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Category: What We Do
It’s Getting Warmer: Climate Change in Newfoundland and Labrador – Infographic
Economic Development and Climate Change Adaptation in Newfoundland and Labrador
The economy of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) and the lifestyle of its residents have always been deeply connected to the land and ocean, and the natural resources that abound from them. From agriculture and fisheries, mining and energy generation, to tourism, the arts, and the activities of everyday life, we have built systems and narratives that rely on a stable climate and healthy ecosystems to function optimally.
The reality is that we have entered a period of climate instability and what has worked for us in the past is now experiencing vulnerability and strain. Climate change is actively shifting our baseline and we must reframe our decision-making accordingly. We must consider more factors, ask ourselves new questions, and look further ahead than we may have before. Incomplete analysis and short-sightedness at this point in history may not only lead to poor investment outcomes, but even risk to life.
As decision makers invest into economic development initiatives in the province, it is therefore important to consider how the changing climate will impact proposed plans. This discussion paper aims to illustrate the connections between climate change and economic development in NL so that we can move forward in a way that minimizes risk and maximizes benefits for all.
Regional Climate Workshops: Summary Report
As part of on-going efforts to both inform and learn from community members across the province, the Harris Centre – in partnership with econext and CLIMAtlantic – hosted a series of regional workshops in 2023 to discuss the impacts and adaptation opportunities associated with climate change in Newfoundland and Labrador. These sessions built on Forecast NL, an 18-month initiative by the Harris Centre that brought together key stakeholders for a province-wide discussion on the question: How can NL create economic and social prosperity while mitigating and adapting to climate change?
The primary focus for the 2023 regional workshops was to:
- Provide an opportunity for community members and stakeholders from different NL regions and sectors to learn more about climate adaptation strategies potentially relevant to their region and the climate impacts they are experiencing.
- Hear directly from community members and stakeholders about experiences with climate change and how their communities/region have begun to consider or adopt adaptation strategies.
- Create a forum for community members to explore the needs and opportunities for adaptation strategies to enhance the resilience of their region, and to highlight the types of technical assistance or other supports needed in order to pursue these strategies.
- Generate useful information for local and provincial organizations to inform their planning and provision of technical assistance resources toward climate adaptation issues and strategies of highest interest, priority and need.
The following report is a summary of workshops held during 2023 in Grand Falls-Windsor, Port Rexton/Trinity East, Bonavista, Port aux Basques, Codroy Valley, and Pasadena.
Coastal Adaptation Toolkit
The Coastal Adaptation Toolkit was developed by CLIMAtlantic to help Atlantic rural coastal communities and property owners plan for the effects of climate change. It is appropriate for use by communities and property owners that are experiencing coastal issues related to erosion and/or short- and long-term flooding impacts.
The intent of the toolkit is to help communities and decision-makers as well as coastal property owners be aware of their coastal environment, the different adaptation options available to them, and the applicability of the options under different scenarios.
econext partners with Ocean Startup Project to present innovation spotlights for idea challenge
For Immediate Release
June 5, 2024
econext has partnered with the Ocean Startup Project to present a series of innovation spotlights to help inspire entrepreneurs competing in The Ocean Idea Challenge.
The Ocean Idea Challenge invites aspiring entrepreneurs to begin their customer discovery journey, aimed at turning innovative ideas into viable solutions for sustainable ocean industries.
“The development of ocean technology is one of our great innovative strengths in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO. “We want to double down on that and do what we can to help create a wave of new startups focused on environmental sustainability in our oceans.”
Hanley said that one way econext can contribute is by providing entrepreneurs with real world environmental challenges that industry is facing. “Not every entrepreneurially-minded person comes to table with an idea in hand, and so we are helping by seeding a few ideas worth exploring.”
“Collaboration between industry and startups is crucial in bringing fresh and innovative perspectives to expert-identified ocean challenges,” said Paula Mendonça, Executive Director at the Ocean Startup Project. “By working together, we not only lend credibility and validation to these emerging companies but also give them a significant advantage in their customer discovery journey. It’s through this synergy that we can drive meaningful change and propel our industries forward, creating a future where innovation and expertise go hand in hand.”
