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.
September 16, 2022 • This discussion paper argues that the concept of “global polycrisis” provides a useful framework with which to understand and address major problems afflicting humanity today.
This opportunity analysis makes the case that Canada can and should become the global leader in ultra-deep geothermal electricity production.
March 8, 2022 • This paper calls for a research program to investigate this moment’s seemingly sharp amplification, acceleration, and synchronization of systemic risks.
January 31, 2022 • This report presents findings from the Youth Climate Values Survey, which maps out shared and divergent beliefs, priorities, and values within the Canadian youth climate movement.
April 15, 2021 • This paper shows how growing oil and gas production is impeding Canada from meeting its climate commitments, outlines how the federal government is now supporting oil and gas production growth, and recommends specific policies the federal government could adopt in the near-term to begin a phase out of oil and gas production.
February 23, 2021 • This paper investigates the forces constraining pension funds from taking a bolder leadership role in the net-zero carbon energy transition. It presents strategies for organizations, activists, and researchers to accelerate pension fund leadership on a timescale that is commensurate with the urgency of the climate crisis.
October 29, 2020 • This paper explores how recent advances in AI have re-opened questions around the feasibility and desirability of central economic planning. It presents a thought experiment about how an AI-directed economy might work, based on a powerful AI agent (whimsically named “Max”).
April 27, 2020 • This paper analyzes the rapid and widespread changes in attitudes and behaviours toward social distancing practices during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights how incentives and social network dynamics interact with belief systems to determine whether or not people act consistently with their underlying beliefs.
