Toronto is set to host its first-ever Toronto Climate Week (TOCW) from October 1–3, 2025, a grassroots initiative designed to unite climate action with culture, innovation, and community. The event aims to establish Toronto as a globally recognized hub for climate solutions, bringing together leaders, innovators, and citizens to accelerate collaboration.

The City of Toronto has officially partnered with TOCW, providing financial support and a commitment to spotlight the city’s climate progress. This partnership reinforces the event’s momentum, which has already attracted key collaborators including MaRS Discovery District, Deep Sky, ArcTern Ventures, and Environmental Defence.

The initiative is community-built and community-owned, powered by volunteers, creatives, and early supporters who make up its Steering Committee. Their role has been central in shaping TOCW’s inclusive climate agenda and setting the stage for Canada’s growing leadership in global climate action.

An Exclusive Conversation Between ESG News and Toronto Climate Week’s Founder

ESG News spoke with Becky Park-Romanovsky, Founder & Executive Director of Toronto Climate Week, about the mission of the inaugural event, Canada’s opportunity to lead on climate, and the role of innovation in accelerating solutions.

ESG News: What is the overarching theme or mission for this year’s event?

Becky: Toronto Climate Week has something for everyone. As October 1–3 is the inaugural event, and the first-ever dedicated Canadian climate week, we want TOCW to reflect our diverse and dynamic city. We aim to position Toronto as a globally recognized hub for climate solutions, creating awareness, interest and opportunity in climate sectors both within Toronto and across Canada. Whether you’re looking to learn about clean tech in Canada, discover ways to strengthen your local community, or simply meet like-minded people, TOCW offers three days packed with opportunity, creativity, and conversation.

Why is it important to have a dedicated climate week in Toronto now?

Becky: With the United States stepping back from climate efforts, a global leadership void has emerged, and the world is looking for who will step up next. This is Canada’s moment, and Toronto Climate Week is where that leadership begins.

At the same time, Canadians are eager to learn, connect, and take meaningful action, and they want credible information and platforms to do so. TOCW directly reflects, and builds on, the extraordinary outpouring of interest from local and national communities in engaging on climate solutions. While political interests/support may be changing on a daily basis, what we’re seeing is that Canadians’ enthusiasm and willingness to challenge the climate crisis has not lost momentum and if anything, continues to get stronger.

How can Canada’s position as a resource-rich country and sustainability leader shape the dialogue?

Becky: There are nine Canadian companies featured in the 2025 Global Cleantech 100 list. According to the 2025 Oxford Economics Global Cities Index, Toronto ranked 20th overall among 1,000 global cities and was the highest-ranked Canadian city. Toronto’s strong municipal climate goals, paired with its innovation ecosystem and research institutions, make it a living testbed for sustainable solutions that can be scaled across Canada and beyond. This includes developing Canada’s natural resources responsibly and sustainably.

What types of leaders and organizations are you hoping to bring together at TOCW?

Becky: In line with “something for everyone,” TOCW programming is organized across eight tracks: Clean Tech & Innovation, Investment & Finance, Natural World, Arts & Culture, Policy & Environmental Justice, Energy & Transportation, Agriculture & Food, Built Environment. Our festival-meets-forum format is designed to break down silos, bringing together philanthropy, grassroots organizations, business innovators, and artists in the same space, with multiple events in each track.

What do you hope attendees will take away after the week is over?

Becky: TOCW is meant to be a launchpad, not a finish line. We hope that October 1–3 is the start of commitments that extend far beyond these three days. Whether that’s funding commitments, pilot projects, or new community partnerships—we don’t intend to wait for the full-week version of TOCW, kicking off in June 2026, to make change happen.

What role will innovation and entrepreneurship play at the event?

Becky: Climate solutions more than ever are now within reach. We’re delighted to see the Clean Tech & Innovation track filling with events geared to founders of early-stage startups, entrepreneurs who are ready to commercialize, and investors seeking the next generation of climate companies.

Here are just a few highlights:

• BDC Capital: Climate Tech & Sustainability Mixer & Panel Discussion (Oct 1)
• The Carbon Removal Forum at Toronto Climate Week (Oct 2)
• Startup Dinner Club: Climate Tech (Oct 2)
• Toronto Climate Innovation Forum: Launch Dinner & Strategy Jam (Oct 2)
• Cleantech Investment Pitch Session for Toronto Climate Week (Oct 3)

What should we know about the week’s programming?

Becky: We’re thrilled to have the University of Toronto as a title sponsor. The university’s Lawson Climate Institute, in partnership with Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, invites students from all areas of study to put their ideas to the test. Teams will race against the clock to design bold, practical answers to real climate challenges, and pitch their solutions to experts. Learn more about the Student Case Competition.

How can companies and individuals get involved?

Becky: Register for events—the TOCW calendar already lists 74 events, with more being added. Interested in becoming a sponsor, offering an event venue or services for event hosting, or volunteering? Visit the Get Involved page.

And of course, it’s not too early to start planning to host an event for next year.

We’ve already begun receiving event proposals for June 2026. We hope to see you at TOCW in whatever capacity you may bring for the week to help shape the climate conversation in Canada and beyond.