Energy: The global picture and its implications for Canada’s role in going forward

The report analyzes a global energy regime in transition, driven by energy security, economic efficiency, and climate change. It highlights a 'business as usual' scenario where primary energy demand increases by 40% by 2030, dominated by fossil fuels, versus a low-carbon growth scenario requiring US$10.5 trillion in additional investments. The document emphasizes the critical roles of the U.S. and China in shaping this transition, noting that while China leads in public green investment, the U.S. focuses on 'clean energy jobs' and reducing oil dependence. It argues that a clear carbon price signal is essential to drive the private investment needed for a systemic shift toward carbon-free technologies.

• Under a business-as-usual scenario, global primary energy demand is projected to grow by 40% between 2007 and 2030, increasing at a rate of 1.5% per year, with fossil fuels remaining the dominant energy sources.
• Achieving a low-carbon growth scenario to limit warming to 2°C and atmospheric CO2 concentrations to 450 ppm would require additional investments of approximately US$10.5 trillion by 2030.
• China has emerged as a dominant force in clean energy, investing US$221 billion in 'green' initiatives through its stimulus program and accounting for 47% of global hard coal production.
• The United States is framing its clean energy transition around job creation and energy security, specifically aiming to reduce dependence on oil from OPEC sources through investments in biofuels, nuclear, wind, solar, and 'clean coal'.
• Eliminating inefficient fossil fuel subsidies in the 20 largest subsidizing developing countries could potentially reduce global emissions by 10% by 2050.
• A systemic transformation of the global energy system requires a clear and rising carbon price to incentivize private sector investment and the adoption of carbon-free technologies.

APA

Gass, P., & Drexhage, J. (2010). Energy: The global picture and its implications for Canada’s role in going forward. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/banff_dialogue_energy_canada.pdf

Chicago

Gass, Philip, and John Drexhage. Energy: The global picture and its implications for Canada’s role in going forward. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2010. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/banff_dialogue_energy_canada.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Gass |first1=Philip |last2=Drexhage |first2=John |title=Energy: The global picture and its implications for Canada’s role in going forward |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=2010 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/banff_dialogue_energy_canada.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{gass2010energy, author = {Gass, Philip and Drexhage, John}, title = {{Energy: The global picture and its implications for Canada’s role in going forward}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2010}, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/banff_dialogue_energy_canada.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }