On Friday, April 25, University of Toronto hosted a private event at its Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus to celebrate the launch of a bold new initiative at the University of Toronto, which will leverage the university’s unparalleled interdisciplinary expertise to advance innovative research and policy solutions that address climate change.
The Lawson Climate Institute is named in honour of Brian Lawson and Joannah Lawson in recognition of their transformative $60-million donation to help establish the institute. Their donation represents the largest gift to a Canadian university in support of climate change solutions. The Lawson Climate Institute will ramp up U of T’s capacity to advance the technologies and policies needed for Canada to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. It will also empower students from any field of study to make climate action a priority.
During welcome remarks, University of Toronto President Meric Gertler spoke to the university’s leadership in accelerating climate solutions, and thanked Brian and Joannah Lawson for their generosity and commitment to transforming the future, and to empowering the next generation of sustainability leaders.
Climate Positive Energy student award recipient Harshit Gujral also delivered remarks at the event, speaking to the importance of student empowerment in addressing the climate challenge. In 2023, Gujral received a scholarship from CPE to further his research examining the public health mandates of zero-emissions vehicles, supervised by Professor Steve Easterbrook. Gujral currently serves as the Student Leadership Subcommittee Co-Chair for the President’s Advisory Committee on the Environment, Climate Change and Sustainability (CECCS).
“As a PhD student in Computer Science, researching an interdisciplinary topic of how stringent environmental laws impact health, I recognize the importance of this multidisciplinary institute,” said Gujral. “With what’s happening in the world right now, we don’t have time to pause and celebrate. Our momentum matters more than ever.”
As part of the event, CPE Academic Director and Lawson Climate Institute Interim Director, David Sinton, served as moderator for a thought-provoking panel featuring experts who are shaping the future through their work in climate change and sustainability. The following panelists discussed topics related to the climate challenge, including financing the energy transition, community and environmental justice, and food supply and security:
- Katharine Hayhoe, Distinguished Professor in Public Policy and Public Law at Texas Tech University
- Kenneth Corts, Vice-Dean, Research, Strategy, and Resources, Academic Director, Rotman Sustainability Initiative
- John Robinson, Professor, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy
- Evan Fraser, Professor, Director, Arrell Food Institute
“Today’s discussions underscore how complex the climate challenge is, and how critical it is to bring together diverse disciplines, institutions, and sectors to spark real change,” said Sinton, speaking to the importance of uniting efforts to enact climate solutions.
In addition to the Lawsons’ gift, numerous individuals across the university, including leadership from the Faculty of Arts & Science, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, the Division of the Vice-President of Research & Innovation and the Climate Positive Energy Initiative, helped bring the institute to life.
For more information, visit: utoronto.ca/news/new-lawson-climate-institute-u-t-will-accelerate-climate-solutions