crc blog feed

In The shareable future of cities, Alex Steffen is challenging us to keep asking questions, and take a look at solving climate change in a novel ways. He argues that it’s possible that concentrating all our efforts solely on the transition from fossil fuel generation to clean energy alternatives may in fact be setting us up for failure. He explains: “We live in a planet that is rapidly urbanizing…by mid-century there could be 8 billion or more people living in cities or within a day’s travel of one”.

In this recent video, Naomi Klein makes a compelling case: that recent economic and environment events, which have led us to a transitory stage in our development, should be interpreted not as obstacles, so much as they should be seen as opportunities. Just a few of the ideas she mentions include:

Following France's leadership from COP21, it is 'paving' the way in road innovation. The country is planning to provide power to millions of homes with the implementation of a technology called Wattway. The polycrystalline panels that will make up an innovative new road surface will transform solar energy into electricity, ostensibly turning existing infrastructure into an excellent opportunity for clean energy integration. The impact is minimal, as the panels themselves measure just 7mm thick and can be laid atop existing roadways.

The Alberta government recently announced its plan for a 5.5 million dollar investment in solar power for both municipalities and farms. The plan will fund incentives in the form of rebates, to encourage more solar installations in municipal infrastructure. With 500,000 dollars earmarked for the On-Farm Solar Management program, they’re looking to provide long term energy stability for the agricultural sector.

I had the privilege of participating in a celebration of life for Maurice Strong two weeks ago in Ottawa. Maurice had helped me out of a political situation over twenty years ago, which subsequently put me on my academic path. Three days ago I learned that a friend and former professor of mine had died, Dr. Jim MacKenzie.

What changes we have made to the planet in such a short period of time.

I try to blog mostly on the positive side of the ledger, but also mindful of how difficult it is to realize changes of the magnitude that are needed to significantly reduce greenhous gas emissions in my lifetime and transition to a carbon neutral economy by 2050. Yet, I believe it is doable, and perhaps even by 2030, if only our governments will lead.

Japan is tackling its land shortage in a smart way, with the building of what will eventually be the world’s largest floating solar farm. Solar power generation is a wonderful renewable alternative, but it does require a significant footprint. Japan is looking to innovative alternatives due to the shortage of land.

As the fastest growing city in Europe, Stockholm's plans for new housing are playing with both the ideas of imcreasing urban density and creating workable, walkable greenspace.