Net Zero Changes Everything: A Strategic Approach

To succeed in a rapidly changing global economy, Canada needs to be ready—not just to reduce emissions, but to rethink and modernize the systems that power our economy and shape our daily lives. This course equips professionals in government, industry, and civil society with the tools and insights to lead this transformation.

Live online course with leading experts
Six hours to complete
Available in English and French
Earn a certificate after completion

About this Course

Participants will explore how to analyze existing systems, design practical transition pathways, and act strategically to enable a more competitive, resilient, and net-zero future.

This course combines expert guidance with applied learning in a collaborative setting. You will engage in:

  • Strategic group discussions that pinpoint barriers and enablers to change.
  • Real-world case studies & group exercises based on Canadian examples.
  • Systems mapping exercises to identify pressure points and intervention options.
  • Peer learning with professionals tackling similar challenges across sectors.

 

This course is designed for:

  • Leaders in industry, government, utilities, and NGOs seeking actionable strategies for transition.
  • Professionals developing and implementing energy and infrastructure plans.
  • Policy staff aiming to align systems transformation with economic development goals.
  • Analysts and advisors looking to bring systems thinking and practical insight to their organizations.

 

📅 Sessions held throughout the year–email us about course dates!

Course Modules

Day 1

Module 1: Understanding the Challenge
Learn why reducing emissions alone isn’t enough—and what it takes to drive structural change across energy, industry, and infrastructure.

Module 2: Systems Change in Practice
Explore real-world examples of how systems evolve and what leaders can do to enable or accelerate that change.

Day 2

Module 3: Building Strategic Pathways
Map out sequences of actions, identify key levers, and avoid dead-end solutions through structured, forward-looking strategies.

Case Study & Group Exercise
Work through a practical scenario to prioritize actions and develop an emissions reduction plan aligned with local opportunities and constraints.

Understand what’s required to align energy, industry, and infrastructure with long-term economic success.
Explore how system transitions unfold and what factors drive or hinder lasting change.
Tackle real challenges using a pathways approach and develop strategies to seize opportunities, reduce risk, and avoid dead ends.

Course Models

Module 1: Understanding the Challenge
Learn why reducing emissions alone isn’t enough—and what it takes to drive structural change across energy, industry, and infrastructure.

Module 2: Systems Change in Practice
Explore real-world examples of how systems evolve and what leaders can do to enable or accelerate that change.

Module 3: Building Strategic Pathways
Map out sequences of actions, identify key levers, and avoid dead-end solutions through structured, forward-looking strategies.

Case Study & Group Exercise
Work through a practical scenario to prioritize actions and develop an emissions reduction plan aligned with local opportunities and constraints.

Instructors

Prof. James Meadowcroft, PhD

Professor, School of Public Policy and Administration, Carleton University

James Meadowcroft, PhD, is a professor at the School of Public Policy and Administration at Carleton University where he has held a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Governance for Sustainable Development. His recent work focuses on energy and the transition to a low-carbon society, including publications on carbon capture and storage (CCS), smart grids, the development of Ontario’s electricity system, the politics of socio-technical transitions and negative carbon emissions.

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Prof. Stephen Hill, PhD

Associate Professor, School of the Environment, Trent University

Stephen Hill, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the School of the Environment at Trent University. His research focuses on environmental and renewable energy management and policy in Canada. He is working to understand the nature of controversy and conflict surrounding renewable energy technologies (supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council).

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Net-Zero Changes Everything effectively aligned our team on the science, technology, and policy drivers of the energy transition, in terms that both engineers and policy analysts could understand. It also helped the team to appreciate the scope of the transition beyond traditional industry silos.

Jennifer Hiscock, Director, Natural Resources Canada

This course provided an enlightening look at the challenges of changing entire systems and the unique impediments for Canada given our current industries and geography.

Course Participant

The instructor makes this course. Dr. Hill was incredibly pleasant, knowledgeable, and open to listening and engaging with all attendees. I’ve completed 24 professional development courses over the past 9 years, and this is a standout among them.

Course Participant

I would say this course is required learning for many people working on climate change across the federal government.

Course Participant

I liked that we had a chance to apply what we learned. I loved the teaching approach.

Course Participant

Individuals

CAD $650 per attendee, CAD $450 for government and non-profit

Groups

For a group discount, you can message us at education@transitionaccelerator.ca

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a special rate for students?
This course is aimed at senior decision-makers. Academics can register using the discount for non-profits & government employees.
Do you offer private corporate trainings?
Absolutely. Please reach out to us if you would like to organize a Net Zero Changes Everything course exclusively for your team. We also have other courses in development, and we would be happy to cater to your team’s needs by conceiving a tailored course for you. Message us at education@transitionaccelerator.ca for more information.
How do I register?
A link will be available on our website as soon as a class opens up for registration. If our upcoming sessions are full, we recommend that you subscribe to our newsletter; we will regularly update you about new dates. You can also email us at education@transitionaccelerator.ca to express your interest.
When is your next course?
Dates for upcoming sessions are listed on our website. If all of our sessions are full, register for our newsletter to be updated as soon as new classes open up. In the case of group registration, or if you would like to express your interest, please email us at education@transitionaccelerator.ca for more information.
How big is the class size?
Class sizes are kept small with 15-20 participants to ensure training quality with better interactivity & active learning.
Is this course accredited for continuing professional development?
Please email us at education@transitionaccelerator.ca to check if you are eligible for credits for continuing professional development.

Participant Organizations

Logo placement does not imply endorsement of the course

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