We solve global problems

A Canadian research centre addressing urgent and entangled global problems. We anticipate future crises and identify high-leverage interventions to change humanity's course for the better.

We solve global problems

A Canadian research centre addressing urgent and entangled global problems. We anticipate future crises and identify high-leverage interventions to change humanity's course for the better.

PROGRAMS

Featured Projects

Research & Analysis

Geothermal

The Deep Heat Advantage

Geothermal program

Gordon Brasnett, Megan Eyre, and Peter Massie
A techno-economic analysis of enhanced geothermal systems in western and northwestern Canada
Canadian Flag
Framework

Defending Canada’s Democracy: A strategic framework

Democracy program

Cascade Institute fellows and staff
An analysis of the forces destabilizing Canada's democracy and a framework for building the country’s economic and social resilience.
A collapsed block of ice-rich permafrost along Drew Point, Alaska. Coastal bluffs in this region can erode 20 meters/year (~65 feet). USGS scientists continually research the causes of major permafrost thaw and bluff retreat along the Arctic coast of Alaska. In addition, with the loss of sea ice to protect the beaches from ocean waves, salt water inundates the coastal habitats. Benjamin Jones/USGS. Public domain.
Permafrost carbon

Protecting Permafrost: Addressing the climate threat of Arctic thaw

Permafrost carbon program

Ian Graham
A report assessing the climate threat of Arctic permafrost thaw, potential interventions to address it, and related policy recommendations.
Democracy

National Service to Support Community and National Security: A preliminary outline of components, implementation, and costs

Democracy program

David Last
A policy brief prepared for the Office of the Prime Minister for the development of a National Service initiative.
Ultradeep Geothermal

Groundwork: Regulatory guidelines for making Canada a geothermal powerhouse

Ultradeep Geothermal program

Emily Smejkal, Princess Sharlynne Cosalan, Stephanie Rose Cortinovis
A report identifying best practices to help Canadian provinces establish effective geothermal regulations and make Canada a global clean energy leader.
Geothermal

The Deep Heat Advantage

Geothermal program

Gordon Brasnett, Megan Eyre, and Peter Massie
A techno-economic analysis of enhanced geothermal systems in western and northwestern Canada
Read More
A collapsed block of ice-rich permafrost along Drew Point, Alaska. Coastal bluffs in this region can erode 20 meters/year (~65 feet). USGS scientists continually research the causes of major permafrost thaw and bluff retreat along the Arctic coast of Alaska. In addition, with the loss of sea ice to protect the beaches from ocean waves, salt water inundates the coastal habitats. Benjamin Jones/USGS. Public domain.
Permafrost carbon

Protecting Permafrost: Addressing the climate threat of Arctic thaw

Permafrost carbon program

Ian Graham
A report assessing the climate threat of Arctic permafrost thaw, potential interventions to address it, and related policy recommendations.
Read More
Democracy

National Service to Support Community and National Security: A preliminary outline of components, implementation, and costs

Democracy program

David Last
A policy brief prepared for the Office of the Prime Minister for the development of a National Service initiative.
Read More
Canadian Flag
Framework

Defending Canada’s Democracy: A strategic framework

Democracy program

Cascade Institute fellows and staff
An analysis of the forces destabilizing Canada's democracy and a framework for building the country’s economic and social resilience.
Read More

News & Views

Épave d'hélice d'avion à Resolute Bay, Nunavut (pollux / Adobe Stock)

Geothermal power is the key to cheaper energy in the Canadian Arctic

Gordon Brasnett, Leighton Gall, and Peter Massie

The Globe and Mail

To defend its sovereignty, Canada should launch Project AURORA – the Arctic Underground Research Observatory for Resource Advancement.

Geothermal

Can new tech finally wake Canada’s sleeping geothermal giant?

The National Observer

New technologies, geological know-how, and vast untapped resources are putting geothermal at Canada’s energy forefront, says an in-depth article in Canada’s National Observer.

Coastal erosion reveals the extent of ice-rich permafrost underlying active layer on the Arctic Coastal Plain in the Teshekpuk Lake Special Area of the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska. Credit: Brandt Meixell, USGS

Canada must lead on permafrost protection

Ian Graham and John Jensen

The National Observer

Permafrost is already thawing and that thaw is accelerating. We need to understand the challenge and start dealing with it, before it’s too late.

Would you die for Canada? Polling suggests Canadians are more willing to fight for their country

Thomas Homer-Dixon and Toby Shannan

The Globe and Mail

Polling data shows most Canadians are willing to fight to defend their country against military attack.

It’s time to create a new national service

David Last and Thomas Homer-Dixon

Toronto Star

New and voluntary national service programs are needed to defend Canadian sovereignty.

Geothermal belongs in Canada’s industrial strategy

Emily Smejkal and Owen Henshaw

Times Colonist

Geothermal energy can meet domestic energy needs while positioning Canada as a global leader in clean energy services and technology.

Canadian military uniforms

If you want peace, prepare for war—an ancient lesson Canada must remember

Thomas Homer-Dixon

The Globe and Mail

President Trump's threats to Canadian sovereignty demand a serious response.

Coastal erosion reveals the extent of ice-rich permafrost underlying active layer on the Arctic Coastal Plain in the Teshekpuk Lake Special Area of the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska. Credit: Brandt Meixell, USGS

Canada must lead on permafrost protection

Ian Graham and John Jensen

The National Observer

Permafrost is already thawing and that thaw is accelerating. We need to understand the challenge and start dealing with it, before it’s too late.

Read More

Geothermal belongs in Canada’s industrial strategy

Emily Smejkal and Owen Henshaw

Times Colonist

Geothermal energy can meet domestic energy needs while positioning Canada as a global leader in clean energy services and technology.

Read More

Would you die for Canada? Polling suggests Canadians are more willing to fight for their country

Thomas Homer-Dixon and Toby Shannan

The Globe and Mail

Polling data shows most Canadians are willing to fight to defend their country against military attack.

Read More

Canada’s hidden heat: How regulations can power a geothermal breakthrough

Emily Smejkal

The National Observer

Provinces should act quickly to harmonize and extend geothermal regulations across the country.

Read More