About

The CDA Institute’s Resilience and Sustainable Defence Programme examines how climate, energy, and geopolitical pressures are shaping Canada’s defence readiness, industrial capacity, and societal resilience – and how to strengthen the long-term sustainability of defence policy and investment decisions. 

Through research, analysis, and convening activities, the Programme aims to: 

  • Inform defence and security policy by analyzing how climate, energy, and strategic resource pressures affect defence capability development, supply chains, and national resilience, and by identifying sustainable pathways to strengthen them. 
  • Sustain Canada’s community of practice by connecting policymakers, military leaders, industry, Indigenous and civil society partners, and researchers working at the intersection of defence, resilience, and sustainability. 
  • Advance global reflection on resilience and sustainable defence by sharing Canadian insights within Allies and partners on emerging risks and capability needs. 

Programme Focus Areas: 

  • Resilient Defence Systems: Operational energy security, climate impacts on readiness and infrastructure, and approaches to greening defence operations. 
  • Strategic Resources and Industrial Capacity: Supply-chain resilience, critical minerals, and Canada’s role in allied resource security. 
  • Societal Resilience: Disaster response and preparedness, dual-use infrastructure, clean energy systems, and Arctic community resilience.

Publications

Explore the Programme’s full body of analysis and policy contributions on the intersection of defence, climate, and resilience. 

Events and Activities

The Programme convenes leading voices from government, the military, academia, and industry to advance policy dialogue and foster a robust Canadian community of practice on defence resilience and sustainability.

Montreal Climate Security Summit

The Montreal Climate Security Summit is the Programme’s flagship annual event. Co-hosted with the NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence (CCASCOE), it brings together Canadian and international experts to examine the intersection of climate change, national security, and defence policy. The Summit serves as a key convening platform for policy and military leaders, researchers, and industry representatives to share insights, build partnerships, and shape Canada’s approach to climate-related security challenges. 

Net-Zero and Defence Readiness Project 

The Net-Zero and Defence Readiness Project explores how Canada’s defence sector can leverage the transition toward net-zero emissions to strengthen operational readiness. It examines the implications of decarbonization for defence capabilities, infrastructure, energy systems, and the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as opportunities for innovation with defence industry partners. 

Contact Us

Interested in collaborating, contributing research, or learning more about the Resilience and Sustainable Defence Programme? 
Contact Pauline Baudu, Programme Director – Resilience and Sustainable Defence, at pauline@cdainstitute.ca

Cookies

In order to personalize your user experience, CDA Institute uses strictly necessary cookies and similar technologies to operate this site. See details here.