TOCW Flagship Event - Food: The Other Big Climate Lever
The ties between food and climate change reach far beyond what you put on your plate. What we eat, where and how we grow it, how it’s processed, packaged and transported – it's all affected by, and has a direct impact on, climate change.
So how do we feed ourselves without destroying the planet? Co-hosted by the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph, this Toronto Climate Week flagship session brings together leaders from food, climate, agriculture and community to explore the impacts, opportunities and innovations at the interface of climate and food.
Food: The Other Big Climate Lever Agenda
8:30 – 9:00
Registration & Coffee
8:55 – 9:05
Move to Seating
9:05 – 9:08
Welcome Remarks by Joannah Lawson, Brian & Joannah Lawson Family Foundation and Evan Fraser, Executive Director, Arrell Food Institute
9:08 – 9:13
Land Acknowledgement
9:13 – 9:20
Event Scene-Setter – What the Science Is Saying, and What It Means for Us All by Evan Fraser, Arrell Food Institute
9:21 – 10:10
Panel – The Critical Connections Between Food and Climate
10:10 – 10:30
Spotlight Q&A – Making the Best of It: The Importance and Delicious Potential of Rescued Ingredients
Yasi Zorlutuna, Chef & Community FEWD Project Lead
10:30 – 10:40
Coffee and Networking Break
10:40 – 11:25
Panel – Beyond the Plate: The Many Modes of Food/Climate Innovation
11:27 – 11:47
Spotlight Discussion – Innovating in the Kitchen: Creativity, Climate, and Working with the Planet by Leah Steduto, Executive Chef, Hawker
11:48 – 11:55
Closing Remarks by Jonathan Steels, Lawson Centre for Sustainability, Trinity College, University of Toronto
11:55 – 12:00
Lunch Information & Final Thanks by Tenille Bonoguore, Arrell Food Institute
11:55 – 12:00
Transition to Lunch Space
12:00 – 1:00
Experiential Lunch – Featured Chef Stations
Hosted in collaboration with University of Guelph
12:00 – 1:00
Rooftop Garden Tours - Led by Lawson Centre Staff
This session is designed for people engaged in food systems, climate and nature, sustainability operations, food sovereignty, and investment and innovation. If you are looking to deepen your understanding of critical climate-food connections, strengthen resilience and equity in food systems, build resilient partnerships, and stay ahead of sector shifts, this event is for you. Attendees should expect practical insights, cross-sector dialogue, and meaningful networking with decision-makers driving change across the industry.
Ticket approval process is expected to begin soon.
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