CAREERS IN SUSTAINABILITY
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: A CONVERSATION WITH Sarika and Severn Cullis-Suzuki on Climate Resilience and Indigenous Leadership
Sarika and Severn Cullis-Suzuki reflect on their journey from youth activism to global advocacy, emphasizing the importance of resilience, community, and actionable hope in addressing the climate crisis.
“Words Matter” When it Comes to Environmental and Economic Sustainability
The world is grappling with unprecedented challenges, from climate change and income inequality to economic uncertainty and geopolitical unrest.
The President of GLOBE Series, Elizabeth (Shirt) Gamble, believes overcoming these challenges comes down to equipping people with ways to engage with others and draw them into a more productive space.
“Words matter. In this tense political climate, with so much polarization, it's important to remember that we ultimately all want the same things,” she said. “Despite our different political views, we can align on our core values — we want healthy, safe communities; we want competitive and prosperous businesses and industries; we want to accelerate the most promising technologies and attract investment. To get this, we need to show leadership by being open, transparent, and authentic — and creating space for the frank conversations that will help us move forward, together.”
With over 30 years of running Canada’s largest climate and sustainability conference, GLOBE Series has built a unique network that includes thousands of the country’s leaders and changemakers: private, public, Indigenous, finance, not-for-profit and community organizations, entrepreneurs, innovators, philanthropists, activists, and more. Their conference programming, swapping annually between GLOBE Forum in Vancouver and GLOBExCHANGE in
Toronto, features speakers from diverse sectors and regions, hands-on workshops, and powerful networking opportunities designed to inspire action and get results.
“We bring incredibly diverse perspectives together. We curate outcomes-oriented activities and create opportunities for people to connect. When we have safe spaces for constructive dialogue, we realize our goals aren’t so different. When we build trust and work with one another, that’s when progress is possible,” said Gamble.
Gamble added, to be successful in a global economy companies need to embed a culture of sustainability into their organizations — into policies, processes, governance, and decision making. And they shouldn’t agonize over getting it exactly right.
"When it comes to sustainability, doing something, doing anything, is better than doing nothing at all. We need progress, not perfection; we need pragmatism, not idealism; it's not all or nothing,” Gamble said. “We need to create the space to start and innovate and if it fails — to adjust quickly.”
York's University's Co-Op Program a Gateway to a Successful Green Career
the future of work.
Arecent worldwide survey by the Manpower Group reports that 70 per cent of employers are urgently recruiting or planning to recruit people with sustainability skills.
Toronto’s York University is working to bridge that gap through the five undergraduate degree programs offered through its Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change (EUC).
The EUC’s recently launched co-op program give students in each of these five programs an opportunity to integrate their classroom learning with practical, hands-on experience as they earn their degree.
Mediaplanet recently spoke with Dr. Alice J. Hovorka, Dean, Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, and Shaniah Hutchinson, this year’s co-op student with Hydro One, to learn more about the program and how it benefits students and employers.
Alice J. Hovorka, Dean, Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, York University
How does EUC’s undergraduate co-op program complement the student’s classroom learning?
We’ve always been focused on experiential learning, and the co-op program allows us to extend that experiential learning into the workplace.
How does it enhance the student’s employability in their field?
Our student immediately start gaining both transferable skills and fundamental knowledge in their programs, as well as a direct
line into potential employment in the sectors they are interested in.
What are the benefits to employers?
One thing I hear repeatedly from employers is that our students are capable of holistic thinking and critical thinking, extremely important skills when trying to solve environmental challenges. Also, because many of our faculty members are doing research in these areas, our students are already learning how to apply that knowledge in the real world through their environmental science classes and bringing these skills into the workplace.
Shaniah Hutchinson, Co-op Student at Hydro One
Tell me about your role with Hydro One?
I’m currently a Stakeholder and Partnerships Co-op Student at Hydro One. In this role, I collaborate with the team to support meaningful engagement with various stakeholders, helping to strengthen partnerships that align with the company's goals and initiatives. My tasks range from supporting stakeholder consultations and project planning to coordinating events and researching best practices in partnership development. I also contribute to crafting reports and presentations that help streamline communications.
What kind or experience and skills are you acquiring there?
I’m building skills in stakeholder engagement, project coordination, and communication strategies. These experiences align closely
with my background in sustainable environmental management and urban planning aspirations.
How will this co-op experience benefit you in your career?
This co-op complements my passion for urban sustainability and planning by exposing me to realworld stakeholder engagement and equipping me with practical skills and industry knowledge that will be valuable for a future career in policy, urban planning, or sustainable development. This co-op is also helping me connect the dots between my
background in sustainable
and
Sarika & Severn Cullis-Suzuki
Elizabeth (Shirt) Gamble President, GLOBE Series
York’s University’s new co-op program preparing undergraduate students in the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change (EUC) for
Anne Papmehl