Indigenous knowledge and western climate science converge as the City of Calgary’s fourth annual Calgary Climate Symposium begins today.
The week-long series of events will bring Calgarians, community leaders, climate experts, entrepreneurs and city staff together virtually for the free learning sessions.
“Adapting to and mitigating the negative impacts of climate change on our city are the cornerstones of the Calgary Climate Strategy,” said Carolyn Bowen, Director of Climate & Environment.
“The Climate Symposium is a great opportunity for people to learn and empower themselves, so they can take their own action against climate change. Everyone is welcome to join the conversation, learn from the experts, and build their own toolbox as we work together towards net zero.”
Eleven months ago, Calgary declared a climate emergency. With it, was a pledge to be net-zero by 2050. In July of this year, Calgary approved its climate strategy.
This week’s topics include how climate change affects Calgarians, why we need to address it, and actions citizens can take now. The event topics and discussions align with the City’s climate strategy, they said.
Intersection of Indigenous and western climate science
The keynote session will have Hetxw’ms Gyetxw, also known as Brett D. Huson. Huson will speak on the convergence of Indigenous knowledge and western climate science. He’ll also talk about Indigenous perspectives on climate change, how Indigenous peoples are impacted and how they’re adapting and contributing to the low carbon economy transition.
Huson is from Gitxsan Nation of the Northwest Interior of British Columbia, Canada. He has published a series of educational children’s books and works with the Prairie Climate Centre at the University of Winnipeg to connect science and Indigenous Knowledges.
There are a variety of sessions Calgarians can sign up for.
The 2022 climate symposium is virtual and free to the public. You can register for the sessions online.
