MIOIR Seminar Series - Universities and the climate crisis: the case for a leadership role
| Dates: | 1 December 2025 |
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| Times: | 15:30 - 16:30 |
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| What is it: | Seminar |
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| Organiser: | Alliance Manchester Business School |
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| Who is it for: | University staff, External researchers, Alumni, Current University students |
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| Speaker: | Prof Meric S. Gertler |
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Meric S. Gertler discusses the case for universities to take leading roles in the fight against climate change.
Abstract:
The evidence continues to mount that the climate crisis is accelerating. The Financial Times reported recently that last year saw the largest single-year increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration since record keeping began in 1957. In the wake of the COP30 meetings in Belém, Brazil, and with the recent collapse of net zero alliances in the financial services sector, it has become clear that multilateral processes for climate action must now be complemented by initiatives led by other institutional actors if we are to make real progress. In the current moment, universities are ideally situated to take on a more prominent role in leading the fight against climate change. I will outline the opportunities for action and the possibilities for significant impact by documenting the recent experience of the University of Toronto, which has made the transition from climate laggard to leader in a few short years. I will then draw out some larger insights as we contemplate how to apply the Toronto experience in other settings.
Speaker Bio:
Meric S. Gertler began his term as the 16th President of the University of Toronto on November 1, 2013. Prior to that, he served as Dean of Arts & Science—the largest faculty at the University—from 2008 to 2013, where he championed many important innovations in undergraduate teaching and learning. He is Professor of Geography and Planning, the Goldring Chair in Canadian Studies, and a member of the Innovation Policy Lab at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. His research investigates the role of city-regions as sites of innovation in the global economy, and the foundations for local economic success and prosperity.
Seminar Details:
The Manchester Institute of Innovation Research runs a series of regular seminars given by visiting speakers to Manchester. These seminars are open to anybody who is interested in science, technology and innovation policy and management.
Refreshments will be available for networking from 3:15 pm, before the seminar.
We encourage AMBS and UoM staff and students to join us in person. An online option will be available for external guests, register via Eventbrite for the Microsoft Teams Online Link. Please feel free to share this invitation with your networks.
Speaker
Prof Meric S. Gertler
Organisation: University of Toronto
Travel and Contact Information
Find event
4.010 AMBS (Hybrid Event)
Aliiance Manchester Business School
Booth Street West
Manchester
