Hope and Action Climate Change Symposium - Walks, Talks, and Family Fun
Saturday, November 2, 2024
at 10:00 am to
4:30 pm
Cost: Free
Partner Program
Drop in. No registration required
Join us for the Hope and Action: Climate Change Symposium to celebrate and learn about the positive actions organizations across the City are taking around climate change. This free event offers engaging panel discussions and activities for all ages that promote climate change awareness and action.
Visit community information tables to connect with local environmental organizations and learn how you can contribute to sustainability efforts. Take part in guided tours that feature innovative climate solutions and showcase the nature-inspired work of Christina Battle in her exhibition Under Metallic Skies.
Participate in creative activities designed to inspire and educate, from hands-on workshops to collaborative art projects. Drop in anytime and be part of the movement for a sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference!
Partner Organizations include ReForest London, Western University Sustainability, Thames Talbot Land Trust, Western University Geography and Environment, London Bicycle Cafe, London Cycle Link, London Environmental Network, Green Economy London, Climate Action London, City of London (CEAP), Project Neutral, and the London Public Library.
Riding your bike?
Keep it secure at the Bike Valet courtesy of London Bicycle Café The Bike Valet operates just like a coat check – simply drop off your bike at the Museum’s front lawn, receive a ticket, and enjoy the event worry-free. Friendly volunteers will be on site to keep your bike secure. When you’re ready to leave, exchange your ticket and your bike will be ready for you. Be sure to grab a free coffee and view a few bikes offered by London Bicycle Café while learning about their workshops, commuter consultations, and the Bikes for Businesses rental initiative.
WALKS
Bike Tour
10:00 to 11:00 am | Meet outside the Museum London front entrance
Hop on a bike ride with London Cycle Link to experience the freedom of cycling! Beginning and ending at Museum London, you’ll explore some of our city’s cycling infrastructure, like the Thames Valley Parkway and protected bike lanes. Register here.
Guided Tours of Christina Battle: Under Metallic Skies
10:00 to 11:00 am, 1:00 to 2:00 pm | Meet in the Atrium
Explore Under Metallic Skies, an exhibition by Edmonton-based artist Christina Battle, uses video, multimedia installations, and participatory projects to address global warming, environmental disasters, and alternative economies. Battle's work blends traditional and digital forms to inspire action and rethink our shared future.
Flood Walk with Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
12:00 to 1:00 pm and 2:00 to 3:00 pm
Join UTRCA staff for a walk along the Deshkan Ziibi/Thames River to discover how the Forks have been historically impacted by flooding and learn about flood-prevention strategies used today to protect homes and people from extreme weather events.
TALKS
Energy Mix: Your Health in a Changing Climate
10:00 to 11:00 am | Centre at the Forks
Anna Gunz, Sophie Paquet (Energy Mix Moderator)
How do extreme heat, air quality, and severe weather impact our health and well-being? What can we do to stay healthy, as individuals and communities? This session will feature an expert panel discussion and an audience participation element, bringing together what we know from research, our lived experiences, and our visions for healthy, thriving communities. Hosted by The Energy Mix, a non-profit, independent, solutions-focused climate news outlet and co-lead of the Green Resilience Project
A Watershed Approach to Climate Actions and Preparedness
11:00 am to 12:00 pm | Centre at the Forks
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority Staff
Learn how the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority is working to protect people and property in a changing climate. This session will include information on water management, development regulations, natural hazard management and maps, green infrastructure such as constructed wetlands and low impact development along with other nature-based solutions to move towards climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Film Screening and Q&A - Baapaagimaak: Weaving Endurance
12:00 to 1:00 pm | Centre at the Forks
Summer Bresette, Katie Wilhelm and Curator of Art Cassandra Getty
Katie Wilhelm and Summer Bressette have collaborated as artists and curators since 2021. They champion Indigenous knowledge with its deep roots in environmental care. Their new media work Baapaagimaak (the Anishinaabemowin word for Black Ash Tree) is the result of ongoing land-based research, and an outdoor bark-weaving workshop led by Faye George, Elder of the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation.
Leading the Way: Indigenous Youth and Climate Change
1:00 to 2:00 pm | Centre at the Forks
Tia Kennedy, Diamon McGahey, and Jesmine Craig
This session will highlight how Indigenous youth are weaving together conservation science, Indigenous story-telling, and Traditional Knowledge to meet the challenges of climate change in and across their communities.
Taking a Seven Generations Approach to Climate Change Action
2:00 to 3:00 pm | Centre at the Forks
Western University Professors Katrina Moser and Sara Mai Chitty
Connecting for Climate Change Action is an award-winning course that weaves together Western and Indigenous Sciences and pedagogies to educate, encourage discussions, and motivate action on climate change. Learn how this innovative, experiential, and online course engages and stimulates learners to action to mitigate climate change.
Climate Change, Your City, and You: How London is Mobilizing for Climate Action
3:00 to 4:15 pm | Centre at the Forks
Staff from Climate Change and Environmental Stewardship and Stormwater Management
London’s community-wide Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP) was approved by Council in 2022 and includes 200 actions to address climate change mitigation and adaptation. The actions within the CEAP are meant to move London toward net-zero community greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and improve resilience to the impacts of climate change while ensuring no one is left behind. Progress on the CEAP’s actions, positive steps in the right direction and many reasons to be hopeful about our collective ability to reach the CEAP goals will be shared. Flooding is amongst the many impacts of climate change and City departments are integrating adaptation efforts into infrastructure and community projects. The Stormwater team will highlight these efforts and inform Londoners on how they can protect their homes from flooding.
FAMILY FUN
City of London Tree Give-Away
10:00 am to 4:30 pm | Museum London Lawn
Take home a native tree to plant on your property. Limit, one per family. While quantities last.
Community Partner Fair
10:00 am to 4:30 pm | Atrium
Visit the interactive booths of community partners including Western University Sustainability, Thames Talbot Land Trust, Western University Geography and Environment, London Bicycle Café, London Cycle Link, Climate Action London, Stormwater Engineering City of London, City of London (CEAP), Project Neutral, London Public Library and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority. Grab an Eco-Action Passport and collect stamps and stickers to be entered into a door prize!
London Public Library Story Time
11:00 to 11:30 am | Learning Lounge
Join London Public Library staff for stories, songs, rhymes and more! Children will learn sounds, letters and new words while developing a lifelong love of learning about the environment.
Eco Warrior Pendants
11:00 am to 4:00 pm | The Studio
Get creative with felt and beads in our Eco Warrior pendant-making station! This drop-in activity is perfect for all ages and abilities, where participants can design their eco-inspired pendants and badges. Using vibrant felt and decorative beads, you'll craft one-of-a-kind creations that reflect your commitment to environmental care and creativity.