Can governments promise a just energy transition in Canada?

When governments talk about a just transition, they are expressing a desire to design climate change policies with energy workers in mind. As governments promise that no workers will be left behind as the world acts on climate change, are they making false promises? Does the phrase give policymakers and activists permission to ignore some of the real costs of action on climate change? There will be a transition, but there is no guarantee it will be just. In the first of three Max Bell Lectures drawn from his book Between Doom and Denial, Andrew Leach examines this and other lies, half-truths, and easy soundbites that define Canadian climate change debates in conversation with Heather Scoffield.

Economic ideas for a stronger Canada

Canada needs better policies to address today’s economic challenges, and that starts with bold discourse. The McGill Max Bell Lectures focus on the analysis, balance, and practicality needed to plan for a more prosperous future.

The 2023 lectures are drawn from Between Doom and Denial: Facing Facts About Climate Change by economist, writer, and University of Alberta professor Andrew Leach. Attendees will receive a copy of the associated book!

"The truth is that we do have a climate change problem, we will continue to use fossil fuels (at least for the foreseeable future), we are already seeing dramatic changes in our energy systems, and some people inevitably will be left behind. We have the tools to make a real difference, argues Andrew Leach, but big questions remain. Are we up to the challenge? And can we be honest with ourselves about what the energy transition really means for Canada?"