Title:
Climate Change and Transformations of Energy System in Canada
Abstract:
One of the truly dominant challenges facing mankind today is mitigation against consequences of climate change and global warming. This involves major transformations of our economic and energy systems. This is a complex challenge, requiring transformations in virtually every sector of our society.
Dr. Oskar Sigvaldason will be giving a presentation on approach and methodology developed and applied in Canada. This includes defining long-term “pathways” with associated strategies, for transforming energy systems, for satisfying increasingly stringent GHG mitigation targets. These include 30% reduction in emissions by 2030, relative to 2005 (Paris Accord - 2015), and 80% reduction by 2050 (Canada’s strategic plan presented at COP 22 meeting - 2016).
The noted approach and methodology was developed and applied in a 2 year project (Trottier Energy Futures Project), with results presented at the Trottier Energy Institute in Montreal in 2016. The study was funded by the Trottier Family Foundation, and was co-sponsored by the Canadian Academy of Engineering and the David Suzuki Foundation. The primary goal was to derive minimum cost solutions for all of Canada, and for each of its thirteen provincial and territorial jurisdictions, for the cumulative period to 2050, and beyond.
The results of the project demonstrate that enormous transformations are required in every sector of our society, for meeting globally declared emissions reduction targets. The most dramatic transformations include changes in consumption of energy related services, and in composition of our energy supply systems, including major shifts from reliance on fossil fuels, to emissions free electricity supply systems.
Bio:
Presented by Oskar Sigvaldason, Project Manager for the Trottier Energy Futures Project (TEFP).