Press Release: Canadian Energy Economist and Author Mark Jaccard to inspire action at Whistler Institute’s Global Perspectives Speaker Series event: Climate Emergency – An Action Guide for Citizens

October 12, 2021 – Whistler, BC – The Whistler Institute announces its next Global Perspectives Speaker Series event taking place on December 9.

In this event, Climate emergency – an action guide for citizens, Mark Jaccard will speak on how climate-concerned citizens can overcome myths that hinder them from acting in time to prevent extreme climate impacts. Their actions can involve personal consumption choices (electric vehicles, heat pumps) but these only have an effect if citizens are also engaged in the political process and civil society to elect and support climate-sincere politicians. These personal and collective efforts must align with and foster a global strategy of decarbonization, especially in developing countries. “For climate success, we need to understand the combined role of self-interested and wishful thinking biases that prevent us from acting effectively and strategically” explains Mark Jaccard. “On December 9, be ready to learn what is required on a simple path to climate success and what you can contribute.”

The event comes on the heels of the United Nations COP26 (26th Conference of the Parties), taking place in Glasgow this November. Negotiators, government representatives, businesses and citizens from around the world will gather at COP26 “an event that many believe to be the world’s best last chance to get runaway climate change under control” (ukcop26.org/). Discussions at this annual event around carbon tax and cap-on-trade, low-carbon and no-carbon economies will focus on the urgency of making impactful changes now.

“Living and working in a community that is reliant upon Tourism, an industry that is increasingly impacted by climate change, it is extremely important that we understand the role that individuals play in the evolving climate crisis.” says Suki Cheyne, the Whistler Institute’s Executive Director. “In order to critically examine our own roles in the future of the environment, we are honoured to invite expert and change influencer Mark Jaccard to speak in Whistler.”

Centred on the Whistler Institute’s efforts to foster international thought leadership, the event presents an opportunity to inform and engage audiences from Whistler and around the world through an impactful hybrid in-person and digital forum. As a registered Canadian Charity the Whistler Institute is committed to exploring topics that are of both local and global importance.

Dr. Mark Jaccard is a Distinguished Professor and Director of the School of Resource and Environmental Management at Simon Fraser University. His Ph.D. is from the University of Grenoble. He researches the design and application of energy-economy models for assessing climate policies. He is an author with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a member of the Royal Society of Canada, and an advisor to governments and non-government organizations on climate policy. Dr. Jaccard’s latest book is The Citizen’s Guide To Climate Success: Overcoming Myths That Hinder Progress, which was shortlisted for the Donner Prize.

Join presenter Mark Jaccard and moderator Jack Crompton for an engaging lecture-style presentation followed by a question and answer session. The event will be followed by an intimate dinner option for the in-person audience to continue the conversation.

Event Details:

Date & time: December 9 @ 6:00pm-7:30pm PST.
Location: Rainbow Theatre, Whistler Conference Centre, 4010 Whistler Way, Whistler, BC V8E 1J2, Canada Online: Live stream on Zoom
Post event dinner: Caramba Restaurant, 4314 Main Street #12 Town Plaza, Whistler, BC V8E I8E, Canada
Tickets: Join the Whistler Institute Mailing List here to be notified when in-person and dinner tickets become available.
Event page: https://whistlerlearningcentre.com/course/gp-mark-jaccard/

The Global Perspectives Speaker Series is designed to stimulate discussion and inspire action around major issues facing the world today and into the future. The Series features accomplished international thought leaders who have made a global impact through evolutionary and even revolutionary advancements in their fields.

The Whistler Institute partners with individuals and organizations to provide opportunities for learning and influencing change by encouraging innovation and creativity in learning; by thoughtful consideration of global issues; by connecting with leading subject matter experts; and by inspiring individuals and organizations to take initiative. The Whistler Institute is a registered charity that is funded through private donors, foundations, government grants and fees for service.

Media Contact: Suki Cheyne, Executive Director, Whistler Institute, Tel: 604-932-7600, Email: contact@whistlerinstitute.com

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