We are now well beyond debating climate change and are starting to deal with the reality of adaptation. Mostly, when we discuss adaptation or energy reduction, the dialog revolves around infrastructure changes - better buildings, more insulation, more efficient light bulbs etc. But this is only part of the problem.

The big hidden opportunity for sustainability comes from engagement at the individual level - it is a largely untapped resource and a big part of the solution. How do we get entire populations to change their behaviour in a democratic country? For example, how do we take Canada, from 17th out of the 18 wealthiest countries in energy efficiency to one of the best? How do we get Canadians to eat and exercise better thereby putting less of a load on our unsustainable health system? The answer will probably come from a combination of big data, mathematics, social science, behavioural economics and software and drawing from the lessons learned from other countries and from our own loyalty programs. Undoubtedly, when we make significant progress in this area, it will be one of our most cost-effective tools for creating a resilient society.

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Highlights from the WISE Public Lecture Series

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