CONFIRMED PARTICIPANTS
Advisors
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Jay Apt Professor of Technology, Tepper School of Business & Engineering and Public Policy Executive Director, Carnegie Mellon Electricity Industry Center Carnegie Mellon University As Executive Director and Professor of Technology at the Carnegie Mellon Electricity Centre, Dr. Jay Apt works to improve public policy surrounding electrical advancements and the economics of technical innovation. Dr. Apt has extensive experience researching and teaching in engineering systems design and risk management policy, and assists Carnegie Mellon with important investigations into the electricity industry that influence policy makers and the energy industry decision makers. From 1976 to 1980, Dr. Apt was a staff member of the Centre for Earth and Planetary Physics at Harvard University, which led him to a long and eventful career with NASA; first as a researcher, then Director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the Table Mountain Observatory, and later as an astronaut. Between 1985 and 1997, he took part in four space shuttle missions – involving two space walks – and has flown around Earth 562 times. In 1997, Dr. Apt received the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. More recent awards include the 2002 Metcalf Lifetime Achievement Award for significant contributions to engineering and a Fellowship from The Explorers Club in 2008. Dr. Apt is an avid pilot, and has logged thousands of hours flying in approximately 25 different types of airplanes, seaplanes, sailplanes, and human-powered aircrafts. |
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Robin Batterham President Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineers (ATSE) Former Chief Scientist of Australia Former Chief Scientist, Rio Tinto Dr. Robin Batterham combines chemical engineering, sustainability practices and a fascination with minerals to guide government and industry in how they act on and carry out basic research. From 1999 to 2006, Dr. Batterham was Chief Scientist of Australia and advised major governmental bodies on a wide range of scientific programs, and produced a widely accepted blueprint for how the Australian government could support research in the early years of the twenty-first century. In tandem, he served as Chief Technologist for the multinational mining company Rio Tinto, where he greatly improved and further developed their industrial technology processes and equipment. Throughout his career, Dr. Batterham has worked intimately with minerals, developing a number of novel processes which are still used today in the mineral sector across the world. Today, Dr. Batterham is Kernot Professor of Engineering at the University of Melbourne and the President of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE). Dr. Batterham received his PhD from the University of Melbourne. He is also an accomplished organist and has performed in major cities around the world. |
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Jason Blackstock Equinox Summit Forum Peer Advisor Senior Fellow for Energy and the Environment Centre for International Governance Innovation Research Scholar International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis Dr. Jason Blackstock investigates the intersection of science and international affairs as it applies to global climate, energy systems and nanotechnology. His research in geoengineering focuses on better understanding the risks and scientific, political and global governance of emerging technologies. His recent publications include "Towards a people-centered framework for geoengineering governance: a humanitarian perspective" in Geoengineering Quarterly (March 2010), "The politics of geoengineering" in Science (January 2010) and "Climate Engineering Responses to Climate Emergencies" in Novim (July 2009). Dr. Blackstock splits his time between the Centre for International Governance Innovation in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria. He is also an Associate Fellow of the World Academy of Arts and Science, and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Social Innovation Generation, University of Waterloo. From 2003 to 2007, he was a Research Associate with the Quantum Science Research group of Hewlett Packard Laboratories in Silicon Valley, where he developed nanoscale electronic and sensor technologies. Dr. Blackstock earned his PhD in physics from the University of Alberta in 2005, as well as a Graduate Certificate in International Security from Stanford and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University. |
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Barry Brook Sir Hubert Wilkins Chair of Climate Change Director, The Environment Institute University of Adelaide Dr. Barry Brook is a leading environmental and energy expert who believes in the power of effective communication for a sustainable future. Dr. Brook looks at how we’re treating the planet today, and what it means for our tomorrow. He focuses on ecological systems, conservation biology, climate change impacts and prospective energy systems, with a preference for employing an energy mix of nuclear and renewable sources. Dr. Brook works tirelessly to promote hard-won technical science to policymakers, industry heads and society alike. He has published three books with this goal, many scientific papers, and regularly writes popular articles for the media. Dr. Brook has received many accolades for his research and outreach work, some of which include the Community Science Educator of the Year in 2010 at the South Australian Science Excellence Awards, the 2007 H.G. Andrewartha Medal from the Royal Society of South Australia for outstanding research by a scientist under 40, and the Australian Academy of Science Fenner Medal in 2006 for distinguished research in biology by a scientist under 40. Dr. Brook received his PhD from Macquarie University in 1999. He is well known across the world for his lively blog Brave New Climate. |
