To better understand the impacts of climate change on vulnerable Canadians in urban environments, Gore Mutual Foundation has partnered with Social Innovation Canada (SI Canada) and York University’s Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change to launch The Climate and Equity Lab, a groundbreaking social innovation initiative.
In an announcement issued today by ICMIF member Gore Mutual, it was noted that climate change is imposing an increasingly disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups in Canada, and factors such as poverty significantly impact the likelihood of recovering from extreme weather events.
“This year, Gore Mutual Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary by introducing the Equity Acceleration Fund, a CAD 1M fund to support charitable organisations focusing on the inter-connection of poverty, equity, and climate change. We quickly identified a troubling lack of investment in the understanding of the impact climate change is having on vulnerable groups,” said Gaby Polanco Sorto, VP & Head of Purpose and Sustainability at Gore Mutual Insurance Company.
“Our partners in The Climate and Equity Lab share the same values, urgency, and vision to make our findings public and inspire others to take action alongside us. We are thrilled to embark on this journey together,” Polanco Sorto concluded.
Gore Mutual Foundation will act as the lead sponsor of The Climate and Equity Lab, while SI Canada, a national charitable organisation working to address complex challenges and create transformational change, will act as the Project lead, responsible for the management of the project’s deliverables and leading the facilitation of the labs.
As the academic partner, York University’s Faculty of Environment and Urban Change will provide a postdoctoral researcher who will identify gaps through existing research and assist in developing new research to explore how the effects of climate change may exacerbate inequalities faced by Canada’s most disadvantaged populations.
Alice Hovorka, Dean of York’s Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, expressed her enthusiasm for this initiative, saying, “The research from The Climate and Equity Lab will serve as a crucial tool to inform policymakers, offering clear innovation and investment opportunities developed in collaboration with the communities most affected by climate change.”
After a year of planning, phase one of The Climate and Equity Lab’s multi-year initiative has begun, with stakeholder workshops set to take place in Vancouver, the Waterloo Region, and Toronto over the next nine months.
“This collaborative effort marks a significant step toward comprehending the complex connection between climate change and vulnerable groups. In collaboration with these communities, we will work towards creating a more equitable and resilient future for all Canadians,” emphasised Andrea Nemtin, CEO of SI Canada.
Mutuals, cooperatives, or credit unions in Canada which are interested in partnering with the Lab can contact: [email protected].
