As part of the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015, Canada committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. Despite the progress set into motion by the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, Canada needs to do more to meet its 2030 target under the Paris Agreement and reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
In collaboration with Energy Innovation, the Pembina Institute created the Canadian Energy Policy Simulator (EPS), a tool to build scenarios that explore how climate policies in Canada can get us on track to meet our long-term goals. The EPS is Canada’s first free open-source computer model that gives you a chance to see how over 50 energy and climate policies influence emissions across the country in an effort to gain a deeper understanding of how Canada can lower carbon emissions and meet our international climate commitments.
We are asking you to utilize the EPS to create a feasible and optimal policy package designed to ensure Canada meets its climate goals in 2030 and beyond.
Contest question
What combination of policies creates the optimal pathway for Canada to meet its 2030 climate target?
Successful submissions will be original, creative, and innovative. Submissions should clearly demonstrate an understanding of policy synergies, barriers to implementation and opportunities to overcome them, and present strategic thinking up to and beyond 2030.
Prize
The winning team will receive:
• The opportunity to present their policy package at a national conference
• Passes to the full-day conference
• Airfare and accommodation
• Report will be published in collaboration with the Pembina Institute
• The policy package will be added to the EPS as a built-in scenario example
The contest is open to all students currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a Canadian post-secondary institution. Learn more about the EPS, including an FAQ, here and the submission requirements and scoring methods here.
Watch the EPS video here.
Submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. EST March 29, 2019.