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FINDING SUSTAINABLE PATHWAYS

OUR PROCESS

Our process helps Canada achieve sustainable development solutions that integrate environmental and economic considerations to ensure the lasting prosperity and well-being of our nation.

RESEARCH

We rigorously research and conduct high quality analysis on issues of sustainable development. Our thinking is original and thought provoking.

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We convene opinion leaders and experts from across Canada around our table to share their knowledge and diverse perspectives. We stimulate debate and integrate polarities. We create a context for possibilities to emerge.

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We generate ideas and provide realistic solutions to advise governments, Parliament and Canadians. We proceed with resolve and optimism to bring Canada’s economy and environment closer together.

Home / Wedge Advisory Note – Index / Wedge Advisory Note – Endnotes

Wedge Advisory Note – Endnotes

Advice on a Long-term Strategy on Energy and Climate Change

Endnotes

 1 The following section is based on the paper “Energy Related Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Canada in 2050-A Low Emission Scenario”. Prepared by ICF International for the NRTEE.  2 CO2 equivalent signifies “carbon dioxide equivalent.” While carbon dioxide itself comprises most energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, there are also emissions of methane and nitrous oxide from the production and consumption of fossil fuels. To facilitate analysis and comparison, the relative effectiveness of these other gases in causing global warming can be used to express emissions of these gases in terms of the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide it would take to cause the same amount of global warming. For example, with the generally accepted convention used here, a tonne of methane emissions is equivalent to 21 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and a tonne of nitrous oxide emissions equate to 310 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, or 310 tonnes CO2 equivalent.  3 “Stabilization Wedges: Solving the Climate Problem for the Next Fifty Years with Current Technology”, Science, Vol. 305, 13 August 2004, pp.968-972  4 The oil and gas sector is examined separately in this study.