Food & Climate Action Seminar - Highlights & Takeaways
Climate Action Richmond Hill’s Food & Climate Action Seminar 2025 brought residents together for an inspiring and practical conversation about how what we eat, grow, and compost can support both personal health and climate action. Held at the Richmond Hill Central Library, this community seminar featured a panel of expert speakers who shared evidence-based insights on sustainable diets, gardening, soil health, and composting, showing how everyday food choices can reduce emissions, lower household costs, and build climate resilience right here in Richmond Hill.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
1/6/20261 min read
What the community learned and experienced:
An expert-led panel discussion on food, health, and climate
Displays and networking with local organizations working at the intersection of food, sustainability and community stability
Door prizes and eco-friendly swag bags, and food planning tools generously donated by Plant Based Treaty, Councillor Scott Thompson, and York Region respectively
In-depth Q & A between participants, panelists and organizations who care deeply about building a healthier and more sustainable food systems
Meet the expert panel
CARH was honoured to host an outstanding group of speakers:
Dr. Zahra Kassam
Food Advisor, Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care
Shared insights on how plant-based diets support both human and planetary health.Robin Entera
Co-Founder, York Durham Plant Based Treaty
Discussed the climate impact of food systems and the role of communities in driving change.Debbie Coleman
Certified Master Gardener (LSSMG), Board Member, Richmond Hill Garden & Horticultural Society
Highlighted the power of home gardening, soil health, and pollinators in local climate action.Glenn Munroe
Manager, Special Projects, Compost Council of Canada
Explained how soil’s health is critical to the ecosystems, food production, and climate stability.
Key takeaways from the seminar
Everyday food choices can be the most effective and accessible climate action available. Speakers emphasized that shifting toward plant-based diets, reducing food waste, growing food at home, and composting all play a significant role in lowering emissions while improving personal and environmental health. Participants also learned how soil health, pollinators, and supporting local agriculture can strengthen our ecosystems and contribute to climate stability.
Event Gallery
Community gratitude
CARH extends heartfelt thanks to:
Mayor David West and Councillor Karen Cilevitz for their continued support
Councillor Scott Thompson for his generous donation of eco-friendly swag bags
Our partner organizations: York-Durham Plant Based Treaty, Richmond Hill Garden & Horticultural Society, Lake Simcoe South Master Gardeners, Compost Council of Canada, Rewilding, and Plant Based Treaty Toronto
Your leadership and collaboration help inspire climate action across Richmond Hill.
Watch the seminar recordings
Couldn’t attend in person- or want to revisit the insights?
🎥 Watch all expert presentations on our YouTube channel:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@ClimateActionRichmondHill
📥 Download videos and presentation slides:
👉 https://drive.google.com/.../1dYC5tcrY5D0bkOdPIX8EsBFLkPX...
We encourage you to share these resources with family, friends, colleagues, students, and community groups.
Looking Ahead
CARH will continue hosting expert-led events and sharing practical, evidence-based resources to help residents and businesses understand climate solutions.
👉 Explore our Monthly Climate Updates (PDF)
👉 Browse upcoming events
👉 Subscribe to receive future updates
Together, we can be champions for healthy bodies, sustainable diets, and a resilient climate, right here in Richmond Hill.