A key issue facing agriculture is the climate change crisis, which has resulted in weather extremes like drought (e.g., BC wildfires) and flooding (e.g., 2013 Calgary flood). These weather extremes have a significant effect on the agricultural industry by altering planting schedules, crop yields, and water demands. They also alter the water cycle, which impacts the water available for irrigation, livestock, and more. Changing climate is connected directly to the water available for agriculture around the world. With drought or flood (too little or too much water) agriculture may struggle to keep up with the needs for food and goods from communities.
Climate change is primarily caused by the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. When fossil fuels like gasoline and coal are burned, the product of the chemical reaction is carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere acts as a greenhouse gas, which prevents infrared radiation (heat) from the sun from escaping Earth’s surface. As a result, heat from the infrared radiation stays on the Earth’s surface and warms it up.
Economies around the world are now targeting net-zero emissions by 2050. Net-zero can be achieved in two methods. The most direct way to achieve net-zero is to emit no greenhouse gases. Common processes like electricity generation, heating, and engines will need to find carbon-free fuels. Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, or hydrogen are some emission-free solutions. Or greenhouse gas emissions can be offset. For a quantity of emissions, a tree (or another carbon sink) can be introduced nearby [1]. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is also effective. CCUS captures atmospheric carbon and traps it in the ground. Farmers can directly fight climate change by using sustainable farming practices. An example is a form of regenerative agriculture which helps keep carbon dioxide in the ground. Farmers can also produce higher quality feed for their livestock. This reduces the greenhouse gases generated by digestion and manure. Manure management and rotational grazing can also be used to manage livestock.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a group within the United Nations dedicated to assessing the principles of climate change [2]. They produce reports related to the scientific and socio-economic impacts of climate change, and host outreach meetings and workshops to distribute new knowledge and findings amongst top researchers and encourage discussions. The Government of Canada’s Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food supports agricultural activities and provides resources for farmers across Canada. They also publish news and articles containing helpful information for farmers, such as this news release on reducing GHGs [3].
In Canada, the department of the federal government responsible for addressing climate change is Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). Their website provides information and services for mitigating climate change [3].
This phase of the project has been made possible by Nutrien, Enbridge, and Manulife Financial, along with the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
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Ross has extensive executive experience in Operations, Governance, Information Technology and Strategy at the board and senior management level including Mancal Corporation, Mancal Energy, Highridge Exploration and Atlantis Resources. He has worked in Oil and Gas, Coal, Commercial Real Estate, Portfolio Management, Recreation, Retail and Water and Wastewater Treatment. His experience is also geographically diverse having overseen operations in Canada, the United States, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. Additionally, he has been on the board of companies with operations in Argentina, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Kazakhstan, and Russia. He has served on numerous Public, Private and Not for Profit Boards across a number of industries.
Ross has been active on several industry Boards and committees including the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and The Schulich School of Engineering Industry Advisory Council at the Schulich School of Engineering.
Brian is a seasoned Cleantech entrepreneur with a proven history of successfully bringing complex water technologies to the market. With over 25 years of experience, he has led various organizations to achieve significant milestones in the industry.
Having started as the founding CEO of the Pressure Pipe Inspection Company (PPIC) and later taking the helm at the Water Technology Acceleration Project (WaterTAP), Brian’s entrepreneurial spirit has been instrumental in driving innovation and growth within the sector.
He is an active investor in the cleantech sector and has served on many boards including the Ontario Clean Water Agency.
Actively engaged in industry associations like AWWA, WEF, IWA, and ASCE, Brian enjoys collaborating with fellow professionals to promote advancements in the field.
Brian holds an undergraduate degree and a PhD in Physics from Queen’s University, which has provided him with a solid technical foundation. As a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors, he brings valuable insights to corporate governance.