Re-Energizing Canada
Oil and gas have shaped Canada’s past—but that doesn’t necessarily mean they will be its future.
As the world faces tough questions about energy security and affordability amid mounting pressure for climate action, Canada urgently needs to have a frank conversation about the future of its energy sector. Without concrete steps to reduce Canada’s dependence on oil and gas and invest in a prosperous future, damaging economic impacts will be felt across the country.
Emerging market forces in favour of ever-cheaper renewable energy, coupled with the global response to climate change, will decimate demand for oil and gas. At the same time, oil and gas prices are increasingly volatile. From a climate perspective, the science is clear that the world has no real choice but to end new oil and gas exploration now while rapidly addressing remaining production.
This research project will shine a light on practical strategies for Canada to mitigate the risk of stranded assets, maintain economic stability, and protect Canadian workers and communities while facilitating the transition to secure, affordable, and reliable clean energy.
Over the course of this multi-year project and publications series, IISD will aim to answer the following questions:
- What is the outlook for oil and gas in Canada?
- What does a fair, feasible, and prosperous energy future look like in Canada?
- Which policy pathways will get Canada there?
By facing these challenges head-on, Canada can build a more competitive and resilient economy for all while simultaneously increasing its climate ambition.
The Bottom Line: Unpacking the future of Canada's oil & gas
This research series digs into the complex oil and gas questions facing policymakers as they assess Canada's place in future energy markets.
Why Carbon Capture and Storage Is Not a Net-Zero Solution for Canada’s Oil and Gas Sector
Canada's oil and gas sector regards carbon capture as the primary solution for lowering its emissions—but a careful analysis of the evidence reveals major risks in relying on and funding this technology.
Why Canada Is Unlikely to Sell the Last Barrel of Oil
As new technologies and climate policies eat into global demand for oil, this investigation finds that Canadian producers face existential threats that will require bold government policy to diversify the country's economy.
Why Government Support for Decarbonizing Oil and Gas Is a Bad Investment
A close look at the value of government support for decarbonizing Canada's oil and gas sector finds that public dollars are spent more effectively on readily available and proven low-carbon technologies.
Why Canada’s Energy Security Hinges on Renewables
This deep dive into the evidence shows investing in clean, flexible, and reliable electricity grids is the best option to increase Canadians' energy security, particularly long-term affordability.
Why Canada Needs to Plan for a Steep Decline in Global Oil Demand
This analysis demonstrates that Canada can expect global oil demand to permanently decline in the very near term, as electric vehicle uptake and other societal changes pick up speed.
Why Canadian Liquefied Natural Gas Is Not the Answer for the European Union’s Short-Term Energy Needs
This investigation shows that Canadian LNG infrastructure would come too late to address Europe’s energy security needs and offer little benefit to Canada’s economy.
In the Media
Reality check: exporting Canadian LNG won’t help Europe but will hurt Canada’s economy
If oil and gas companies aren't cutting emissions at peak profits, when will they get in the game?
Canada needs to plan for a steep decline in oil demand, or risk getting left behind
Feds should not waste their $15-billion Canada Growth Fund on carbon capture for oil
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