
Director, Arrell Food Institute. University of Guelph
Member, Board of Directors, Canada Energy Regulator
Professor and Director of the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, University of British Columbia
Executive Director of the Environment, Climate and Forestry Division, City of Toronto
Director of the European Chair for Sustainable Development and Climate Transitions, Sciences Po, Paris
Chief Operating Officer, University of Toronto
Senior Energy Strategist, Greenpeace Canada
Senior Fellow, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy
Munk School Lead, CARE Program & Senior Fellow, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy
Chief Executive Officer, CivicAction & Senior Fellow, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy
Executive Director, Centre for Greening, Government Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Energy Board
March 3rd - Student Speakers
Master of Global Affairs Candidate & CARE Scholarship Recipient, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy
Master of Public Policy Candidate, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy
Master of Public Policy Candidate, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy
March 4th - Featured Speakers
Professor, University of Guelph
OAC Chair in Soils and Precision Agriculture, Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator, University of Guelph
Professor, University of Guelph
Creative Advisor, Arrell Food Institute, University of Guelph
Co-Owner and Farmer, Heartwood Farm & Cidery
Professor, University of Guelph
Knowledge Mobilization and Communications Coordinator, Soils at Guelph, University of Guelph
Associate Professor, University of Guelph
FAQs for the CARE Conference
How do I get to Downtown Toronto from Pearson Airport?
For attendees arriving at Pearson International Airport (YYZ), here are several options for reaching downtown Toronto:
UP Express Train: The UP Express provides a direct connection from Pearson Airport to Union Station in downtown Toronto in about 25 minutes. Trains depart every 15 minutes, and the cost is approximately CAD $12.35 one-way. UP Express Information
Public Transit (TTC): The TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) bus and subway service offers the 900 Airport Express bus connecting Pearson to Kipling Subway Station, where you can transfer to the subway heading downtown. This option takes around 60-90 minutes and costs CAD $3.35. TTC Information
Taxi/Uber/Lyft: Taxis and Uber/Lyft are available at the airport. The drive to downtown Toronto typically takes 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic, with an estimated cost of CAD $40-70. Ride Share Information
What kind of weather should I expect?
Toronto’s weather in early March can vary greatly and temperatures typically can range from 5°C highs to below freezing. It can feel colder with the wind chill. Snowfall and rain are both possible. It is recommended you dress in layers and please check the weather before packing.
What should I wear?
For Sunday and Monday in Toronto the dress code is business casual attire (no jeans, sweatpants, etc.). As there will be some time spent outdoors (Campus Energy Tour), we strongly recommend a warm coat and winter appropriate footwear (warm, waterproof boots).
For Tuesday's field experiences hosted by the University of Guelph, for your comfort and safety, please come prepared for outdoor work. Wear clothing that will protect you from the elements (snow, sun, rain) and sturdy, close-toe shoes that are suitable for walking in potentially snowy, muddy or dusty conditions.
How can I connect to other students who are attending the CARE Conference?
Join the CARE Conference Student WhatsApp group.
How do I connect to the internet at UofT?
The eduroam network at U of T is accessible to visiting scholars from other participating eduroam institutions. Simply connect to the eduroam Wi-Fi network using your home institution credentials.
For eSIM-compatible devices, affordable data options include Airalo and Holafly will allow you to stay connected while off campus.
I have some free time, what are some sights in Downtown Toronto that I might want to check out?
| Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) | $$ |
| Casa Loma | $$$ |
| CN Tower | $$$ |
| Distillery Historic District | Free |
| Hockey Hall of Fame | $$ |
| Kensington Market | Free |
| Nathan Phillips Square* | Free |
| Ripley's Aquarium | $$$ |
| Royal Ontario Museum | $$ |
| St Lawrence Market | Free |
| Toronto Reference Library | Free |
*skate rentals are available for $15 to go skating on the ice rink at Nathan Phillips Square
Who should I contact if I have questions or need assistance?
Your first point of contact should be the CARE administrative contact at your home institution.
For non-urgent issues please use email: anastasia.jakub@utoronto.ca .
What is the plan for transportation on March 4th?
A bus will pick up those participating in the field experiences hosted by the University of Guelph at two Toronto locations. Participants will be notified of the pick up locations via email.
It is important to be on time for pick up at your preferred location as the bus will depart promptly to ensure we have lots of time to enjoy the different field experiences!