Experts gather in Vancouver to discuss running cities on renewable energy
Posted May 14, 2015 8:09 pm.
Last Updated May 15, 2015 6:30 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Forty-five countries are participating in the Renewable Cities: Global Learning Forum according SFU Centre for Dialogue Director Shauna Sylvester.
“Bringing the world leaders together who have been working on the transition to 100 per cent renewable energy with some of the key players in cities who have an interest in moving in that direction. They are coming from across the world, there are 350 delegates.”
She says the conference is being launched at a critical time. “The bourgeoning movement of cities worldwide that are implementing aggressive renewable energy and energy efficiency targets in their electricity, heating and cooling, and transportation systems is startling,” she explains. “We have over 50 per cent of the world’s citizens and more than 80 per cent of Canadians living in urban environments. Vancouver’s decision to take a leadership role in becoming 100 per cent renewable energy powered is as important as it is inspiring.”
Vancouver’s mayor also made an appearance to ask experts for advice. “The mayor stood up, Mayor Gregor Robertson, and instead of giving a speech he turned the mic around and he said I’m here to listen to your advice, you are the worlds’ experts. We’ve made this commitment and we need advice on how to do this,” Sylvester says.
Several high profile speakers are in town for the event including a Stanford professor as well as the architect of Copenhagen’s green movement.
The forum is the first of its kind globally and intended to support cities around the world moving away from the use of fossil fuels.
