Why the Canadian Energy and Climate Nexus Thinks Canada Needs to Diversify Global Climate Targets

In order for companies to fight against climate change, they must support one another to reach global climate targets that make sense for the collective rather than the individual organization.

Canadian Energy and Climate Nexus (CECN) is a privately held corporation focused on developing all-inclusive energy solutions through collaboration to encourage future energy prosperity.

In our latest 5x5 series interview, David Milia, CEO of Canadian Energy and Climate Nexus, sat down with Rachel Gregory, Digital Host at The Global Energy Show, to discuss how his company aims to unite Canadians and find climate policies that work for everyone.

Global Climate Targets: Why Canada Needs to Diversify

How CECN Contributes to a Climate-Friendly Future

Rachel: Can you tell us a bit about what you do and the projects you work on? 

David: At CECN, we live by thinking that an energy and climate-friendly future is not only possible but achievable. It's just that there are complexities around it. So we created this NGO that actively participates in problem-solving projects that tackles various issues affecting Canadian climate and energy under the values of all-inclusivity.

Why the Canadian Energy Sector Needs to Be More Inclusive of All Energy Sources

Rachel: Canada remains a global leader in the sustainable development of resources. In your opinion, David, how does the energy sector need to change to be more inclusive of all energy sources to reach global climate targets?

David: Canada provides about 4% of the world's energy, a sixth behind India. We are in the top 10 around crude oil, natural gas, and hydro uranium production. It's not that we don't have the tools necessary to be more inclusive. The issue is that Canada is a vast country, and we have polarization regarding what type of energy should be the correct one.

How much do we tend to emphasize trying to understand other Canadians? Imagine if we could work together. So the challenge, in my opinion, is our culture of wanting to collaborate on things when it's not our thing, and we're more focused on arguing. What we can achieve perfectly together is better than getting nothing done, yet being entirely right about how good each part of that energy ecosystem is. 

So to me, it's a cultural challenge and reliability on our neighbour to the south to decide things for us. How do we stop the polarization and actually look at the complexity to come together and be proud of all sectors of Canadian energy? 

How Organizations Can Relieve Decarbonization Pressure

Rachel: The demand to decarbonize has been creating a lot of pressure on the Canadian hydrocarbon market. In your opinion, what can these organizations do to relieve that pressure and help bring investment and trust back into the product? 

David: I think the culture has changed publicly. So when we're looking at hydrocarbon companies, how do we move from doing activities that create a report or just a goodwill proposition to operationalizing them?

No company is better suited to have the infrastructure or the economy of scale, to actually make a strong impact on the hydrocarbon industry of Canada. They have to realize that the structures that need to go in place must be equated to those that they use in finance and potentially in engineering and construction of facilities.

You look at the various real metrics in ESG that apply to your company because these companies are slightly different. Then, you take an audit of at least one year of operations, trying to see where exactly you are on those metrics. Then, you have to spend a little bit of time, I would say a one-year cycle, to know what those numbers are, and then you can make decisions for targets and operationalize them just the same as you would economic ones right at the top.

The Energy Transition Journey in Canada

Rachel: Where do you see the energy transition going, and how feasible are net-zero emissions by 2050?

David: The public perception of transition is so high, but that will influence parties that want the government to ensure that their policies and regulation promote transition. Whether industries are ready or whether the transition industries are ready is another question. So I think we're going to struggle in putting action into policy and regulation.

How Canadians Can Contribute to Canada’s Climate Change Goals

Rachel: What would you want to say to Canadians who have doubts about Canada's renewable energy sector?

David: We are a strong energy tower in the world, and there's no denying that. But, when you have doubts, don't have doubts about what we can do, have doubts about whether we will be able to do it.

80% of the complex problems we face with emissions and consumption are driven by consumers. Not by the industry that provides the energy, but rather by the consumer. 

So, if you have doubts about what's happening with energy providers and energy industries, ask yourself, what are you willing to do? What are you willing to change for your consumption? Are you willing to go on an effective energy diet of some sort? I like turning that question and having a call to arms to say if you're wondering what can be done instead of looking to judge how that industry is pushing or doing, see what you can do actively.

Learn More About Why Companies Like Canadian Energy Climate Nexus Hope to Diversify Canadian Global Targets

As more companies bring their own ideologies to Canada's energy policies, they must keep a heightened focus on what truly matters, reaching Canada's climate goals. It's essential that companies collectively bring diverse data and input to Canada's energy policies so they can come together to overcome climate challenges. If you're interested in learning more about Canada's environment initiatives and sustainability services from the people actively changing the game in North America's energy industry, register for the next Global Energy Show today.