Introducing Smart Prosperity Institute

Oct 24, 2016

Today we turn over a new leaf. Or rather I should say a new maple key. After 8 years of operating under the name Sustainable Prosperity I’m excited to announce that, effective today, Canada’s leading source of research and insights for a stronger, cleaner economy has changed its name to: Smart Prosperity Institute.

Building Connections – My experience at the 4th Canadian PhD and Early Career Workshop in Environmental Economics

Jun 17, 2016

The 4th Canadian PhD and Early Career Workshop in Environmental Economics — supported by Sustainable Prosperity — was hosted at the University of Ottawa from June 1st to June 2nd. This annual workshop brings together PhD students and early career researchers working on topics in Environmental Economics, Natural Resource Economics, Energy Economics, Economy of Climate Change, Energy Economics, and other related disciplines.

In Memory of Alan Nymark: Big thinker, policy leader, champion for change

Jun 07, 2016

This week Sustainable Prosperity lost one of its biggest champions as well as a friend in Alan Nymark. Alan was a lifelong champion for the idea that we can grow an economy that values environmental protection and has room for all.

Where have all the Canadian data gone?

Jun 06, 2016

It turns out we have a data void in Canada. If you’ve been following our series of blogs on #GreenTape (the first looked at environmental regulation and innovation, the second at good design of environmental regulation, you’ve seen how environmental regulation, when designed well, can bring both economic and environmental returns. You’ve also seen that retrospective analysis of environmental regulations can provide meaningful insight into where, when and how to design environmental regulation.

9 ways to design better environmental regulation

Jun 06, 2016

We have all heard the saying, “I’m drowning in red tape”. It’s a common rebuke from businesses and others being forced to comply with regulation. Green tape, the environmental equivalent of red tape, refers to the rules and regulations that limit pollution or protect ecosystems. While green tape also draws its fair share of complaints, it turns out environmental regulation can be designed in a way to produce environmental and economic benefits that can outweigh at least some of the drawbacks – if not all of them.

Beyond the stigma – environmental regulation can help drive clean innovation

Jun 06, 2016

Thirty years ago, as concerns grew over dioxins appearing in fish downstream from pulp and paper mills, Swedish firms developed chlorine-free pulp bleaching technologies. Developing these technologies helped protect fish and ecosystems. What’s more, it opened up new markets in Germany for the Swedish firms’ more-environmentally-friendly products, and allowed the leading firms to sell their technology to other jurisdictions. A win for the environment and the economy.

Guest Blog: Casting a Long Shadow – Canadian Consumption-Based Contributions to Global GHG Emissions

May 16, 2016

The new Canadian federal government has committed to develop a national climate change plan in co-operation with provincial and territorial governments. Under the previous federal government Canada had committed to a 17% reduction below 2005 levels by 2020 and a 30% reduction by 2030. Environment Minister Catherine McKenna has promised that the previous government’s 2030 commitments will be a “floor” for federal ambition. The big question is: where will these GHG emissions reductions come from?

Not for your eyes only: Statistics Canada has natural capital data to share

May 13, 2016

This week saw Canadians get excited about the 2016 Census, crashing servers and flipping out on social media in their rush to be counted and to contribute to building good data sets. And rightly so – data sets (and the analysis we do based on them) help drive good public policy.

Recapping the Natural Capital Symposium 2016

May 11, 2016

The Natural Capital Symposium is an annual event hosted by the Natural Capital Project (NatCap) at Stanford University that brings together dynamic and inspiring scholars, professionals and experts on natural capital from all around the world.

Linking natural capital and productivity: A roundup of two recent studies

May 02, 2016

For many of those who have been following Sustainable Prosperity's work, you've likely heard about our Linking Natural Capital & Productivity project.

Sharing the Earth with Species at Risk

Apr 22, 2016

Since its humble beginnings in New York City in 1970, Earth Day has been a celebration of the ecosystems and biodiversity on which we all depend for food, livelihoods, and our quality of life, as well as a call to action to share the earth and not squander our natural heritage.

Up, Down, and Forward: New numbers reflect the increasingly compelling economic case for greening the economy

Mar 16, 2016

The economic case for the transition to a green economy is becoming more and more compelling with the release of new figures on the rising cost of inaction on climate change, and falling prices for renewable power generation.

Carbon Pricing in Canada

Feb 26, 2016

The value proposition for community energy planning

Feb 10, 2016

Today marks the release of a report looking at the economic benefits that accompany smart community energy planning.

Meet Smart Prosperity Institute's new Senior Research Associate: Sara Jane O’Neill

Feb 04, 2016

Sara recently joined Smart Prosperity Institute as the Senior Research Associate for Sustainable Communities. Her work is focused on green economy policies that will help municipalities address environmental concerns while creating new sources of revenue.

Are Our Cities Locked-in to a Carbon-intensive Future?

Jan 27, 2016

Cities are at the core of many of the measures to fight climate change. They are expanding at an unprecedented rate as 1.4 million people move to urban areas each week, and it is projected that 60% of the world’s population will live in cities by 2030.

Guest Blog: A landmark year for climate action

Jan 21, 2016

I am optimistic that this year we will see major progress on climate action in Canada.

Doubling down on a good idea: Ontario announces its second green bond

Jan 20, 2016

COP21: A Debrief

Jan 19, 2016

Guest Blog: Building on BC’s Climate Action History through Local Government Leadership

Jan 14, 2016

2007-2008 was an exciting time to be working on climate policy in British Columbia.