TOCW: Energy and Climate from an Era of Thickening Borders
As the global climate conversation evolves, a notable shift is underway—from a collective call to “save the planet” to a more strategic and geopolitical imperative: energy sovereignty.
This session, co-hosted by the Lawson Climate Institute at the University of Toronto and the The Arthur L. Irving Institute for Energy and Society at Dartmouth College as part of Toronto Climate Week, explores how nations, regions, and cities are reframing climate action through the lens of security, resilience, and economic independence.
Recent global disruptions—from supply chain shocks to geopolitical tensions—have exposed vulnerabilities in reliance on imported fossil fuels and overseas manufacturing. In response, governments and industries are accelerating investments in domestic renewable energy, electrification, and clean technology manufacturing.
But this shift raises critical questions:
Does energy sovereignty strengthen or fragment global climate cooperation?
Can localizing energy systems accelerate decarbonization—or risk new inefficiencies and inequities?
What role should public policy, private capital, and innovation ecosystems play in building self-sufficient clean energy economies?
How do we balance national interests with global climate commitments?
This discussion will bring together leaders across policy, industry, finance, and academia to unpack how the narrative shift toward energy sovereignty is reshaping climate strategy—and what it means for Canada’s role in the global energy transition.
Attendees can expect a focused, high-level afternoon convening featuring keynote remarks, two expert panels, and a networking reception. The program is designed to foster strategic discussion on energy security, infrastructure resilience, and the future of electrification in a geopolitically complex environment.
Agenda
3:00pm – 3:30pm | Registration and check-in
3:30pm – 3:55pm | Welcome Remarks
David Sinton, Lawson Climate Institute, Interim Academic Director
Amanda Graham, The Arthur L. Irving Institute for Energy and Society, Director of Academic Programs
3:55pm – 4:40pm | Panel: Energy Sovereignty in a Fragmented World: Strategy, Trade, and Investments
Giles Gherson, Toronto Region Board of Trade, President & Chief Executive Officer
Tom Heintzman, CIBC, Vice-Chair, Energy & Climate Finance, Office of the Chief Executive Officer
Elliott Cappell, PwC Canada, National Climate Change Leader
Melody Brown Burkins, Dartmouth College, Director, Institute for Arctic Studies
4:40pm – 5:20pm | Panel: From Grid to Ground: Securing Supply Chain and Delivering Electrification at Scale
Ivette Perez, Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries, Chief Executive Officer
Shah Nawaz Ahmed, Siemens Canada, Vice President and Business Unit Head Digital Grid, Smart Infrastructure
Theo Yameogo, EY Americas Metals, Mining & Minerals, Senior Partner
Utilia Amaral, National Electricity Roundtable, Chief Executive Officer
5:20pm – 6:00pm | Networking Reception