Global Change, Global Opportunity

Global change, global opportunity

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[mk_dropcaps style=”simple-style”]M[/mk_dropcaps]ORE THAN 75 PER CENT of people across Canada share an opinion that we can build our energy sector while protecting the environment. This is according to a new national survey by Nanos Research, commissioned for the University of Ottawa’s Positive Energy Conference in March. Almost two thirds of respondents supported or somewhat supported growth
of the oil and gas sector, and 93 per cent supported or somewhat supported growth in renewables. But given the choice, just over two thirds of respondents supported prioritizing environmental protection, even if it causes slower economic growth and some job loss.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][mk_image src=”https://energy-exchange.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Select.jpg” image_width=”800″ image_height=”600″ crop=”true” lightbox=”true” frame_style=”simple” target=”_self” title=”Ellen Pekilis, executive director, Energy Exchange” caption_location=”inside-image” align=”right” margin_bottom=”10″ desc=”DAVE STARRETT / CANADIAN GEOGRAPHIC”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row fullwidth=”false” attached=”true” padding=”0″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]So how do we move forward from here to achieve balanced and responsible resource development with robust environmental protection? In this issue, we explore the role of energy in the context of a national strategic vision. From the ground up to the top down, people across Canada are taking action on our energy future. We have so much to learn — both at home and abroad — when it comes to energy.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]In this edition, we will take you from Manitoba, where Aki Energy is using geothermal energy to build a path to community development and resilience for First Nations, to Calgary, Alberta, where Bruce Gao and Matt Privman created SimplySolar, a free app to optimize the efficiency of solar panels. Their idea, sparked at an orphanage in China, is having an impact around world. These are just a few of the people across Canada with vision driving the change they wish to see (“It begins with an idea”). Opening our lens a little wider, we highlight communities across Canada that are taking action on energy, whether it’s changing the lights or retrofitting a power plant (“On the home front”).[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider size=”40″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][mk_blockquote style=”line-style” font_family=”none” text_size=”22″ align=”left”]

From the ground up to the top down, people across Canada are taking action on our energy future.

[/mk_blockquote][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]At the national level, an energy strategy has been a sticking point for years. In our Q&A, Jean Charest identifies some key issues in the national dialogue where carbon pricing, increased need for environmental management and a growing recognition of the roles and rights of indigenous peoples are coming to the fore. In “The next national dream,” we consider whether the emerging alignment between Ontario, Quebec and Alberta is enough to drive momentum toward a national energy strategy on the political stage.

To understand how we fit into a shifting global reality, we explore global trends in energy production and consumption (“Power players,) and consider lessons learned about building a clear national vision funded by energy revenue that goes far beyond energy development to encompass health-care, education and culture, (“Energy is only part of the picture”). We also consider the role of the next generation in the coming energy transition (“Let’s give them something to talk about”).

As a nation flush with energy potential, Canada has faced criticism at home and internationally for failing to leverage this opportunity. This is our time to take action.

The Nanos poll tells us that people across Canada have great interest in learning more about the intersection of energy, the environment and the economy. At Energy Exchange, our mandate is to power conversations and create opportunities. So, shall we begin?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][mk_padding_divider size=”40″][mk_button dimension=”three” size=”large” outline_skin=”dark” outline_active_color=”#fff” outline_hover_color=”#333333″ bg_color=”#13bdd2″ text_color=”light” url=”/resources/energy-exchange-magazine/issue-4/” target=”_self” align=”left” fullwidth=”true” margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”15″ animation=”fade-in”]Read more stories from the Summer 2015 issue of Energy Exchange magazine[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]