Our Approach

The Transition Accelerator exists to support Canada’s transition to a net zero future while solving societal challenges.

Building from the foundations of the 2019 report The Transition Accelerator: Building Pathways to a Sustainable Future, the Accelerator works with innovative groups to create visions of a socially and economically desirable net-zero future, and to understand and build out transition pathways that will enable Canada to get there. The Accelerator’s role is that of an enabler, facilitator, and force multiplier that forms coalitions to take steps down these pathways and get change moving on the ground.

The Transition Accelerator Methodology

Our four-step methodology is to understand, codevelop, analyze and advance credible and compelling transition pathways capable of achieving societal and economic objectives, including driving the country towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Key characteristics of this approach include an emphasis on:

  • Analyzing social, economic, and policy dimensions of transformative pathways using existing technologies
  • Moving from critical analysis to practical action
  • Integrating quantitative and qualitative perspectives, including modeling and scenario development, back-casting, and visualization techniques
  • Combining imaginative thinking with evidence-based analysis