More information on the Ocean Idea Challenge can be found here.
Winners of the challenge receive:
- Funding: Secure up to $7,000 to support your early stages of customer discovery and help bring your ideas to fruition.
- Resources and Support: Access local technology innovation hubs, receive expert guidance, and utilize extensive resources to refine your project.
- Network Building: Engage with potential teammates, partners, and industry leaders who are equally committed to the health of our oceans.
Innovation Spotlights
econext submitted the following industry challenges for entrepreneurs to consider:
Offshore Energy
Canada’s oceans present a new challenge for offshore wind developments: icebergs. To realize the region’s full economic potential, new technologies and procedures are needed to mitigate the risks that icebergs may present to offshore wind farms. Challenge: Develop a solution to predict the flow and/or mitigate the risks of icebergs on offshore wind farms and infrastructure.
Fuel switching for marine transportation
Ships and boats are long-term investments; while future vessels may incorporate renewable technologies in their designs, fossil fuels dependent vessels will still be on our waters for many years. Given the size of Canada’s ocean sectors and the important role that marine transportation plays, economical approaches to fuel switching for marine transportation are required if Canada is to meet its net zero by 2050 commitments. Challenge: Develop economical and scalable solutions for retrofitting existing marine vessels to utilize alternative, low-emission fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, or biofuels, ensuring compatibility with current infrastructure and operational demands.
Storm surge modeling
Climate change is causing more intense storm activity more often in Canada. Storm surges have proven to have the capacity to inflict a great deal of damage to our communities, and this is true in many places of the world. Better storm surge modeling may prove to have important benefits from the perspective of infrastructure planning, emergency preparedness, etc. Challenge: Develop advanced modeling tools that can predict the impact of storm surges with greater accuracy and provide real-time data integration. These tools should be designed to assist in urban planning, emergency response strategies, and the development of infrastructure capable of withstanding severe weather events.
Wastewater
Regions across Canada have a significant wastewater problem. The discharge of sewage to the ocean environment in the form of treated or untreated wastewater can have serious impacts on life. The investment, installation, monitoring, and maintenance related to most technologies is a burden that most small communities find extremely difficult to bear. New approaches and solutions are required to help Canada to discontinue this environmentally unsustainable practice. Challenge: Develop cost-effective, low-maintenance wastewater treatment solutions tailored for small communities in Canada. These solutions should minimize environmental impact, be easy to implement and maintain, and effectively reduce or eliminate the discharge of harmful contaminants into the marine environment.
Registration
Registration for the Ocean Idea Challenge is open from Tuesday, April 30 until Sunday, June 9, 2024 at 11:59pm PT. Click here for more information.
econext is an association of businesses that accelerates clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador and works on behalf of over 200 members to foster environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.
The Ocean Startup Project propels Canada as the top destination for ocean entrepreneurs, driving innovation across the ocean economy. Our mission is to transform Canada into a global hub where ocean startups can thrive, from inception to global market presence. Leveraging a network that includes Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and partners from across the country – Genesis, Springboard Atlantic, PEI BioAlliance, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF), Technopole Maritime du Québec (TMQ), Invest Nova Scotia, and the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST) – we bolster Canada’s innovation ecosystem for ocean-focused startups. Our efforts have catapulted us to the forefront, being recognized in the top 5 accelerators/incubators in North America and top 10 globally in the Blue Economy sector according to Startup Genome’s Report. Launched in 2020, we’ve quickly become a global contender, not only speeding up market access for Canadian startups but also attracting international ventures. Join us in navigating the future of the ocean economy, where together, we can unlock the ocean’s full potential. Learn more about The Ocean Startup Project at https://oceanstartupproject.ca/.
econext 2024 Conference
econext‘s Annual Conference is Newfoundland and Labrador’s premier green economy event, attracting leaders in business, government, academia, and the community.
