Category Archives: Research

Reference 2 – Life Cycle Approaches – Research

September 8, 2011

Our research will focus on understanding the Government of Canada’s roles and responsibilities regarding the use of LCA in its internal operations and its use in the private sector, for the purpose of environmental sustainability and economic prosperity. We will research the current use of LCAs in the public and private sectors, as well as internationally, identify and explore barriers and opportunities related to its uptake.

Reference 1 – Federal, Provincial and Territorial Climate Change Plans – Research

Our research on climate policies will be conducted in two steps. The first step will be to describe the current and planned provincial and territorial plans and policies with regards to reducing GHG emissions, and to assess the expected emissions reductions from these policies. The second step will be to assess how provincial and territorial policies complement the federal approach. In other words, are there overlaps and gaps in the approaches of the two levels of government?

Governance

Oil Sands: From Debate to Dialogue – Research

August 30, 2011

Canadians need a serious national dialogue now on how to sustainably develop and manage future growth in Canada’s oil sands. What is currently taking place is a debate, rather than a dialogue, with strongly opposing positions firmly entrenched on all sides. Recognizing that the current debate is not likely to lead to constructive outcomes, a different approach is necessary – one that engages representative interests directly in developing agreed upon solutions. We researched how that could be done.

Governance

Progress Through Process: Achieving Sustainable Development Together – Research

Seized with this challenge, the NRT and the Public Policy Forum joined forces to explore how new collaborative governance engagement processes can lead to better sustainable development policies in Canada.  We considered case studies showing how collaborative governance involving citizens and stakeholders has worked. Sustainable development means that economic, social and environmental goals can be…

Governance

The NRT’s Response to its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol Implementation Act – Research

Every year, the NRT assesses the likelihood of the Plan’s emissions reductions being achieved by examining the modelling assumptions and forecasts.  We consider the Plan overall, as well as individual measures and actions to see how they add up.  In its 2007 Response to its obligations under the KPIA, the NRTEE developed an analytical framework…

Water

Changing Currents: Water Sustainability and the Future of Canada’s Natural Resource Sectors – Research

The NRT is conducting a two-year program on Water Sustainability and the Future of Canada’s Natural Resource Sectors examining the relationship between water and the forestry, mining, agricultural, and energy sectors. The Phase I report, entitled “Changing Currents”, was released in June 2010 and examined principal water uses by Canada’s natural resource sectors and identified key water issues. Phase II, which will be released at the end of 2011, undertook research into the potential solutions to these issues.

Climate

Framing the Future: Embracing the Low-Carbon Economy – Research

August 17, 2011

This research aims to identify what the opportunities are, where they reside and how they should be harnessed in terms of investment, governance structures and mechanisms, and policies related to energy and emissions, innovation, trade, and labour markets. We will provide a national, regional and sectoral perspective.

Climate

Policy Pathway Report for Climate Impacts and Adaptation – Research

Consistent with our national mandate, our aim is to produce a report with wide applicability to Canadian industry. We need to make a business case for company investment in adaptation, while seizing the commercial opportunities emerging with a changing climate. Interpreting climate forecasts, climate change impacts information, and using decision support tools to assess and quantify risk and opportunity will all be crucial from business to adapt and prosper.

Climate

The Economic Impacts of Climate Change for Canada – Research

The NRT conducted original and innovative research based on established economic modelling approaches to determine the economic costs of climate change to Canada. Four future scenarios help us tell the story of the economic risks and uncertainties associated with rising global emissions. We then considered how adaptation can help reduce the economic impacts with studies on timber supply, coastal areas, and human health. Our research and findings were reviewed by experts throughout the process.