British Columbia is entering a new phase of climate policy that requires strong evidence, practical solutions, and closer collaboration between researchers and government. To support this work, the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) has appointed economist Dr. Nancy Olewiler and climate policy leader Dr. Mark Zacharias as Climate Fellows.
Through their fellowships, Olewiler and Zacharias will support research, collaboration, and policy engagement to advance climate solutions in British Columbia, specifically renewed ambition that supports B.C.’s longstanding leadership on climate policy and action.
“Both Nancy and Mark bring deep experience in climate policy and applied research that can support it,” says PICS Executive Director Ian Mauro. “Their guidance will strengthen the connections between research, policy, and practice that are essential to advancing effective climate solutions in British Columbia.”
Meet the Climate Fellows
Nancy Olewiler
Dr. Nancy Olewiler is an economist and Professor Emerita in the School of Public Policy at Simon Fraser University. Her research focuses on policy related to natural resources, energy, climate, and regulation and risk. She has published widely in academic journals, edited books, produced reports for governments, and authored two widely used textbooks.
Olewiler also co-leads the PICS-funded research project Building Climate Resilient Solutions in Rural and Remote Communities in B.C., which works with researchers, organizations, and communities to co-develop practical climate solutions for rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across the province.
She has served on numerous boards of directors, including BC Hydro, Powertech, TransLink, the Pembina Institute, Technical Safety BC, and the Institute for Research on Public Policy. She is past co-chair of the B.C. Climate Solutions Council, chairs the Macroeconomic Accounts Advisory Committee for Statistics Canada, and serves on the board of Genome BC.
At PICS, Olewiler will advise on climate mitigation policy priorities, research design, and partnerships that support the development and implementation of climate policy in British Columbia.
“This is a critical moment for B.C. as the province works to strengthen its climate policies while supporting people and communities through the transition to a low-carbon economy. Through this fellowship with PICS, I’m grateful to continue to help British Columbians define and follow their paths to sustainable, safe, and successful futures.”
— Nancy Olewiler, PICS Climate Fellow
Mark Zacharias
Dr. Mark Zacharias is an adjunct professor in the University of Victoria’s School of Public Administration and the past president of Clean Energy Canada, a national climate and clean energy think tank and a fellow at SFU’s Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue. He also recently joined UVic’s Centre for Global Studies as an associate fellow.
Before joining Clean Energy Canada, Zacharias spent 25 years in the British Columbia public service, where he held several senior roles including deputy minister of environment and climate change strategy, as well as assistant deputy minister positions across natural resources, education, and innovation portfolios.
He has published extensively, including the books Marine Policy: An Introduction to Governance and International Law of the Oceans and Marine Conservation Ecology, and is currently one of Business in Vancouver’s 500 most influential business leaders in British Columbia.
Through his fellowship with PICS, Zacharias will contribute expertise on climate policy, governance, and the clean energy transition. His work will help strengthen connections between research and public policy.
“There is a clear need for rigorous, independent research that helps decision-makers understand the trade-offs, opportunities, and pathways for reducing emissions while supporting jobs and economic growth. PICS and its university network are well positioned to generate that evidence and inform the next phase of climate policy in B.C. I appreciate this opportunity to work with PICS and its research network to move this work forward.”
— Mark Zacharias, PICS Climate Fellow
