Ontario xChange 2024: Engineering a Greener Tomorrow

Engineers Without Borders Canada stands at the forefront of addressing global challenges through engineering and technological innovation, “engineering an equitable and sustainable future for marginalized people and the planet.” EWB events are born from a desire to unite communities, foster local ownership and education, as well as spark equality on a local, national, and global scale.

The National xChange Event series of regional events across Canada unites socially engaged STEM students, professionals, subject matter experts, academics, and more to work towards an equitable and sustainable future. In the four dynamic xChange events happening in Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal, we'll dive deep into pressing questions, examining how engineering and technology are essential to driving meaningful change.

This year's series aims to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future by exploring the current state of clean technology and renewable energy in Canada and beyond, and delving into their pivotal role in achieving critical goals related to limiting global warming to “well below” 2°C. Are we on track to meet these urgent targets?

Join EWB at the xChange 2024 Regional Conference, happening November 10th, 2024 at the University of Toronto. Brought to you by the UofT and Ontario Professional chapters, the conference will be a full-day event with refreshments and lunch! Come join us at the Ontario xChange for a day of learning while we engineer greener solutions!

All four EWB National xChange Events are bullfrogpowered® with 100% green electricity. This means that Bullfrog Power’s generators put 100% green electricity onto the grid to match the amount of conventional electricity the event uses, displacing energy from polluting sources. Across Canada, Bullfrog’s green electricity comes from a blend of wind, solar and low-impact hydro power sourced from new Canadian renewable energy facilities.

The Ontario xChange event, co-hosted by the EWB University of Toronto Chapter at hart House at UofT on November 10th, will focus on Solar Energy: Harnessing the Sun and Ed. Tech for Sustainable Development.

The Ontario regional event will explore the current state of the renewable/clean energy infrastructure and growth, and assess how educational technology can improve engagement with climate education in a global setting. The event will feature expert panelists, break-out sessions, interactive displays and booths, and networking opportunities.Discussions regarding renewable/clean energy will focus on key challenges with the current infrastructure and deficiencies facing carbon-neutral goals:

• Are we on track to meet crucial climate targets while meeting anticipated energy needs?
• Are ‘Renewables', such as solar energy, in a position to be a main driver as we race to meet those targets?
• Do we have the necessary general societal acceptance and political will to accelerate the comprehensive changes required to meet our goals while advancing sustainable sources of energy in more areas and in more sectors?

According to the UN, “education is key to addressing climate change,” and educational technology or EdTech plays a crucial role in shaping learning. With an ever-changing world, technology needs to continue to develop to meet the needs of our community while helping us achieve our climate goals:

• Can EdTech directly reduce carbon emissions?
• How can we leverage technology to make learning more accessible on local and global scales?
• How can technology be used in new and exciting ways to support learning?

Join us to explore how sustainable energy solutions and education can not only shape our future and meet critical climate change goals, but how we can collectively contribute to these transformative goals now. Through expert panel discussions, break-out sessions, and dedicated networking opportunities this event seeks to also lay the groundwork for future, important collaborations. As a society, we’re at a pivotal time in driving carbon-neutral solutions, and EWB Canada will continue to champion this necessity locally for impact globally. Climate change is a critical discussion for our generation, and climate education is an important venue for addressing these complex environmental problems.

We’re excited to welcome attendees from across Ontario and Canada to dive further into this conversation. Come join us at the Ontario xChange for a day of learning, collaboration, networking, refreshments and more!

Date: Sunday November 10th, 2024

Time: 8:30am to 5:00pm

Location: Hart House @ University of Toronto

Registration/check in upon arrival:

Guests will arrive at Hart House and will be greeted by the xChange team where they will be able to register. A member from our team will take guests to the great hall where they can enjoy coffee, tea, and iced water before the welcome ceremony.

The Ontario xChange will include guest speakers and subject matter experts on Solar Energy: Harnessing the Sun and Ed. Tech for Sustainable Development, an opportunity for EWB Chapters and local partners to connect and discover opportunities to collaborate and support each other throughout the year, as well as time for networking amongst event attendees, guest speakers, sponsors, partners, and more!

By registering and attending this event, I give permission and authorize Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Canada to use my name, any taken photo or video images of me, any comments made by me in writing or otherwise, and any information collected from me, for research or statistical purposes, marketing, promotion and reporting without compensation or financial remuneration.

Host or Publisher EWB Canada