Event recordings
Over our time as a network, we've engaged with and helped lead a range of events related to climate justice across different communities of Waterloo Region. While the majority of these events have not been recorded, a few have, with permissions from those participating. With gratitude for all of those who've contributed to making these events possible and the core messages and perspectives they share, we share them here now in the hopes of reaching a broader audience and inspiring further action.
Each of these events has core lessons to learn from and engage with, towards deeper action for climate justice. We invite you to watch, reflect and consider the takeaways that may be most relevant to your work and engagement, with the hope of a just, safe climate future for all.
Each of these events has core lessons to learn from and engage with, towards deeper action for climate justice. We invite you to watch, reflect and consider the takeaways that may be most relevant to your work and engagement, with the hope of a just, safe climate future for all.
After the Alarm: Responding to our climate emergency (2022)
In 2019, local governments in Waterloo Region joined hundreds of cities, townships and regions around the world in declaring a climate emergency (for an updated list of jurisdictions around the world that have declared climate emergency, click here). But declaring an emergency is one thing. Acting like it’s an emergency is an entirely different matter. This recording is of an event that took place on October 13, 2022, exploring the profound question: What are the signs that our cities & townships are acting like it’s the emergency they say it is?
This event was co-hosted by 50by30WR, Faith Climate Justice WR, The Working Centre, and Divest Waterloo, and with panel host Isaiah Ritzmann of The Working Centre. Guest speakers included: Sabah Ibrahim, Ontario Organizer, Climate Emergency Unit, and Debbie Chapman, Ward 9 Councillor, City of Kitchener. We are deeply grateful for their time and insights, towards action.
This event was co-hosted by 50by30WR, Faith Climate Justice WR, The Working Centre, and Divest Waterloo, and with panel host Isaiah Ritzmann of The Working Centre. Guest speakers included: Sabah Ibrahim, Ontario Organizer, Climate Emergency Unit, and Debbie Chapman, Ward 9 Councillor, City of Kitchener. We are deeply grateful for their time and insights, towards action.
TransformWR: Becoming good ancestors in our climate crisis (2022)
On November 30th, 2022, FCJ led a workshop with members of Knox Presbyterian Congregation in Waterloo, providing an introduction to the TransformWR Climate Action Strategy. TransformWR is a community-based strategy for the region, with dozens of different action steps that can be taken to both reduce emissions and improve wellbeing, equity and prosperity here in Waterloo Region (passed in 2021 - see details on TransformWR here, and full final strategy document here)
As an introductory workshop, it was not possible to cover all aspects of TransformWR during this time - however we did our best to share some key details and get the conversation started! We also edited down the recording to be under 20 minutes, serving as an even stronger brief introduction. Big thank you to Henriëtte Thompson for designing and leading this workshop, which was very well-received.
To watch the edited workshop recording, click here. There are so many ways for individuals and faith communities to engage for climate justice - we hope this inspires many to continue the journey forward.
As an introductory workshop, it was not possible to cover all aspects of TransformWR during this time - however we did our best to share some key details and get the conversation started! We also edited down the recording to be under 20 minutes, serving as an even stronger brief introduction. Big thank you to Henriëtte Thompson for designing and leading this workshop, which was very well-received.
To watch the edited workshop recording, click here. There are so many ways for individuals and faith communities to engage for climate justice - we hope this inspires many to continue the journey forward.
50by30 Faith Event (2021)
On Feb 22, Faith Climate Justice WR and 50by30WR partnered to co-host "50by30 Faith", a virtual event engaging faith communities across Waterloo Region on climate science, climate justice, and a shared call to action. Over 140 people virtually attended. The result was an in-depth 1.5 hour dive into a deep call for faith communities to come together to engage on local climate justice work, and help increase the political will for action.
This event featured comments by Dr. Chris Fletcher, a climate scientist and Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo, along with Christine Boyle, a Vancouver City Councillor and United Church Minister whose work bridges both municipal climate politics and faith-based action (Christine's comments start at 34min).
It is clear that to meet the climate goals ahead of us while building a more resilient and just society, all communities need to engage in this effort - and the efforts of faith communities and faith leadership remain critical! Watch this event for inspiration on ways you and your faith community may engage.
This event featured comments by Dr. Chris Fletcher, a climate scientist and Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo, along with Christine Boyle, a Vancouver City Councillor and United Church Minister whose work bridges both municipal climate politics and faith-based action (Christine's comments start at 34min).
It is clear that to meet the climate goals ahead of us while building a more resilient and just society, all communities need to engage in this effort - and the efforts of faith communities and faith leadership remain critical! Watch this event for inspiration on ways you and your faith community may engage.