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Our goal is to be the catalyst that inspires and empowers the next generation of innovative changemakers.

CATALYST CHALLENGE 2023

Accelerating
Climate Action

ABOUT THE
CATALYST CHALLENGE

An annual challenge showcasing the best digital innovators from post-secondary institutions across Canada.

The Catalyst Challenge is based on real-world problems faced by Canadians in various industries and sectors. Throughout the 11 days, the challenge will empower students to identify and build solutions to real-world problems.

Interested in making a difference in the community?

Check back in for next year's CATALYST CHALLENGE!

Applications will open in Summer 2024.

CATALYST CHALLENGE 2023: Accelerating Climate Action

In 2015, Canada and all United Nations member states agreed on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The agenda centred around 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that address a myriad of interlinked objectives designed to serve as a "shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future." The focus of this year’s Catalyst Challenge will be on six (6) of these sustainable development goals that address climate action and environmental sustainability.

Students across the country will be tasked with developing innovative solutions that accelerate progress towards those goals, listed under the following three (3) pillars:

Infrastructure & Sustainability
Climate Change & Environmental Awareness
Ecosystem & Preservation

September 18th – 29th, 2023

INFRASTRUCTURE &

SUSTAINABILITY

Pillar I

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities and communities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

CLIMATE CHANGE &

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

Pillar II

SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

SDG 13: Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

ECOSYSTEM &

PRESERVATION

Pillar III

SDG 14: Life Below Water: Conserve and sustainably use oceans and marine resources.

SDG 15: Life on Land: Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of ecosystems; sustainably manage forests; combat desertification; halt and reverse land degradation; and halt biodiversity loss.

CANADA’S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL TARGETS

Canada has aimed to address long-term drinking-water advisories on reserves. 84% of advisories have been lifted, but further action is needed to ensure clean drinking water for all Canadians.
Canada is also aiming for a 30% reduction or increased efficiency in water use by 2023. In 2019, the water consumption growth rate decreased slightly when compared to 2018. However, more effort is needed.
Canada has set a target to decrease chronic homelessness by 50% by 2028. However, due to the pandemic, the current data on chronic homelessness is not available, with counts being conducted through 2024. Nevertheless, addressing homelessness remains a pressing issue that must be addressed.
To achieve Canada's goal of having 100% of light-duty vehicles represent all sales of vehicles by 2040, it is important for Canadians to adopt sustainable consumption practices. Estimated at around 24.1 million, light-duty vehicles accounted for 90% of motor vehicles registered in 2021. How can Canada ensure that all registered vehicles are light-duty?
By 2030, Canada aims to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% below 2005 levels, which equates to 512 megatonnes. However, as of 2021, GHG emissions stood at 670 megatonnes. To meet this target, Canadians must reduce their GHG emissions. How can we help Canada achieve this goal?
Canada aims to conserve 10% of its coastal and marine areas by 2020. By 2023, Canada surpassed this goal, conserving 14.7% of its marine territory.
Canada's goal was also to sustainably manage and harvest 96% of major fish and invertebrate stocks. In 2020, 98%. In 2020, 98% of these stocks were successfully harvested in a sustainable manner.
How will you ensure that Canada continues to surpass these goals?
By 2020, Canada set a goal to conserve 17% of its terrestrial areas However, by the end of 2022, Canada only conserved 13.6% of its terrestrial area. How will you ensure that Canada meets this target?