IISD Mourns the Passing of Jim Leslie
Institute president pays tribute to Business Trust leader
WINNIPEG — On September 10, Jim Leslie, President of the IISD Business Trust, died at the age of 63 while hiking in Banff, Alberta.
The following is a statement from David Runnalls, President and CEO of the International Institute for Sustainable Development:
"It is with great sorrow that we mourn the death of our longtime colleague and friend, Jim Leslie. As President of the IISD Business Trust, Jim played a critical role in the advancement of our work with corporate partners around the world. While Interim Director of our Climate Change strategic objective, he freely contributed his expertise and experience as IISD sought to develop a very solid program of climate change activities.
We will miss Jim greatly. His gentle wit was ever present, never malicious. He was a consummate professional whose work, by virtue of its quality, contributed to the cause of sustainable development. He was a team player who shared his energies on major, institute-wide matters such has strategic planning and our examination of innovation. We treasured his expertise and enthusiasm.
But we will remember him best as a superb human being. We will miss him greatly in the months and years ahead. Our thoughts are with Jim's wife, Marjorie, and the Leslie family."
Jim Leslie - Biography
Jim Leslie completed his BSc in Civil Engineering and later received an MBA while working as a management consultant in the energy industry and other areas for over two decades. He served as a senior officer with TransAlta Utilities Corporation, including three years as the Senior Vice-President, Sustainable Development from 1994 until he joined IISD in 1997. Jim Leslie lived and worked in Calgary.
About IISD
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. Our work inspires better decisions and sparks meaningful action to help people and the planet thrive. We shine a light on what can be achieved when governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities come together. IISD’s staff of more than 250 experts come from across the globe and from many disciplines. With offices in Winnipeg, Geneva, Ottawa, and Toronto, our work affects lives in nearly 100 countries.
You might also be interested in
Carbon Offset Deals and the Risks of “Green Grabbing”
Governments must ensure land-based investments for carbon removal respect the access and tenure rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
New report: Oil and gas phase-out primer
World leaders agreed to transition away from fossil fuels at COP 28, in a new report IISD experts break down what next steps are needed to put this commitment into action.
Oil and gas emissions on the rise again: a federal emissions cap is our best chance to rein them in
The latest national inventory report shows that greenhouse gas emissions in Canada's oil and gas sector are still rising, now accounting for 31 per cent of the country's total. While emissions in the rest of the economy have fallen by 13 per cent since 2005, emissions from oil and gas production have gone up by 11 per cent. The data leaves no doubt that more must be done to address emissions from our highest emitting sector if we hope to reach the national target of 40-45 per cent emissions reduction by 2030.
Canadian Youth Head to Bali for World's Largest Water Forum
Canadian youth join experts in Bali this month for the 10th annual World Water Forum.