Interventions for
rapid global change
Interventions for Rapid Global Change
The Cascade Institute is a Canadian research centre addressing converging global crises. We analyze complex global systems to anticipate future crises and identify high-leverage interventions to rapidly shift humanity’s course.
RESEARCH, NEWS, AND ViEWS
A hub for the growing polycrisis community
Megan Shipman and Scott Janzwood
The Cascade Institute has launched a new website, Polycrisis.org, to serve as a hub for a more inclusive polycrisis community to converge around a rough consensus on priorities for research and action.
Let’s avoid ‘trigger fixation’
Michael Lawrence and Thomas Homer-Dixon
A trigger event can’t start a crisis by itself; some underlying stress or stresses must also be operating. Our leaders should pay far more attention to these stresses, because they’re ultimately far more important.
Deep Geothermal Superpower: Canada’s potential for a breakthrough in enhanced geothermal systems
Ian Graham, Ellen Quigley, Scott Janzwood, and Thomas Homer-Dixon
This opportunity analysis makes the case that Canada can and should become the global leader in ultra-deep geothermal electricity production.
Global polycrisis: The causal mechanisms of crisis entanglement
Michael Lawrence, Thomas Homer-Dixon, Scott Janzwood, Johan Rockström, Ortwin Renn, and Jonathan F. Donges
This paper defines the concept of global polycrisis, highlights its value-added in comparison to related concepts, and provides a theoretical framework to explain causal mechanisms currently entangling many of the world’s crises.
Mapping the global systemic consequences of the Ukraine-Russia War
Systems map by Michael Lawrence
A systems diagram charting the knock-on effects of the Ukraine-Russia War — and the vicious cycles that are emerging from them.
Every politically feasible pathway to net-zero requires a technological breakthrough
National Observer article by Scott Janzwood
Distrust of new technology runs deep in the climate movement. But we don’t have the critical green technologies we need to get us to net-zero by 2050 — and assuming we do is wishful thinking.
Public policy and the polycrisis
Video featuring Thomas Homer-Dixon
A discussion about the public policy implications of the polycrisis at the Canada School of Public Service’s Deputy Minister’s breakfast.
14 lessons for social movement success
Amy Janzwood
This brief summarizes lessons from the academic literature for building successful social movements. It outlines several core insights with an eye on their practical application for social movements, advocacy campaigns, and their supporters.
‘Trigger fixation’ and trauma in the midst of global wildfires
Video featuring Scott Janzwood
Royal Roads President Philip Steenkamp speaks with the Cascade Institute’s Research Director, Scott Janzwood, who says we need to overcome our fixation on wildfire triggers, like lightning or irresponsible campers. Instead, he stresses the importance of looking at the underlying reasons for the increased frequency and intensity we’re seeing across the country.
