a Net Win NET ZERO CAN BE FOR MISSISSAUGA

in 1991. From this point forward, environmental protections and the impacts of climate change have been increasingly important concerns for not only governments around the world, but indeed for the business community.

Today, there is broad acceptance of the inextricable link between the environment, economic growth, and our quality of life. Furthermore, we have moved significantly in our thinking from simply “addressing a problem” (climate change and its devastating effects) to what is now a story of economic potential. The global cleantech market in 2023 is estimated at over $2.5 trillion USD. Canada’s currently sits in 2nd place to the United States and above Germany in the 2023 Cleantech Innovation Index. We are now seeing significant new investments in electric vehicle and battery manufacturing, and major commitments by companies like Mississauga’s Purolator Inc. which recently announced that it will spend $1 billion CAD to transition 60% of their fleet and 60% of its terminals to electric over the next seven years. There are countless opportunities for businesses with expertise in the circular economy, energy and water conservation, hydrogen technologies, and so much more.

Mississauga is well positioned for a “net win” in the global effort to chart a course to net zero. MBOT members like Fielding Environmental have been leading the way for decades. Mississauga Bus, another valued member, is producing all-electric coach buses for the global transportation market. Next Hydrogen is working with a large retailer to demonstrate how their technology can contribute to greener operations. Our post-secondary institutions are producing top talent that are ready to take on rewarding roles in areas like environmental management and supporting new foreign direct investment in the clean technology space.

In recent weeks, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued its latest report, using its strongest language yet about the dire costs of inaction. In response, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres stated that all countries should bring forward their net zero plans by a decade. At MBOT, we will be doing our part by working with partners like the City of Mississauga, Partners in Project Green, and many others to support businesses in our community with the resources they need to tackle their own climate-change objectives and take advantage of the rapidly expanding global cleantech market. 