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Climate connector

Victoria Climate Connections 2026 Strengthens Relationships Across Victoria's Climate Community

July 17, 2026

Each table was given the opportunity to discuss a theme related to climate solutions, such as, “The Financial System and Climate Change” to share the work they’re doing in this area, or why they may want to learn more about it. 
Table discussions played a key part of the evening. Each table was given the opportunity to discuss a theme related to climate solutions, such as, “The Financial System and Climate Change” to share the work they’re doing in this area, or why they may want to learn more about it.

On May 21, more than 100 climate professionals, researchers, students and community leaders gathered at Esquimalt Gorge Park and Pavilion for Victoria Climate Connections 2026. Now in its third year, the annual event brought together participants from government, industry, academia, non-profit organizations and Indigenous communities for an evening of conversation, interdisciplinary learning and relationship-building.

Hosted by the University of Victoria with support from the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) and Coastal Climate Solutions Leaders (CCSL), the sold-out event combined climate-themed networking activities with presentations highlighting climate research, and emerging climate initiatives and partnerships at UVic. Attendees had the chance to learn from one another and explore new avenues for collaboration.

Six Lightning Talks from trainees in UVic's CCSL program explored topics spanning climate impacts to coastal ecosystems, Indigenous-led stewardship, climate modelling for local adaptation measures, and climate literacy; highlighting both the complexity of climate challenges and the range of approaches being used to address them.

To showcase some of CCSL trainees’ research, PhD student Saeid Hassankhani Dolatabadi, gave a lightning talk on his research on green shipping corridors along the Pacific Northwest and Alaskan coast. 
To showcase some of CCSL trainees’ research, PhD student Saeid Hassankhani Dolatabadi, gave a lightning talk on his research on green shipping corridors along the Pacific Northwest and Alaskan coast.

A panel discussion moderated by Tamara Krawchenko from UVic's School of Public Administration focused on the theme "Solidarity, relationships, and collective action for advancing climate solutions in challenging political times." Panelists Emily Dicken of Capra Crisis & Governance Solutions, Laurel Sabur of UVic's Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) initiative, and Leif Douglass, a recent UVic CCSL and Master of Public Administration graduate and climate advisor with the Green Party, discussed how trust, collaboration and strong relationships can help sustain climate action and support collective progress during periods of uncertainty.

Panelists (from left to right) Emily Dicken, Laurel Sabur and Leif Douglass shared their experiences on the importance of solidarity and relationship building for collective action.
Panelists (from left to right) Emily Dicken, Laurel Sabur and Leif Douglass shared their experiences on the importance of solidarity and relationship building for collective action.

Throughout the event, participants exchanged ideas, strengthened existing connections and made new ones across Victoria's climate community.

"Advancing climate solutions is fundamentally about relationships: relationships between people working together to bridge the traditional divides between disciplines, sectors, and communities" said Julia Baum, UVic Special Advisor Climate, who also serves as the Director of the CCSL program and President’s Chair for the Faculty of Science. "The relationships we build at events like these are not just a nice-to-have; they're the connective tissue that keeps climate action moving when the political winds shift. That's what Victoria Climate Connections builds, and why it matters more every year."

As Victoria Climate Connections continues to grow, it remains an important forum for bringing together the people, ideas and partnerships that support climate action across the region.