Dr. Kate Moran is a Canadian ocean engineer and climate science leader known for her deep-sea research and big-picture thinking. She’s the President and CEO of Ocean Networks Canada, where she oversees high-tech ocean observatories that collect real-time data from Canada’s coasts to help understand everything from earthquakes to climate change. With a background in civil and ocean engineering, Kate has led Arctic drilling expeditions, advised the White House on ocean and climate policy, and played a role in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response. She’s passionate about using science and technology to protect our oceans and planet—and was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2023 for her work. Whether she’s leading a team beneath the waves or speaking out on climate action, she’s helping shape a smarter, more resilient future. We sat down with Kate to better understand the state of the ocean, the climate, and scientific research in the era of mass disruption.
What do you think?
- What did you learn from our discussion with one the world’s leading climate scientists?
- What skills or qualities do you think Dr. Moran needed to succeed as a scientist and leader?
- Do you better understand the interconnectedness of science and technology?
- What do you think are some exciting future possibilities for ocean science and technology?
- Why do you think scientists like Dr. Moran are important voices in conversations about climate policy?
- If you could design an ocean research project, what would you want to study and why?
- Do you better appreciate the threats posed by climate change? And do you see an opportunity for Canada to step forward and use science and technology to tackle climate change?
- What of the choices facing our nation? Should we prioritize the environment or the economy? Or is that a false choice, as Kate argued?