Climate change is here. WWF-Canada’s Nature x Carbon Tech Challenge is a part of the solution
Applications now open for a chance to receive up to $125,000 in contracts and grants for technologies that measure carbon in nature.
TORONTO, ONTARIO, SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 – WWF-Canada is now accepting applications to the Nature x Carbon Tech Challenge, seeking a diverse range of innovators to develop cost-effective and user-friendly technologies and approaches to facilitate community-led measurement of carbon in nature.
Why is the Nature X Carbon Tech challenge needed?
The challenge comes at a pivotal moment: With global warming reaching 1.1°C, the world is already seeing devastating consequences of delayed climate action. Globally, one-third of our climate change-causing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions comes from the destruction of forests, grasslands, peatlands, and coastal ecosystems. Protecting and restoring natural areas that catch and store carbon (also referred to as Nature-based climate solutions, or NbCS), plays an important role in achieving our commitments to get to net zero by 2050. To ensure these targets are met and help keep temperature rise below 1.5°C, we need to measure how much carbon is being stored in nature over time, and where.
A variety of approaches for carbon monitoring already exist, but they often deliver incomplete data and are costly and/or labour and time intensive. Supporting the development of tools that can be used at the community level will build capacity and capability for the ongoing measurement and monitoring of carbon, which will help accurately document the benefits of nature-based climate solutions over time.
How does the challenge work?
Applicants can submit their proposal between September 7 and November 8, 2021.
Following a rigorous review process, WWF-Canada will select up to five finalists to proceed to the validation phase. Each will receive a grant of up to $25,000, access to a spot in the Microsoft Global Social Entrepreneurship Program and business mentoring from participating members of the Microsoft Canada Executive team to help them advance their projects. Finalists will have from April 2022 to March 2023 to validate their technologies/solutions in the field.
Based on the results of the validation phase, WWF-Canada will select up to three final award recipients. Each will receive a contract of up to $100,000 to implement their technology in the field alongside WWF-Canada and our conservation partners.
James Snider, vice-president, science, knowledge and innovation, WWF-Canada, said:
“Climate change is already having devastating impacts on nature and people in Canada and around the world. We’re looking for innovators who can truly help: People who can find a way to measure and monitor ecosystem carbon. If you’ve got a new approach or technology that can help measure the benefits of nature-based climate solutions, we want to hear from you. Apply now and join us in creating the tools that will help us fight climate change.”
Deadline to Apply
Applications for proposals will be accepted between September 7 – November 8, 2021.
About World Wildlife Fund Canada
WWF-Canada creates solutions to the environmental challenges that matter most for Canadians. We work in places that are unique and ecologically important, so that nature, wildlife and people thrive together. Because we are all wildlife. For more information, visit wwf.ca.
WWF-Canada’s Nature X Carbon Tech Challenge, supported by RBC Tech for Nature and Microsoft Canada, catalyzes the development of user-friendly and innovative technologies to support community-led measurement of carbon in nature. techhub.wwf.ca
