Research summary
Societies around the world need to shift toward zero-emission economies to mitigate the effects of climate change and air pollution on the environment and economies. As Canada Research Chair in Energy Transitions, Dr. Juan Moreno-Cruz is examining how the interplay between energy, urban and industrial systems shaped economies of the past and continues to influence those of today.
He and his research team are analyzing the effects of energy transitions on urban expansion. They are also exploring how access to energy influences small-scale manufacturing clusters in towns and cities, in turn boosting economic activity and regional output. In addition, they are investigating the role of energy transitions in the growth and decline of cities as well as the mechanisms driving these changes. Finally, they are assessing the lasting economic and environmental consequences of energy-driven urbanization and industrialization. Overall, their work will help societies make fair transitions to zero-emission energy systems.