We solve global problems

A Canadian research centre addressing urgent and entangled global problems. We anticipate future crises and identify high-leverage interventions to change humanity's course for the better.

We solve global problems

A Canadian research centre addressing urgent and entangled global problems. We anticipate future crises and identify high-leverage interventions to change humanity's course for the better.

PROGRAMS

Featured Projects

Research & Analysis

polycrisis

Global Systemic Stresses: Understanding the drivers of polycrisis

Polycrisis program

Michael Lawrence, Megan Shipman, and Chris Collins
An analysis of the longer-term systemic stresses driving the global polycrisis.
Geothermal

The Deep Heat Advantage

Geothermal program

Gordon Brasnett, Megan Eyre, and Peter Massie
A techno-economic analysis of enhanced geothermal systems in western and northwestern Canada
Canadian Flag
Democracy

Defending Canada’s Democracy: A strategic framework

Democracy program

Cascade Institute fellows and staff
An analysis of the forces destabilizing Canada's democracy and a framework for building the country’s economic and social resilience.
A collapsed block of ice-rich permafrost along Drew Point, Alaska. Coastal bluffs in this region can erode 20 meters/year (~65 feet). USGS scientists continually research the causes of major permafrost thaw and bluff retreat along the Arctic coast of Alaska. In addition, with the loss of sea ice to protect the beaches from ocean waves, salt water inundates the coastal habitats. Benjamin Jones/USGS. Public domain.
Permafrost carbon

Protecting Permafrost: Addressing the climate threat of Arctic thaw

Permafrost carbon program

Ian Graham
A report assessing the climate threat of Arctic permafrost thaw, potential interventions to address it, and related policy recommendations.
Geothermal

Artificial Intelligence and Energy Innovation: Submission to NRCAN

Geothermal Energy Office

CI-GEO staff
Applying AI to geothermal energy can unlock an abundant source of clean, secure, baseload electricity needed to power AI itself. This opens the door to a virtuous cycle akin to the steam engine and coal that sparked the industrial revolution.
polycrisis

Global Systemic Stresses: Understanding the drivers of polycrisis

Polycrisis program

Michael Lawrence, Megan Shipman, and Chris Collins
An analysis of the longer-term systemic stresses driving the global polycrisis.
Read More
Geothermal

The Deep Heat Advantage

Geothermal program

Gordon Brasnett, Megan Eyre, and Peter Massie
A techno-economic analysis of enhanced geothermal systems in western and northwestern Canada
Read More
A collapsed block of ice-rich permafrost along Drew Point, Alaska. Coastal bluffs in this region can erode 20 meters/year (~65 feet). USGS scientists continually research the causes of major permafrost thaw and bluff retreat along the Arctic coast of Alaska. In addition, with the loss of sea ice to protect the beaches from ocean waves, salt water inundates the coastal habitats. Benjamin Jones/USGS. Public domain.
Permafrost carbon

Protecting Permafrost: Addressing the climate threat of Arctic thaw

Permafrost carbon program

Ian Graham
A report assessing the climate threat of Arctic permafrost thaw, potential interventions to address it, and related policy recommendations.
Read More
Canadian Flag
Democracy

Defending Canada’s Democracy: A strategic framework

Democracy program

Cascade Institute fellows and staff
An analysis of the forces destabilizing Canada's democracy and a framework for building the country’s economic and social resilience.
Read More

News & Views

A tangled mess of tree roots

Crisis and resilience: An interview with Thomas Homer-Dixon

Scott Douglas Jacobsen

Insight Publishing

How complexity science can help us make sense of today’s interconnected global challenges.

AI disruption points to higher taxes on big tech

Christopher Collins and Matt Gerken

Investment Week

AI’s disruption of jobs will spur governments to raise taxes on Big Tech to support displaced workers.

Épave d'hélice d'avion à Resolute Bay, Nunavut (pollux / Adobe Stock)

Geothermal power is the key to cheaper energy in the Canadian Arctic

Gordon Brasnett, Leighton Gall, and Peter Massie

The Globe and Mail

To defend its sovereignty, Canada should launch Project AURORA – the Arctic Underground Research Observatory for Resource Advancement.

Geothermal

Can new tech finally wake Canada’s sleeping geothermal giant?

The National Observer

New technologies, geological know-how, and vast untapped resources are putting geothermal at Canada’s energy forefront, says an in-depth article in Canada’s National Observer.

Geothermal belongs in Canada’s industrial strategy

Emily Smejkal and Owen Henshaw

Times Colonist

Geothermal energy can meet domestic energy needs while positioning Canada as a global leader in clean energy services and technology.

Coastal erosion reveals the extent of ice-rich permafrost underlying active layer on the Arctic Coastal Plain in the Teshekpuk Lake Special Area of the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska. Credit: Brandt Meixell, USGS

Canada must lead on permafrost protection

Ian Graham and John Jensen

The National Observer

Permafrost is already thawing and that thaw is accelerating. We need to understand the challenge and start dealing with it, before it’s too late.

Would you die for Canada? Polling suggests Canadians are more willing to fight for their country

Thomas Homer-Dixon and Toby Shannan

The Globe and Mail

Polling data shows most Canadians are willing to fight to defend their country against military attack.

A tangled mess of tree roots

Crisis and resilience: An interview with Thomas Homer-Dixon

Scott Douglas Jacobsen

Insight Publishing

How complexity science can help us make sense of today’s interconnected global challenges.

Read More

AI disruption points to higher taxes on big tech

Christopher Collins and Matt Gerken

Investment Week

AI’s disruption of jobs will spur governments to raise taxes on Big Tech to support displaced workers.

Read More
Épave d'hélice d'avion à Resolute Bay, Nunavut (pollux / Adobe Stock)

Geothermal power is the key to cheaper energy in the Canadian Arctic

Gordon Brasnett, Leighton Gall, and Peter Massie

The Globe and Mail

To defend its sovereignty, Canada should launch Project AURORA – the Arctic Underground Research Observatory for Resource Advancement.

Read More
Geothermal

Can new tech finally wake Canada’s sleeping geothermal giant?

The National Observer

New technologies, geological know-how, and vast untapped resources are putting geothermal at Canada’s energy forefront, says an in-depth article in Canada’s National Observer.

Read More