Climate-focused innovation is the key theme for this year’s RBC Tech for Nature partners, as they turn their attention to opportunities to protect the natural ecosystem.
RBC Tech for Nature is helping drive climate innovation and solutions in support of the transition to net zero, supporting more than 100 partner organizations conduct innovative research. These partners are at the forefront of the discussions and problem solving by contributing key research, next-generation technology, and the use of data to enhance our understanding of the resources needed to protect our planet.
As part of the bank’s commitment to accelerating the transition to net-zero, it is working with clients to support and enable their plans, and by addressing emissions from its own operations.
RBC Tech for Nature supports a climate strategy which outlines key priority areas towards achieving net-zero by 2050. To learn more, visit: RBC Climate Blueprint.
“With the impacts of climate change affecting all communities and sectors of the economy, we are working closely with our clients and partners to deliver constructive solutions leadership, collaboration, ingenuity, and vision to achieve the transition to net zero,” says Mark Beckles, vice-president of social impact and innovation at RBC. “RBC Tech for Nature partners are developing solutions for a greener future and are working to get us all there faster.”
Select project include:
- Island Nature Trust: LandSteward, Artificial Intelligence for Island Community Conservation will pilot LandSteward, a cutting-edge technology giving scientists, conservationists, and policy makers the data and the tools they need to create and manage natural infrastructure projects. LandSteward will empower farmers and woodlot owners across Prince Edward Island to leverage the natural infrastructure of their working landscapes for biodiversity and climate resilience. This project will develop a new scientific conservation platform that equips community-led natural infrastructure projects with artificial intelligence and mobile technology.
- Ocean Wise is working with Indigenous communities, NGOs and industry to restore and cultivate kelp forests through new technology like green gravel restoration. Kelp reforestation, or Seaforestation, can help mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon, reducing ocean acidification, protecting coastlines, and preserving biodiversity.
- Nets for Net Zero: Abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) is responsible for 20 to 46 per cent of marine plastics globally. Nets for Net Zero aims to implement a digital circular supply chain system for ALDFG, enabling gear reporting, mapping and recycling to support the regeneration of the world’s oceans. Powered by blockchain technology and the eOceans platform, Nets for Net Zero will connect three main events in the supply chain, including port of origin; transportation to the recycling facility; and extrusion and palletization.
“The challenges facing our ocean can only be addressed if we are able to rally millions of people to stand up and take action. Ocean Wise is a global leader in inspiring and empowering people to take action for the ocean, but we recognize the critical need for technologies that can help us to scale our activities to the level needed,” says Lasse Gustavsson, president and CEO of the Ocean Wise Conservation Association. “Thanks to the support of RBC Tech for Nature, we will be better equipped to do exactly that.”
Featured image credit: Pacific Salmon Foundation/RBC Tech for Nature.
