'Energy forms and sources are a complex mix, and one doesn’t need to be at the expense of another'
Several Alberta organizations are actively working to enhance energy literacy among young individuals, while a call for nationwide energy literacy programming is being made by an industry executive. Inside Education, a long-standing charity, is dedicated to educating K-12 students about Alberta’s natural resource sectors, emphasizing oil and gas as well as environmental aspects. They aim to inspire students toward a sustainable future for the environment, economy, and society, highlighting the idea that various energy forms and sources can coexist without conflict. The organization recently organized the Youth Energy & Environment Leadership Summit, which brought together stakeholders from diverse industries, conservation groups, and representatives from Indigenous communities.
In 2022, Inside Education reached over 14,000 students and 500 teachers across 115 communities. Similarly, SWIFT Learning, a Calgary-based organization, secured funding for an energy literacy program that covers a range of topics, including energy history, petrochemicals, innovation in the oil and gas sector, energy types, and energy transformation. The founder, Kim Adolphe, emphasizes the necessity of instilling pride in Canadians about the contributions and advancements of the energy industry, countering widespread misinformation and encouraging youth to pursue careers in the sector.
A geologist and president of Petrel Robertson Consulting, based in Calgary, calls for increased energy literacy programs across Canada, pointing out regional knowledge disparities. Additionally, the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy highlights the multifaceted nature of energy literacy, emphasizing the need for understanding both the economic and environmental impacts, as well as the inevitable trade-offs involved in energy production. Notably, the University of Alberta offers a course on 21st-century energy transition, while the Society of Petroleum Engineers Canadian Education Foundation provides energy literacy programs and learning materials.
To read the full article: https://www.canadianenergycentre.ca/energy-literacy-providers-push-for-balanced-sustainable-future/