For the second year in a row, a conference to help Alberta students understand the important role they can play in the new energy mix when it comes to climate change, emissions reduction, low carbon energy production and career opportunities is heading to Lacombe.
The ‘10 Peaks Innovation Xchange (10PIX)’ is a free, inspirational, full-day conference on Oct. 17 for students in Grades 7 – 12 and their teachers, where they can hear balanced views about energy, the environment and climate.
The conference will offer several sessions including topics on energy in Alberta, what actions students can take, sustainability jobs and careers of the future, Indigenous reconciliation and inclusion from economic and land rights, impacts of climate change and more.
The conference is set to run at the Lacombe Memorial Centre and will also be available via online.
“It is our hope that by giving students the opportunity to not only learn – but to also engage in the conversation at a time when they are thinking about their own career choices – it can help shape their future, and therefore the future of Alberta’s leaders in the environment and energy sectors,” says Dagmar Knutson, executive director, Ten Peaks Innovation Alliance. “There are no better leaders for our future than today’s youth.”
The Alliance is a not-for-profit that seeks to engage, inspire, and educate the province’s youth on energy, environment, and climate, and help youth see themselves as part of Alberta’s future.
The conference will feature two keynotes and 16 speakers and panelists, including Candice Paton, director for Regulatory Affairs & External Relations at Enhance Energy.
“Events like the 10PIX Conference are an opportunity for industry and youth to come together and learn from each other,” said Paton. “Young people have important perspectives on how to create a sustainable, prosperous and inclusive future. 10PIX helps foster engagement between industry and students on energy, our environment, and how youth play a role now and in the future.”
Paton will be giving students insight into permanent geological storage of carbon dioxide and how this process is important in helping Albertans and Canadians meet emission reductions goals.
Other speakers include EcoVision students, moderated by Steven Schultz, a teacher at École Secondaire Lacombe Composite High School and founder of the award-winning EcoVision environmental club.
The school received global recognition for environmental action and has been shortlisted for the World’s Best School prize.
“Ten Peaks is an incredible opportunity for students to connect with other like-minded students, industry experts and others — giving them a knowledge base to be better informed and more prepared for the future,” said Schultz.
An Indigenous panel will also explore how Indigenous communities are participating in the energy transition in Alberta, with Steve Saddleback from the Samson Cree Nation located in Maskwacis.
For more about Ten Peaks Innovation Alliance and the 10PIX student conference, check out 10peaks.ca.