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Velma McColl Principal Earnscliffe Strategy Group Steering Committee Member Sustainable Prosperity With a rich history in all aspects of public policy, Velma McColl focuses on strategically enhancing Canada’s global competiveness in clean technology, energy and sustainable development. A Westerner with more than a decade in Ottawa, she studied at the University of British Columbia and the Banff School of Management and has worked with a variety of organizations across Canada, including academia, think tanks, not-for-profit organizations, and the public sector. Federally, she worked as the climate change policy advisor to the Environment Minister and as a strategic coordinator at Fisheries and Oceans. McColl is also a frequent writer and commentator on international and national energy and climate change issues, bringing a strong economic and political understanding. As a Principal at the Earnscliffe Strategy Group in Ottawa, McColl works on a range of economic and social issues and specializes in energy, environment and green technologies. She is co-founder of the Canadian Clean Technology Coalition and Women in GR and plays a leadership role with several organization including Sustainable Prosperity and the Ryan's Well Foundation. |
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Jatin Nathwani Equinox Summit Scientific Advisor Ontario Research Chair in Public Policy and Sustainable Energy Management Professor, Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Environment Director, Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy University of Waterloo Dr. Jatin Nathwani is at the forefront of the global green revolution, pushing for sustainable electricity development for billions worldwide. Working closely with the Ontario government in his role as Ontario Research Chair in Public Policy and Sustainable Energy Management, Dr. Nathwani is leading initiatives for energy conservation and demand management in the province. With a focus on developing tangible solutions for both industry and public policy, he is investigating micro-grid combinations of wind and hydrogen fuel cells for electricity in Ontario’s rural northern communities. Dr. Nathwani developed ‘The Life Quality Index,’ an effective tool that enables national policy decisions by assessing the lives of people in the midst of scarce resources. He has extensive experience in the energy sector in long-term corporate and policy strategy, regulatory affairs, and the timely integration of R&D into business practice and success. He is a member of Ontario’s Smart Grid Forum and a Board Member for the Ontario Centre of Excellence for Energy. Dr. Nathwani received his PhD in Engineering and Environment from the University of Toronto. |
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Nicholas Parker Founder and Executive Chairman The Cleantech Group Chairman at Parker Venture Management Inc. Building on a rich background in finance and venture capitalism, Nicholas Parker focuses on accelerating the adoption of clean energy technologies around the world. Parker coined the term “cleantech” as he was co-founding Cleantech Group, which provides Fortune 1000 global corporations, investors, entrepreneurs and policy-makers with the latest industry market intelligence through subscription-based research, global industry networking events, and world-class custom research services. Prior to his involvement with Cleantech Group, Parker was a venture capitalist for the world’s second solar company and also backed sustainable energy technology developed at MIT. In the 1990s, he founded, built and sold a leading transatlantic environmental finance strategy firm. Parker has also served as an advisor to multilateral agencies such as the World Business Council on Sustainability and the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group. He earned a BA Hons. in Technology Studies from Carleton University and an MBA from City University in London, U.K., and has contributed to numerous publications related to technology, finance and international business. He also served as Chairman of E+Co, a public purpose investment company for clean energy enterprises in developing countries, has interests in property development and is a member of several academic and think tank advisory boards. Parker has recently turned his attention toward helping Canadian cleantech companies. |
