Experts: National Climate Strategy
“With the wind at his back from Paris and a fresh mandate from Canadians, Mr. Trudeau meets provincial and territorial leaders in Vancouver this week to pursue a national climate strategy.” (The Globe and Mail)
Lea Berrang-Ford, Department of Geography, McGill University
"It is great to see Canada finally taking more assertive action on climate change after years of lagging behind and lack of leadership. Canada is on the front lines of climate change impacts, and our national climate strategy cannot focus only on mitigation (reducing emissions), but must include a national adaptation framework (how to deal with and prepare for impacts). Other comparable nations already have adaptation strategies. It is time for Canada to catch up."—Lea Berrang-Ford
She's interested among other things by tracking climate change adaptation, climate change impacts on disease propagation and indigenous health adaptation to climate change.
lea.berrangford [at] mcgill.ca (English, French)
Catherine Potvin, Department of Biology, McGill University
Dr Potvin is the force beyond a network of scholars from across Canada, Sustainable Canada Dialogues, that drafted a climate action plan for the country released in March 2015. The scholars have argued that immediately beginning the transition to a low-carbon society this will bring opportunities for stimulating businesses and social innovations while improving livelihoods. They called for a massive investment in renewable energies.
For more information, Acting on Climate Change: Solutions from Canadian Scholars.
catherine.potvin [at] mcgill.ca. She's in Quebec City until Wednesday, and in Montreal Thursday and Friday. (English, French)
James Ford, Department of Geography and Climate Change Adaptation Research Group, McGill University
"This is an important development but it is essential that we also focus on adaptation alongside reducing greenhouse gases. The climate is already changing and having impacts across Canada and we need to prepare for future climate change induced disruptions."—James Ford
He's interested in climate change vulnerability and adaptation, with a specific focus on indigenous populations (especially Inuit), and global scale adaptation policy.
James.ford [at] mcgill.ca. He's available all week except Friday. (English)
Adaptation tracking for a post-2015 climate agreement, Nature Climate Change (October 23, 2015)
Dror Etzion, Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University
“It is fortuitous that these meetings are being held in Vancouver. Since 2008, British Columbia has implemented a carbon tax that is a global model for successful carbon pricing worldwide. It has reduced per capita emissions by nearly 20% , and the province has fared slightly better economically than other Canadian provinces over the same time period. This successful Canadian precedent should inform the meetings over the days ahead.” —Dror Etzion
He's an expert on sustainable enterprise, corporate environmental performance, sustainability and competitive strategy.
dror.etzion [at] mcgill.ca (English)
Christopher Barrington-Leigh, Institute for Health and Social Policy & McGill School of Environment, and Department of Economics
"Canada can no longer target or control its emissions at the national level, since one or two provinces are part of an international cap with California. Additionally: I will be looking for the rate at which the price (minimum) is set to rise, and the time horizon over which it is promised. The starting value is not very important, in comparison."—Christopher Barrington-Leigh
He's interested in carbon pricing (in Quebec, elsewhere in Canada, and internationally) and in renewable energy options in Canada.
chris.barrington-leigh [at] mcgill.ca (English, French)
Guillaume Lord, PhD student, Department of Economics, McGill University
"A minimum national carbon price and funding for research in clean technologies are essential features of a successful plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."—Guillaume Lord
He can discuss how to foster participation and compliance on climate change, and how smart treaty design can be used to neutralize perverse economic incentives.
guillaume.lord [at] mcgill.ca. Available this week, except March 2 from 2-8 PM. (English, French)