Join us on October 30, 2024 in St. John’s, NL to hear about the latest developments in the province from decision makers and thought leaders relating to clean energy, green innovation, ongoing environmental challenges, and the pursuit of net zero.
Conference Agenda
Click here to download the conference agenda as a PDF.
Keynote Address
Welcoming Remarks
Canada’s Emerging Hydrogen Industry
Social License and Clean Energy Projects
Cleantech Innovation in Canada
Energy Storage, Biomass, and the Grid
Registration
Date:
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Time:
8:00 AM (Registration) – 4:20 PM
Click here for agenda
Location:
Delta St. John’s, 120 New Gower Street
Tickets:
econext Members: $249 + HST
non-Members: $349 +HST
online-only: $149 +HST
Online processing fees from Eventbrite will be added to your total.
Your ticket will include a continental breakfast and buffet-style lunch.
Online-only registrants will receive a Zoom link to participate in the conference live.
Information on tickets being made available to students will be released closer to the conference date.
Pre-Conference Social
Join us for econext’s 2024 Pre-Conference Social, in partnership with KBRS!
This in-person event will take place on Tuesday October 29th, 2024 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Sláinte Whiskey and Wine, located at 115 Duckworth Street in St. John’s.
Connect with fellow professionals in the industry and enjoy a fun-filled evening of networking, drinks, and snacks. This is a great opportunity to mingle with fellow Conference attendees, expand your professional network, and catch up with the econext team.
Admission to this event is included with a registration to the 2024 econext Conference. We kindly ask that Conference attendees register as well – it only takes a minute!
Be sure to RSVP by 2:00 PM on Tuesday October 22nd. If you have any questions regarding the social, please contact Colin Heffernan via e-mail at heffernan@econext.ca, or by phone at (709) 979-0423.
Don’t miss out on this exciting event! Register now and secure your spot.
Post-Conference Social
Join us for the North Atlantic Green Energy Hub Networking Reception, following the econext 2024 conference. Enjoy drinks and canapés, while connecting with like-minded professionals to share ideas and explore potential partnerships. You’ll also get the chance to learn more about North Atlantic’s new Green Energy Hub. We look forward to seeing you there!
Admission to this event is included with a registration to the 2024 econext Conference. Upon conference registration you will receive a link to confirm your attendance to the North Atlantic Green Energy Hub Networking Reception.
Partnership
Are you interested in partnering with us on our conference? Click here for details and contact Colin Heffernan at heffernan@econext.ca with your interest.
econext ideathon | March 1-3, 2024 | Corner Brook
This event took place March 1-3, 2024. Click here to read the news release which summarizes the event and highlights the winning teams!
econext Clean Growth Ideathon
Embrace the Future of Clean Growth! econext is thrilled to announce it’s second ideathon, paving the way for innovative solutions that will drive sustainable progress in Newfoundland and Labrador. This time, we are teaming up with Navigate Entrepreneurship Centre and Memorial University’s Centre for Social Enterprise, and heading to Corner Brook! The weekend-long event, open to students enrolled in a university or college program in NL, will be taking place in-person March 1-3, 2024.
Challenge – From an NL perspective, determine a problematic waste stream and develop an innovative solution for reducing and/or repurposing the waste material
View the econext opening ceremony slideshow here to learn about the event logistics.
View the challenge slideshow here.
View the mentor’s schedule here.
What is an ideathon?
Ideathons are competitive events in which students work together in teams over a short timeframe to come up with solutions to a set challenge. Our ideathons are a space to develop innovative solutions for clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The specific challenge, relating to clean growth, will be released at the beginning of the weekend where we will provide you with all the necessary information needed to participate.
Teams will consist of 3-5 students.
Learn more about our previous ideathon here.
Who can participate?
This is a multi-disciplinary event and we welcome any students enrolled in a university or college program of study in Newfoundland and Labrador to participate. If you are interested in clean growth, we encourage you to join us!
When and where?
The ideathon will take place in-person at Memorial University Grenfell Campus over a 48-hour period from March 1-3, 2024.
We encourage students to stay on campus while working to take part in workshops and activities and to benefit from mentors.
