Canada faces environmental problems that threaten stock of natural capital— endowment of natural resources such as water, forests, land, and atmosphere—and the flow of goods and services that natural capital generates, known as ecosystem services. Much of the literature focuses on climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, but many other challenges persist, including air and water pollution, risks from oil and gas extraction, water scarcity, flooding, loss of natural areas, threatened species, and toxic spills. While regulatory responses exist, their effectiveness is questionable with relatively little use of market-based instruments. The researchers focus on the challenges associated with measuring and developing policy to sustain natural capital and ecosystem services. The authors highlight problems and identify policy options and “big ideas” that may help both to improve understanding of the linkages between natural capital, ecosystem services, and human well-being and to achieve a more sustainable future.
The paper begins with some basic innovation definitions and quickly reviews evidence of the relatively weak innovation performance of Canadian business. The core of the paper develops a thesis that explains why Canadian industry, on the whole, has not emphasized innovation in its business strategies but has prospered nonetheless. This raises the question of whether Canada's low-innovation equilibrium can persist in the face of tectonic forces related to globalization, technology, and sustainability that require innovative responses from enterprises worldwide and, not least, from Canada.
The historic Paris Agreement on climate change sets the course for a fundamental transformation of the global economy over the next decades. The Agreement’s overarching goal of limiting global average temperature rise to "well below 2°C" will entail profound changes in the global energy system. Achieving the deep cuts in global carbon emissions that this vision requires is no small task given the enormous challenge of implementing – and eventually exceeding – current country climate pledges. This publication examines key sectors, technologies, and policy measures that will be central in this transition to a low-carbon energy system. It addresses the following questions:
Africa stands at the threshold of a tremendous opportunity: its economies are seeking to shift to higher productivity sectors which can boost prosperity and drive developmental goals. At the same time, the right kind of economic transformation can also ensure that Africa’s growth is sustainable and resilient in the face of the increasing impacts of climate change.
This report offers key insights for policy makers seeking to deliver better growth and a better climate in African countries. It aims to help decision-makers take stock of the region’s recent experiences and draw lessons for the future. In particular, it seeks to crystallise ideas on how to harness the forces of economic, social and environmental change to accelerate inclusive and sustainable development across the region.
For Africa to achieve this better growth, the report identifies five action areas for governments to consider as they formulate development strategies and action plans for the future. These are: