Collective Event
Climate Solutions Research Collective Annual Kickoff - Featuring David Boyd
September 11, 2025, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Join the Climate Solutions Research Collective for the launch of its third year as we gather with colleagues to discuss critical issues related to climate solutions and how the community can contribute through research.
As with previous events, in-person participants will have the opportunity to network before and after the presentation. This year, we will we streaming the presentation through Zoom to enable remote participation.
Hear insights from former UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment, Dr. David Boyd, as he discusses recent advisory opinions issued by two international courts.
Format
2:00 - 2:30 | Informal networking with coffee / tea
2:30 - 3:30 | Opening Remarks, Presentation by Dr. David Boyd, Question Period (in-person and online)
3:30 - 4:00 | Informal networking
Presentation
In July 2025, two international courts issued important advisory opinions that should be catalysts for more urgent and ambitious climate action in the months and years ahead. In early July, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights released an advisory opinion declaring the right for every person to a healthy climate; later the same month the International Court of Justice released an opinion stating that nations have legal obligations to address the “urgent and existential threat” of climate change.
In this presentation, Dr. David Boyd will explore the impact of these two international advisory opinions, including the potential implications for Canada’s next Nationally Determined Contribution, as required under the Paris Agreement, due at the end of September 2025 and two ongoing lawsuits launched by Canadian youth.
Biography
Dr. David Boyd is Professor of Law, Policy and Sustainability in the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES). He served as the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment from 2018 to 2024. During his time as Special Rapporteur he presented dozens of reports to the UN, filed amicus briefs in 15 landmark legal proceedings, and made more than 500 speeches in a successful effort to advance the recognition and implementation of the human right to a healthy environment.