Workshop Recap: Arrows in the Quiver: Spotlighting Unheralded Climate Fighting Technologies
This workday sought to broaden the climate change conversation beyond the commonly discussed solutions like carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) and small modular reactors (SMRs). Instead of relying on a singular "silver bullet," the event highlighted the need for a diverse set of technological solutions across various sectors to effectively tackle climate change.
The discussion explored high-potential but underrepresented climate technologies, assessing their development stage, potential impact, and the reasons they deserved more attention. Key topics included the role of these innovations in decarbonizing critical sectors such as energy, transportation, buildings, and agriculture. Additionally, the workshop examined the necessary technological breakthroughs, economic shifts, and policy frameworks that could accelerate their deployment at scale.
A central focus was on identifying opportunities for Canada to take a leadership role in sustainable technology development. By integrating global perspectives with regional and sectoral contexts, the symposium provided valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders working toward a more sustainable future.
The symposium showcased exciting technologies being developed, studied, and deployed at McGill, across Canada, and around the world. Experts from various fields shared their work on research, design, testing, and commercialization, offering perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of emerging climate solutions. The primary focus was on energy transition technologies and systems, with illustrative approaches in grid modernization, electricity supply, and alternative fuels. A secondary focus on the future of agrifood technology introduced opportunities in this rapidly evolving sector.
The conference opened with a panel discussion that explored the policy backdrop of energy transition and the accelerated adoption of technological and systems change, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of innovative climate solutions.