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Walt Patterson Associate Fellow, Energy, Environment and Development Program Chatham House A nuclear physicist by training, Walt Patterson has been actively involved in energy and environmental issues for over four decades. Through his teaching, writing and advocacy, Patterson strives to provide independent and polemic insight and advice on the current and future state of energy systems. His areas of expertise include electricity generation, performance and infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on the nuclear and coal industries. Patterson is a frequent commentator on nuclear issues and has made numerous appearances on radio and television broadcasts as an industry expert.He has published thirteen books and hundreds of papers, articles and reviews, on nuclear power, coal technology, renewable energy, energy systems, energy policy and electricity. His most recent book, Keeping the Lights On: Towards Sustainable Electricity was published by Earthscan in 2009 and provides practical road maps for electricity production, supply and use.He was series advisor to the award winning BBC drama series Edge of Darkness, and assisted in the development of a documentary series called The Energy Alternative, based on his book of the same name. Patterson was awarded the Energy Institute Melchett Medal in 2000 and in 2004 he was named an energy policy leader in the Scientific American 50 for his advocacy of decentralized electricity. |
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Tom Rand Venture Capitalist, Cleantech Lead at MaRS Discovery District Author of Kick the Fossil Fuel Habit: 10 Clean Technologies to Save Our World An active leader in the cleantech sector as a venture capitalist and policy expert, Tom Rand understands the ups and downs of the private energy industry. After selling his own successful global software company in 2005, Rand joined the MaRS Discovery District, an innovation and incubation hub in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to work with new ventures based on low-carbon technologies. His activities at MaRS focus on carbon mitigation and Cleantech venture capital, technology incubation and commercialization and public advocacy. He also sits on the board of a number of clean energy companies and organizations, including Morgan Solar. In 2010, Rand published Kick the Fossil Fuel Habit: 10 Clean Technologies to Save Our World which outlines his belief that that the technologies we need for a low-carbon future already exist in some form or another. He regularly speaks publicly about climate change issues and the economic opportunities afforded by the global transformation to a low-carbon economy. Rand holds a BSc in electrical engineering from the University of Waterloo, an MSc in philosophy of science from the University of London/ London School of Economics and an MA and PhD in philosophy from the University of Toronto. |
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Marlo Raynolds Senior Advisor The Pembina Institute Adjunct Professor of Sustainable Development, Haskayne School of Business University of Calgary Dr. Marlo Raynolds has been at the forefront of energy advocacy and policy research in Canada for over 15 years through his work with The Pembina Institute. Dr. Raynolds consults large energy companies on strategies for the development of decision-making tools that consider the impacts on people, planet and profit. He also consults on energy systems and sustainability practices, while conducting research and advocacy work for the Canadian government at the provincial and federal levels. Dr. Raynolds served as Executive Director of The Pembina Institute from 2004 to January 2011 before transitioning to his current position as Senior Advisor. For his extensive efforts on lowering carbon emissions and climate change, Dr. Raynolds was recognized as one of Canada’s “Top 40 under 40” by The Globe and Mail in 2008. He credits his younger sister for sparking his interest in environmental issues, which was further nurtured by a stint in Germany working for a wildlife society. He received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta in 1999, a master’s degree in Management and Leadership for the Voluntary Sector at McGill University, and a B.Sc. in System’s Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo. |
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David Runnalls Distinguished Fellow and Acting Director of the Environment and Energy Program Centre for International Governance and Innovation (CIGI) David Runnalls is one of Canada’s most distinguished leaders and visionaries in the sustainability sector and a determined advocate for international cooperation. As Distinguished Fellow and Acting Director of the Environment and Energy Program at CIGI, he provides strategic advice and support for Jim Balsillie’s role at the United Nations' High-level Panel on Global Sustainability and also for CIGI’s environment and energy work program. He currently serves on the Royal Dutch Shell Sustainability Report External Review Committee and is a member of the CCICED Task Force on Trade and Investment. Runnalls is also a member of the Steering Committee for Sustainable Prosperity and Visiting Professor of Geography at the University of Ottawa. For the last 11 years, he was President of the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development in Geneva. He has also served as a member of the Advisory Council for Export Development Canada, the Council for Sustainable Development Technology Canada, the Ivey Business School Sustainable Business Network, the federal External Advisory Committee on Smart Regulation, as well as Co-Chair of the China Council Task Force on WTO and Environment. An occasional writer and broadcaster, he has served as environment columnist for the CBC radio program As it Happens and for CTV's Canada am. He was a member of the Discovery Channel's regular environment panel and political columnist for the Earth Times, the paper of record for the United Nations Earth Summit in 1992. |
