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

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.
Democracy

National Service to Support Community and National Security: A preliminary outline of components, implementation, and costs

Democracy program

David Last
A policy brief prepared for the Office of the Prime Minister for the development of a National Service initiative.
Technical Paper

Groundwork: Regulatory guidelines for making Canada a geothermal powerhouse

Ultradeep Geothermal program

Emily Smejkal, Princess Sharlynne Cosalan, Stephanie Rose Cortinovis
A report identifying best practices to help Canadian provinces establish effective geothermal regulations and make Canada a global clean energy leader.
Canadian Flag
Framework

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.
Dehumanization
Working Paper

Catastrophic Dehumanization: A formal model

Polycrisis program

Thomas Homer-Dixon
A formal model that seeks to explain the causal mechanisms of sudden dehumanization in situations of extreme conflict.
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
Democracy

National Service to Support Community and National Security: A preliminary outline of components, implementation, and costs

Democracy program

David Last
A policy brief prepared for the Office of the Prime Minister for the development of a National Service initiative.
Read More
Technical Paper

Groundwork: Regulatory guidelines for making Canada a geothermal powerhouse

Ultradeep Geothermal program

Emily Smejkal, Princess Sharlynne Cosalan, Stephanie Rose Cortinovis
A report identifying best practices to help Canadian provinces establish effective geothermal regulations and make Canada a global clean energy leader.
Read More
Canadian Flag
Framework

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

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.

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.

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.

It’s time to create a new national service

David Last and Thomas Homer-Dixon

Toronto Star

New and voluntary national service programs are needed to defend Canadian sovereignty.

Geothermal

How Canada can lead now in geothermal energy innovation

Emily Smejkal

The Future Economy

Canada is uniquely positioned to lead the next-generation geothermal energy boom by leveraging its oil and gas expertise, but it must act now with bold policy, investment, and coordination to seize the trillion-dollar opportunity.

Canadian military uniforms

If you want peace, prepare for war—an ancient lesson Canada must remember

Thomas Homer-Dixon

The Globe and Mail

President Trump's threats to Canadian sovereignty demand a serious response.

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Canada’s hidden heat: How regulations can power a geothermal breakthrough

Emily Smejkal

The National Observer

Provinces should act quickly to harmonize and extend geothermal regulations across the country.

Read More