The world's predominant energy systems can currently be characterized as: high impact, inefficient, non-renewable, carbon intensive, inequitable and insecure. This current system is linked to causing global climate change; conflict; cumulative local and regional impacts to land, air and water and; stresses on human health.
Ultimately, the production and consumption of energy impacts everyone. Society's ability to successfully transition to a low-impact sustainable energy system in a timely manner is possibly the single greatest challenge facing the global community.
We define a "sustainable energy system" as one that
provides the services of energy to meet peoples' needs today and future generations in an accessible, equitable and most efficient manner;- enables stabilization of atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases;
- protects or restores the Earth's air, land and water resources throughout its life-cycle;
- is safe today and results in no burdens of risk for future generations;
- empowers communities to live satisfying and healthy lives.
Goals
With the Pembina Institute's focus on the transition towards sustainable energy production and consumption, and its mission to catalyze this transition, we specifically aim to achieve four long-term Behavioural Change Goals and four Environmental Goals, which define our mission.
Behavioural Change Goals
Our long-term goals for behavioural change in society are
a redirection of the Canadian corporate sector towards sustainable energy production and consumption;- a transition of communities in Canada and developing countries towards sustainable energy production and consumption;
- implementation by Canadian federal and provincial/territorial governments of policies and programs that result in sustainable energy production and consumption;
- empowerment of youth with the skills, knowledge and attitudes to enact the shift toward sustainable energy production and consumption.
Environmental Goals
In concert with our long-term behavioural change goals, we seek to achieve the following environmental and energy system goals
- minimize greenhouse gas emissions
- minimize negative impacts of conventional energy
- maximize energy conservation and efficiency
- maximize the proportion of energy produced from low-impact renewable sources.
The Pembina Institute's goals are primarily focused on the transition to sustainable energy in Canada. However, issues such as climate change, energy equity, energy security and economic/social development are global issues. Part of our strategy is therefore to attempt to influence key international decisions, work in partnership with counterparts in other countries, and make sure that Canada plays its part in a global transition.
Making the Transition
The Pembina Institute's vision involves a long-term transition from the current reality — dominated by high impact, inefficient, non-renewable, carbon intensive energy systems — to a sustainable future that utilizes 100% low-impact, renewable energy. We envision Canada achieving a series of milestones in this transition, which mark a progressive increase in our use of renewable energy and improved energy efficiency, and a decrease in our reliance on fossil fuels.
The Pembina Institute recognizes that conventional energy plays a role in meeting current energy needs. However, given the significant environmental harm and other adverse societal impacts caused by conventional energy, society has an obligation to current and future generations to use the resource prudently to ensure a transition to a sustainable energy system. Establishing targets and achieving these successive milestones will help Canada to achieve a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future.