Why should you participate?
- We will be awarding cash prizes to the top three teams: $3,000 for 1st Place, $2,000 for 2nd Place, and $1,000 for 3rd Place! PLUS more non-tangible prizes.
- Network with people in the industry as well as your peers
- Workshop opportunities
- Learn about the clean growth industry
- Team building
- You will be provided with free meals, snacks, and swag
- Group activities
- Have some fun!
How to register?
Registration is individual, but you will be required to work on teams of 3-5 students. Submission of teams will take place on the evening of Friday March 1. If you have already established a team, you will be required to submit your teams then. If you haven’t already established a team, there will be opportunity throughout the evening to network to form teams. We will assist in matching individuals to teams as needed.
Deadline to register is February 26, 2024. Click Here to Register!
Registration is completely free!
What is the schedule?
Our ideathon is a 48-hour event, beginning on Friday, March 1 at 5pm and ending on Sunday, March 3 at 5pm.
Have questions?
Reach out to Alex Rumbolt at alex@econext.ca or Chelsea Linfield at chelsea@econext.ca
Stay tuned for more information! We will be updating this page in the coming weeks as the ideathon approaches.
The econext Ideathon was made possible through partnership with the Business + Higher Education Roundtable, and with support from the Government of Canada.
Caribbean Business Opportunities Seminar
Hear from Trade Commissioners from Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, and the Caribbean Development Bank
Date: January 22, 2024
Time: 8:30am – 10:30am
Location: Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland
Cost: Free
Event Agenda
8:30 – Registration/Coffee
8:45 – Welcome and Introduction
Abbie Hodder, econext
9:00 – Market Overview and Business Opportunities in the Eastern Caribbean
Tammy Brathwaite, High Commission of Canada
9:15 – Doing Business with the Caribbean Development Bank
Christine P. Mohammed, Caribbean Development Bank
10:15 – Coffee Break
10:30 – One-on-Ones
Separate registration required – contact abbie@econext.ca to register.
Cleantech Innovation Webinar: Iceland and Newfoundland and Labrador
Join econext and the Embassy of Iceland in Ottawa for a webinar on January 16 to explore cleantech innovation collaboration opportunities between Newfoundland and Labrador and Iceland.
Building on the visit to St. John’s, NL by Iceland’s President and First Lady in May of 2023, this free webinar will feature presentations from a series of Icelandic cleantech and renewable energy companies and highlight an existing partnership between Iceland’s national power company and Newfoundland’s own Growler Energy.
Featuring presentations from:
Landsvirkjun is the National Power Company of Iceland and operates 18 power stations in Iceland concentrated on five main areas of operation.
Carbon Recycling International is the globally-recognixed leader in CO2 to methanol technology, operating at industrial scale since 2012.
IceWind develops robust vertical axis wind turbines, designed to withstand all weather conditions and be installed in even the most remote locations.
Carbfix provides a natural and permanent storage solution by turning CO2 into stone underground in less than two years.
Laki Power creates line-powered monitoring systems for overhead power lines, offering innovative solutions to some of today’s most pressing challenges faced by power grid operators.
The Iceland Renewable Energy Cluster is the cluster organization for the whole energy industry in Iceland, a joint platform for both public and private entities and institutions of the whole value chain.
Growler Energy is a Newfoundland and Labrador based company focused on unlocking the unlimited potential of renewable resources and clean energy.
econext accelerates clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador, working on behalf of over 200 members to foster environmentally sustainable economic development.
Registration
Date: January 16, 2024
Time: 11:30am – 1:00pm NST
Webinar Agenda
Welcome and Opening Remarks
- econext (NL)
- Embassy of Iceland in Ottawa (IS)
Renewable Energy
- Landsvirkjun (IS) & Growler Energy (NL)
- IceWind (IS)
- Q&A
Clean Technology
- Carbfix (IS)
- Carbon Recycling International (IS)
- Laki Power (IS)
- Q&A
The Power of Cluster Collaboration
- Iceland Renewable Energy Cluster (IS)
Closing Remarks
