Image credit: Ella Ivanescu
The Institute for Peace and Diplomacy hosted a panel discussion titled “Canada-China Relations in a Changing Environment: Climate, Energy and the Arctic” on February 2, 2022. It was the final panel in IPD’s China Strategy Project.
China’s rise to major power status comes at a time when the effects of climate change are becoming ever more apparent and dire. The Trudeau government has made its green agenda one of its signature initiatives. Yet increasing security competition between China and Western countries may make international cooperation to slow climate change even more difficult.
Canada also remains home to significant natural resources and China continues to be a large importer of oil and gas, even if Canadian energy exports to China have lagged behind their potential. Resolving the tension between Canada’s natural resource and climate ambitions may prove increasingly complicated as China’s economy continues to grow and the US becomes less dependent on Canadian oil. Climate change also comes with particular security considerations for Canada in a thawing Arctic, as Beijing recasts itself as a “near Arctic state” and pursues its “Polar Silk Road”.
This panel will explore the varied considerations that Canadian policymakers should keep in mind as China’s rise and climate change intersect.
Panelists:
- Marc Lanteigne: Associate Professor of Political Science, Arctic University of Norway
- Linda Westman: Research Associate, Urban Institute of the University of Sheffield
- Rory Johnston: Founder, Commodity Context; Managing Director & Market Economist, Price Street
Moderator:
- Wenran Jiang: Advisory Board Member, Institute for Peace & Diplomacy
