More maple leaf, less CO₂: Canada and a global geo-engineering regime

Abstract

While US-led unipolarity may still be the guiding frame for post-Cold War international economic, political, and military relations, we argue that its applicability to global science and environmental issues is waning. We begin by discussing the global problem of anthropogenic climate change, and the technologies involved in geo-engineering as one possible response. We then recognize both the abundance of oil in Alberta and the near-term melting of the Arctic as critical inputs into Canadian climate change policy. Finally, we examine Canada's abilities and resources as a middle power to act as a foreign policy leader in the formation of a global geo-engineering regime.

Keywords:

• geo-engineering
• climate change
• Canadian foreign policy
• unipolarity

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Elizabeth L. Chalecki

Elizabeth L. Chalecki is the Mellon Visiting Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at Goucher College. Her expertise includes climate change and security, international environmental policy, environmental terrorism, and non-traditional security threat analysis. Email: [email protected]

Lisa L. Ferrari

Lisa L. Ferrari is an Associate Academic Dean and Associate Professor in the Department of Politics and Government at the University of Puget Sound, where she teaches courses on international relations and ethics. Her expertise includes US-Canadian relations and the Catholic Church as a political actor. Email: [email protected]