Slides of the talks

Dr. Jed Kaplan's slides

Were sent around among the participants by email and will not be added here.

Title: Mathematical modeling of global vegetation and wildfire: History and applications

Abstract: Mathematical models of environmental processes are powerful tools for exploring hypotheses about how climate change and human activities affect ecosystems and feedback to climate. The past 40 years have seen the development and application of dynamic global vegetation models of increasing complexity and resolution. Today, these models are used in a very wide range of studies on the past, present, and future of the earth system. Here I will provide an overview of vegetation modeling and give an example of how I have been using models to understand long-term changes in wildfire in the boreal forest of Canada.

Dr. Matthew Greenberg's slides

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1OK03ua87SnBHK_KQfpHJV_pud1Tda9B5/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109196133050996484706&rtpof=true&sd=true

Title: The Math of Public Transit

Abstract: Since transportation creates more than a fifth of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, shifting people from cars to public transit can do a lot to lower our impact on the climate. Public transit is expensive, though, and optimal design is essential to making the most of the available investment available. In this talk, I will survey various mathematical optimization problems involved in the design of public transit networks. I’ll focus on the Crew Scheduling Problem and its solution via column generation. Time permitting, I’ll speculate about whether AI/ML has a role to play in optimization problems of this nature.

Dr. Jessica Hernandez' slides: 

We asked her, they will maybe be added eventually

Title: Indigenous Science: From Local to Global Context

Abstract: Indigenous Science encompasses knowledge systems that have been developed by indigenous peoples over generations, rooted in their specific local contexts. However, it is important to recognize that Indigenous Science is not confined to local settings, but also holds relevance and can contribute to global conversations and understanding of the natural world.

In this presentation, Dr. Hernandez will delve into the various ways in which Indigenous Science can transcend local boundaries and make valuable contributions to global scientific knowledge. Through examples and case studies, she will highlight the interconnectedness of Indigenous knowledge systems with broader scientific understanding, fostering a more holistic and inclusive approach to studying and preserving the natural world.

Biography: Dr. Jessica Hernandez (Binnizá & Maya Ch'orti') is a distinguished Indigenous scholar, scientist, and community advocate based in the Pacific Northwest. Her academic journey spans marine sciences and environmental physics, and she is a vocal advocate for climate justice and land rights through her scientific and community engagements. Hernandez is the esteemed author of the award-winning book "Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes through Indigenous Science," and is currently working on her second book, "Growing Papaya Trees: Nurturing Indigenous Roots of Climate Displacement & Justice." Forbes recognized Hernandez as one of the 100 most powerful and influential women in Central America.

Doris Choi's slides: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19usxEP6mm1Uta8G0jt2x_fympLmrgDmc/view?usp=sharing

Title: Application of IPMVP to Heat Pump Projects

Abstract: The International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP) defines standard terms and suggests best practices for quantifying the results of energy efficiency investments. The goal is to increase certainty, reliability and the amount of savings achieved. It aims to provide a basis for negotiating terms to ensure that an energy efficiency project achieves its goal of improving efficiency and increasing energy savings.

The Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP) team at the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) utilizes IPMVP to quantify energy and cost savings of various heat pump installations. Examples such as the Black Creek Pioneer Village Outbuildings and the French Square Quarters condo complex highlight the protocol's efficacy in evaluating the performance of heat pump systems. This comprehensive analysis underscores the role of standardized methodologies in driving future energy efficiency investments.

Leonard Olien's slides: 

maybe eventually to be added

Title: Balancing Decarbonization, Affordability and Reliability in Electricity Markets

Abstract: Decarbonization of electricity has is essential not just for reducing direct emissions but it is also essential for deeper decarbonization of the larger economy because of the drive to electrify other processes.  Currently wind and solar are the cheapest zero-emitting technologies but Alberta, among other markets, is concerned about system reliability issues with a high penetration of renewables.  At the same time Governments and consumers are concerned with the costs of the transition while maintaining reliability.

To analyze all three issues, I have started with a Polynomial Process model developed by Ware for electricity prices and expanded the model to include calculation of GHG emissions and reliability.  With the expanded model I believe it is possible to determine an optimal solution amongst the competing goals of decarbonization, affordability and reliability.