It’s that time again! Edmonton’s NextGen is currently accepting presentation submissions for Pecha Kucha Night 22 to be held on June 11, 2015 in Louise McKinney Park. It’s outdoors – come rain or come shine. And this is Edmonton so maybe pack a blanket to sit on AND an umbrella, just in case!

This is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for! That inspiring idea you’ve been excited about needs to be shared at the next Pecha Kucha, with 500 of Edmonton’s most supportive and engaged young people. Since starting, we’ve seen more than 200 presentations covering a wide range of topics. To see some of our past presenters, check out these recap blog posts from Pecha Kucha 19 and 20.

We know you’re interested, so submit your amazing idea to us using our super convenient online form. The submission deadline is May 14 and selection process will happen in the following week. And while you’re waiting to hear back from us, you can prepare yourself by checking out our 10 steps to a great Pecha Kucha presentation.

What is Pecha Kucha?

Drawing its name from the Japanese term for “the sound of chit chat”, Pecha Kucha Night was devised by Tokyo’s Klein Dytham Architecture in February 2003 as a venue for young designers to meet, network, exchange ideas and discuss their work in public. It rests on a presentation format that is based on a simple idea: 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds, for a total presentation length of six minutes and 40 seconds. Why this format you ask? It keeps presentations concise, fast-paced and entertaining.

For more information, visit pechakucha.org

City Council has been deliberating the changes that make up the Energy Transition Strategy since an updated revision of the report was reviewed in March. The report outlines the economic, demographic and environmental challenges the city will face in the next 35 years if no change occurs in current energy policies.

Edmonton’s environmental strategic plan The Way We Green has already identified climate change and energy management as the city’s main environmental concerns. The Energy Transition Strategy proposes courses of action to address the growing demand for energy as our city expands in the context of these environmental issues. There are changes and policies outlined for businesses, individual households, transportation and growth. Public education and “energy literate citizens” are central to the program’s implementation. Discussion continues about energy efficiency in our buildings, and ways alternative energy can be used in new development. Subsidies for solar panels, maximizing the use of our electric grid and increasing density in mature neighborhoods are also on the table. 

The report states that these changes are necessary for a more stable environmental and economic future, as the province’s wealth will not be so tied to unreplenishable natural resources. However, it also indicates that these changes will also impact the quality of life in Edmonton. Now is a great time to reach out to your City Councillor and make your voice heard about this important issue. How do you want our energy landscape to look as we venture into the future?