What if you could help fix the future of the planet—the air we breathe, the cities we live in, and the nature we depend on? Dr. Andrew Steer, a leading global expert on climate and sustainability and former head of the Bezos Earth Fund, will share how solving massive problems like climate change begins with bold ideas and real action. From building greener cities to protecting forests and coastlines, he’ll show how this generation can lead change—working with the world, for the world. This inspiring talk is part of the University of Waterloo’s commitment to developing the next generation of changemakers, in line with its bold Waterloo at 100 vision for a sustainable future.
Event Registration (Grades 8–12)
Cost: Free | Limited Capacity for In-Person | RSVP by September 23
Steps to Register:
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Registration must be completed by a teacher or school staff member.
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Indicate whether your group will attend in person or virtually.
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Schools must arrange their own transportation. Upload proof of bus booking with your registration.
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Need help? Limited bus subsidies are available. Send a bus quote to caikeorj@uwaterloo.ca to apply.
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Lunch is included for all in-person attendees. Upload a completed "dietary restrictions and accommodations" Excel sheet with details for all students and staff.
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Act fast: In-person spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please email Chinweike Anastasia Ike-Orji at caikeorj@uwaterloo.ca should you have any questions or concerns.
Schedule
Time |
Activity |
| 9 a.m. | Bus arrival |
| 9:30 a.m. | Registration |
| 10 a.m. | In-person lecture |
| 11:30 a.m. | Complimentary lunch: Faculty booths and optional film |
| 1:00 p.m. | Departure |
About our 2025 TD Walter Bean Professor
Sir Andrew Steer KCMG, PhD is a globally recognized economist and leader in sustainable development, and climate and nature action. He is currently serving as Professor of Economics and Sustainability at the London School of Economics and Georgetown University.
As former President and CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund, he directed the world’s largest philanthropy for climate and nature. Previously, he served as the President and CEO of the World Resources Institute, the world’s foremost Think Tank/Do Tank on Environment and Development. With a distinguished career spanning leadership roles in the World Bank and the UK Government, he has been instrumental in designing policies that advance economic growth with environmental stewardship. He has advised world leaders, corporations and financial institutions on green finance, carbon reduction strategies and sustainable development. In 2024, Sir Andrew was knighted in recognition of ‘his sustained contribution as one of the world’s best-known leaders in global sustainable development economics with a focus on climate change and poverty reduction’. He was also named in 2024 by Forbes as one of the world’s 50 most impactful climate leaders, an honour that was recognized in the publication’s inaugural Sustainability Leaders list.
Sir Andrew is a Global Agenda Trustee for the World Economic Forum, where he co-chairs its Global Futures Council on Innovative Finance for Climate and Nature. He serves on the UK Foreign Secretary’s External Foreign Policy Board, is a Board member of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet and a member of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development. He has served on the advisory boards of Bank of America and IKEA, and was co-chair of HSBC’s climate advisory committee.