September 12, 2016

Climate Resilient Food Systems in the Greater Golden Horseshoe Region

Context: On May 5, 2016, the Ontario Climate Consortium hosted the annual Ontario Climate Symposium at the University of Guelph (UofG). Recognizing UofG’s research strength in the areas of agri-food, environmental management and governance, as well as current provincial and municipal policy priorities relating to regional land use planning and climate change, this year’s Symposium focused on exploring the development of climate resilient food systems, particularly in the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) Region.

Goals of the Ontario Climate Symposium: The Symposium brought together more than 200 stakeholders from across the region representing a diversity of sectors and disciplines to inform the development of strategies and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the Regional food system, and support food security in the context of a changing climate. The goals of this event were to:

  • Facilitate the production, adoption and application of climate research with respect to provincial policy and local governance as it relates to the GGH Region’s agriculture and food sector;
  • Provide an inclusive forum for sharing diverse perspectives on research and practical applications relevant to climate change impacts and vulnerability, and greenhouse gas emissions reductions;
  • Foster the translation of regional climate change research into policy solutions; and,
  • Facilitate collaboration across research fields and public policy silos.

Outcome: The OCC has developed a proceedings report (available below) which summarizes the presentations and breakout discussions that took place throughout the day.

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