Search Climate Insights Directory

This report by RMI provides a decarbonization roadmap for the film and TV industry to transition from diesel generators to clean mobile power solutions, including solar, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and hydrogen power units (HPUs). It analyzes the technical requirements of production sets, identifies systemic barriers to adoption, and proposes coordinated strategies for studios, suppliers, and manufacturers to scale zero-emissions power.

This policy brief by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) outlines a strategy for decarbonizing Canada's building sector to reach net-zero emissions. It emphasizes the need for deep energy retrofits of the existing residential housing stock, the adoption of higher building code standards, and the implementation of innovative financing to address high upfront costs and energy poverty.

This report by RMI evaluates the potential for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and storage by integrating biomass residue building products into the construction industry. It estimates that using these materials could remove 3.6 Gt CO2 by 2050 and avert an additional 16.5 Gt CO2 in emissions. The document also discusses the role of mass timber and active forest management in stabilizing forest carbon, while outlining the policy and technical barriers to scaling these solutions.

The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) and 35 partner organizations issued a statement calling for the elimination of fossil fuel sponsorship and advertising in British Columbia's municipal politics, specifically targeting the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention.

This report provides a baseline gendered analysis of employment and skills within Canada's large-scale mining sector. It examines the underrepresentation of women, gender pay gaps, and systemic barriers such as discrimination and harassment, while offering policy recommendations to increase the representation and retention of women in the industry.

The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) submitted recommendations to the Government of Canada for the National Adaptation Strategy (NAS), emphasizing the need to integrate a planetary health lens to protect physical and mental health against climate change.

This report outlines the necessity and pathways for electrifying heating in Canada's commercial and institutional (C&I) buildings to meet 2050 net-zero targets. It argues that electricity's share of C&I heating must rise from under 15% to at least 75% by 2050. The document identifies key barriers—including cheap natural gas and financing gaps—and proposes five catalysts: near-term planning, integrated utility regulation, aligned power supply planning, building performance standards, and innovative public-private financing.

This report advocates for the rapid electrification of heating in Canada's commercial and institutional buildings to meet 2050 net-zero targets. It argues that electricity's share of heating must rise from under 15% to at least 75% by 2050. To overcome barriers like low natural gas prices and high capital costs, the report proposes five catalysts: short-term corporate action plans, updated regulatory mandates for utilities, harmonized energy planning, building performance standards, and new public-private financing models.

This report by the Electrifying Canada task force outlines the necessity and pathways for electrifying medium- and heavy-duty vehicle (MHDV) fleets in Canada to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. It identifies key barriers—such as vehicle supply, charging infrastructure, and financing—and proposes four catalysts to accelerate adoption: near-term corporate planning, proactive utility alignment, government ZEV mandates, and innovative public-private financing.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), on behalf of the 'Électrifier le Canada' working group, outlines strategies to accelerate the electrification of medium- and heavy-duty vehicle (MHDV) fleets in Canada to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

This research paper explores the multi-dimensional challenges and pathways toward achieving sustainable urban development. It examines the historical evolution of global urban policy, the disparate needs between the Global North and Global South, the role of various governmental and non-governmental actors, and emerging trends such as nature-based solutions and inclusive planning.

This fact sheet details the inaugural green bond issuance by QuadReal Property Group on July 24, 2020, which raised CAD 350 million (USD 268 million) to fund eligible green projects including green buildings, renewable energy, and clean transportation.

A fact sheet detailing a USD 65 million green bond issuance by Washington State University on July 16, 2019, used to refund and refinance LEED-certified buildings.

The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) submitted a statement to the City of Edmonton on February 10, 2019, urging the city to strengthen its Integrated Pest Management (IPM) policy. CAPE argues that the current policy fails to adequately address human health risks, particularly for children, and recommends a formal policy to eliminate the routine use of toxic pesticides in city-managed spaces and the enactment of a bylaw to restrict non-essential pesticide use on residential and private properties.

This guide by the Stockholm Environment Institute explains how local governments can estimate consumption-based greenhouse gas emissions inventories (CBEIs) to understand the full carbon footprint of their communities, including emissions generated outside city borders.

The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) submitted a briefing to the City of Calgary in December 2018, arguing that the city's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan is insufficient to protect public health. CAPE recommends that the City of Calgary eliminate the routine use of toxic pesticides in city-managed spaces and enact a municipal bylaw restricting non-essential pesticide use on residential and private lawns.

A letter from global health professionals to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urging the re-evaluation of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion (TMX) due to inadequate health and climate risk assessments.

This briefing note by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) tracks progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8)—focused on inclusive economic growth and decent work—within Canadian cities. Using five indicators derived from Statistics Canada data, the document analyzes trends in GDP per capita, GDP per employed person, median income, unemployment rates, and youth unemployment from the 1990s through 2016.

The Carbon-Free City Handbook: Electricity is a guide by RMI that outlines strategies for cities to transition to carbon-free renewable energy. It emphasizes a two-step process: committing to 100 percent renewable energy targets and implementing comprehensive action plans. The document details four specific actions: upgrading to smart LED streetlighting, creating electric districts by removing fossil-fuel infrastructure, installing municipal solar PV, and securing renewable energy supplies through mechanisms like power purchase agreements.

The Carbon-Free City Handbook: Biological Resources is a guide by RMI that outlines three primary actions for cities to manage biological resources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions: organic waste diversion, urban forestry, and the promotion of plant-based diets.