How Canada's Hydroelectric Boom Drove an Early Great Acceleration
By
by Daniel Macfarlane
Crackling crust, pillowy middle. The kind of bagel that earns a second cup of coffee.
Summary
This article examines Canada's environmental history through the lens of the "Great Acceleration" framework, arguing that Canada's acceleration began earlier than the mid-20th century global trend—starting in the early 1900s with hydroelectric power development. It challenges the conventional "energy transition" narrative by showing how Canada's hydroelectric boom didn't replace fossil fuels but instead enabled industrial growth that increased overall energy consumption, creating a symbiotic relationship between different energy sources. The piece is part of a series exploring Canadian environmental history and the Great Acceleration concept.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledIf the Great Acceleration – the dramatic increase in human activity and the resulting impact on the Earth's natural systems since the mid-20th century – is a valid framework, then surely Canada helped set the pace.
Canada emerged as a major producer of fossil fuels during the Cold War and has earned the moniker of climate villain.
Canada's hydroelectric history suggests its 'Great Acceleration' began in the early 1900s, driven by symbiotic energy growth rather than transitions.
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