Climate change impacts us all, and we are all responsible for taking action. This symposium aims to engage citizens, students and scientists in taking action to advance food, health and biodiversity.
It is important to provide knowledge, scope for reflection and opportunities for action on the topic of nutrition and climate change in addition to the known facts.
Through conversations with experts, interactive formats and practical group work, the participants will learn about global connections as well as local options for action. What does sustainable nutrition mean today – and how can we change the world of tomorrow together?
Date: Thursday, October 2nd, 2025 Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm Location: UBC Botanical Garden, Reception Centre, 6804 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z4 Cost: $5.00, lunch and refreshments will be provided
Program Overview
The day will include an Action Planning World Café, a climate-friendly catered lunch, and talks from the following experts:
Darius Mahdavi – Science Specialist, CBC News Network & CBC British Columbia
Dr. Navin Ramankutty – UBC Professor and Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier 1 in Data Science for Sustainable Global Food Systems at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs and IRES
Dr. Steffen Pauls – Professor for Entomology, Senckenberg-Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research
Dr. Melissa Lem – Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment
Dr. Jiaying Zhao – Associate Professor, Institute for Resources, Environment & Sustainability, Department of Psychology, UBC
This event is hosted through collaboration with UBC Botanical Garden, Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany Vancouver, Consulat Général de France à Vancouver, Senckenberg Nature Research, UBC Comics Cluster and Leibniz Association.
Step into these breathtaking images of nature — so vivid and inviting, they seem like the perfect holiday escape … until …
J Henry Fair’s photographs dazzle with color and beauty — until you learn what they truly depict. Through his images, he challenges us to consider whether art can convey the urgency of biodiversity loss more powerfully than words ever could.
J Henry Fair is an American photographer and environmental activist, internationally recognized for his hauntingly beautiful aerial images of environmental destruction. His acclaimed series Industrial Scars has been exhibited worldwide and earned him honors such as Environmental Photographer of the Year (2019). Fair’s work appears in The New York Times, National Geographic, and Die Zeit, among others. He divides his time between New York and Berlin.
How are past conditions connected to the way we unconsciously plan our summer holidays today? What do weather patterns in Vancouver tell us about climate change, and what can we expect for the region’s future climate? Darius Mahdavi will guide audiences through these questions, connecting scientific insights to the weather we experience in our daily lives.
Darius Mahdavi is the science and climate specialist for CBC News Network and CBC British Columbia, where he brings audiences clear and engaging insights on everything from quirky discoveries to urgent climate issues. He holds a degree in conservation biology and immunology from the University of Toronto and shares his expertise through daily radio segments and nightly television appearances on Hanomansing Tonight and CBC Vancouver News. Based in Vancouver, he connects global climate science to local experiences.
What if the way we farm and the choices we make at the dinner table could help solve global environmental problems? Can we change our food system to protect the planet while still feeding everyone? Navin Ramankutty will guide audiences through the scientific evidence on sustainable farming and eating practices, exploring what’s possible and what works.
Navin Ramankutty is Professor and Canada Research Chair in Data Science for Sustainable Global Food Systems at the University of British Columbia. Originally trained as an engineer, he now focuses on climate science, ecosystem science, and global food systems, using Earth observations and ecosystem models to evaluate humanity’s impact on the land. He has contributed to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, the IPCC Fourth Assessment, and the IPBES. Ramankutty is a recipient of the 2020 Wihuri International Prize for his work on sustainable food systems.
Can spending more time in nature improve our physical and mental well-being? How can doctors, communities, and policymakers work together to make nature a part of everyday healthcare? Melissa Lem will explore the growing evidence behind nature prescriptions and how connecting people with the natural world benefits both individuals and society.
Melissa Lem is a Vancouver-based family physician who also serves rural and northern communities across Canada. She is Co-Founder of PaRx, Canada’s national nature prescription program, and President of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment. A recognized leader in the field of nature and health, she is a clinical assistant professor at the University of British Columbia, a widely published writer, and a regular climate and health commentator on CBC. Dr. Lem has received multiple awards, including the 2024 Canadian Eco-Hero Award and the 2024 YWCA Women of Distinction Award.
What can insects tell us about the health of our rivers, forests, and cities? How is environmental change reshaping the diversity of life from genes to communities? Steffen Pauls will explore how studying insects can help us understand—and monitor—the hidden impacts of human activity on ecosystems.
Steffen Pauls is a leading ecologist specializing in freshwater systems and insect biodiversity. He earned his doctorate from the University of Duisburg-Essen and completed postdoctoral work in Frankfurt, Chicago, and St. Paul. Pauls currently leads the Department of Terrestrial Zoology at the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre in Frankfurt, overseeing a collection of roughly 1.3 million specimens. Since 2019, he has also been Professor of General Entomology at Justus Liebig University in Giessen, Germany.
Can cutting carbon emissions actually make us happier? Why do doom-and-gloom climate narratives often fail to inspire action? Jiaying Zhao presents a radical shift: combining happiness science with climate science to identify actions that reduce emissions while boosting well-being. Her talk explores how joy can become a powerful driver of collective climate action.
Jiaying Zhao (JZ) is an associate professor in the Department of Psychology and the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability at UBC. She directs the Behavioral Sustainability Lab, designing innovative, high-impact solutions to tackle environmental and social challenges. JZ is co-author of the forthcoming book Leave the Lights On: How Joyful Decisions Can Save Our Species and has advised governments, NGOs, and businesses worldwide. She has received the King Charles III Coronation Medal, Killam Research Prize, and holds a Canada Research Chair in Behavioural Sustainability.
How can Canadian researchers tap into Europe’s largest research and innovation program? What opportunities does Horizon Europe offer for global partnerships, and how can scholars make the most of Canada’s new associated country status? Paola Baca will guide audiences through strategies, best practices, and lessons learned from Canada’s first year of engagement with Horizon Europe.
Paola Baca is Senior Manager, Engagement for Horizon Europe at UBC’s Office of the Vice-President, Research & Innovation. She provides strategic leadership to help scholars create and expand international research partnerships through Horizon Europe, the European Commission’s €93.5 billion research and innovation program. Since Canada became an Associated Country in 2024, she has been guiding Canadian researchers to leverage the program for global impact across health, climate, and social inclusion projects.
Photo Consent Disclaimer: Photos will be taken at this event. Photo consent will be obtained from participants on the day of the event, during registration.
Cancellation Policies: We do not have the capacity to change tickets for a different time or refund tickets. If the event is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control, ticket holders will receive a gift card for the value of their tickets that can be redeemed for UBC Botanical Garden and Nitobe Memorial Garden admission and in The Shop in the Garden.
