Canada Must Accelerate Renewable Expansion Amid Geopolitical Risks, Says IISD

A new report from the International Institute for Sustainable Development argues renewables offer Canada a shield against fossil fuel market volatility, as geopolitical crises threaten the country's energy security.

March 10, 2026 Rudy Vervant

Countries	Canada, Russie, Ukraine
Companies	BluEarth Renewables, Equinor
Theme	Politique & Géopolitique, Sécurité énergétique

Russia's invasion of Ukraine underscored the fragility of energy systems dependent on fossil fuels: natural gas prices hit multiyear highs and gasoline posted a record in spring 2022. Faced with such turbulence, a report from the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), released in 2022, contends that Canada's energy security now hinges on developing renewable energy. Co-authored by Nichole Dusyk and Lasse Toft Christensen, the document identifies solar and wind expansion as a shield against commodity market volatility. "Moving to renewables won't eliminate politics entirely, but it limits exposure to commodity markets and geopolitical factors," said Nichole Dusyk, senior policy advisor at the IISD.