Research Axes

Evaluation of the effectiveness of decarbonization activities in the energy, transport and land-use sector

One focus of the Chair will be the empirical evaluation of the effectiveness of a range of decarbonization activities in the energy, transport and land-use sectors, which are carried out in industrialized countries as well as in developing countries. Using a variety of research methods such as techno-economic modeling and econometrics, the Chair will seek to understand how the effectiveness of different decarbonization activities vary amongst different policy actors like jurisdictions, cities or supply chains? Many decarbonization activities may be assessed including energy transition pathways, policy instruments such as emissions trading and carbon taxes, as well as land management measures including development plans or forest management activities.

Comparative political economy of decarbonization

Assessments of the effectiveness of decarbonization activities will be placed in a comparative political economy perspective. By considering both developed and developing countries, this approach promises to generate new knowledge and deeper understanding of the social, economic and political conditions favoring decarbonization, focusing on similarities and differences between different countries and jurisdictions, or even between different cities and supply chains. Such a comparative approach is increasingly seen as important for advancing understanding of climate policy, energy transitions and international development. The use of methods such as systemic process tracing and historical institutional analysis will be privelaged to understand political economy trends in this area.

Measuring progress in regional and global cooperation on climate change

The Chair also seeks to measure trends in regional and global cooperation on decarbonization. Might better understanding of the effectiveness of decarbonization activities in different parts of the world enhance cooperation, including within the Canadian federation, across North America as well as between developed and developing countires. Research will include public opinion research as well as surveys and interviews with regional and global policy actors, such as those participating in the annual UN climate change conference.