Robert Davies is the President and Chair of the Board of Directors for Environmental Defence. In addition to the many years of commitment and support through his volunteer work with EDC, he has been practising architecture in Toronto for over 30 years and is a Principal at Montgomery Sisam Architects. Robert knows all too well how important it is to design buildings to be sustainable in a fragile world undergoing profound environmental change.
Turning 30 is a big milestone. In your 20s, you learn some key life lessons. By 30, you’ve really come into your own. You know who you are. You’re poised and ready for the next chapter.
When Environmental Defence began 30 years ago, we had a bold vision and big dreams. But, we could have never imagined the tremendous progress we would make for the environment and human health in Canada.
When we look back at our many successes, some big ones stand out. We have helped preserve nearly two million acres of agricultural land and green space in Ontario’s Greenbelt; we moved companies to remove harmful toxic chemicals like BPA and Triclosan from everyday products; the Blue Flag is now flying high at 24 beaches and four marinas across Canada ensuring our shorelines are clean and safe; and we’re encouraging a transition away from dirty fossil fuels and towards a clean economy, with the creation of Ontario’s Green Energy Act.
At thirty years old, we’ve found our stride spearheading smart, practical, and impactful campaigns that lock-in environmental gains. We don’t just talk about making a difference. We work to make change possible.
We couldn’t have done it without our partners: individual Canadians, foundations and businesses who have donated to our cause and made our work possible. Thank you for all of your support today and over the years. All of our successes are because of you.
We couldn’t have done it without our allies: concerned citizens, grassroots groups, First Nations, lawyers, scientists, advocates and governments have all worked side-by-side with us to protect our environment and human health.
And, we couldn’t have done it without the dedicated and passionate staff that make-up Environmental Defence. Over the years, we’ve worked with a fantastic team – people who are devoted to making a difference every day. Take a minute to meet the team behind the issues in this video!
The first 30 years have been a fantastic journey. And we can’t wait to see where the road will lead us in the next 30 years.
We’re building a future we’re proud to pass on to our children and grandchildren. And we look forward to continuing to work together to create an environmental legacy the next generations will be proud of.
Happy 30th birthday Environmental Defence!
Bob Davies
