Before diving deep, it’s important to start with the basics. Energy, by definition, is the ability to do work. It’s the foundation of modern civilization, it enables us to manipulate and convert it from one form to another, from the food we eat to the electricity that powers our devices.
It’s so ever-present that we often forget it’s there. Energy drives everything we do, from walking and cooking to driving and using our phones. It is an integral part of everyday life.
Energy sources can be categorized into two groups: renewable and non-renewable.
Non-renewables still account for a large portion of global energy use, but renewables are growing fast. To me, this diversity in sources isn’t just about energy, it’s about opportunity. Each one presents new chances for innovation, employment, and a sustainable future.
Everyone has some basic understanding of energy. Whether its electricity lighting up our homes or gasoline fueling our cars, we interact with it daily. But energy’s impact goes much beyond that, it shapes our economy, jobs, and even our national identity.
The energy sector in Canada is massive, contributing 10.3% of the GDP and directly employing over 285,000 people, which is more than Saskatoon’s population. It indirectly supports over 400,000 jobs. Fuel, energy, and pipeline infrastructure are crucial to national infrastructure.
We are a global powerhouse, being the 2nd largest uranium producer, the 6th largest energy producer, the 4th largest oil producer, and the 5th largest natural gas producer. Additionally, 61.7% of our electricity comes from hydropower. These statistics are not just numbers they represent opportunities, influence, and responsibility.
As young Canadians, we have the world at our fingertips. The energy sector isn’t limited to engineers or technicians. It needs: Data analysts, Environmental scientists, Policy makers, Entrepreneurs, and Innovators in clean tech and energy storage
Even service industries like hospitality, retail, and transportation benefit from a strong energy economy. We’re at a turning point, and the next big energy solution could come from someone still in high school or college. Why not you?
Personally, I joined the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) chapter at my school, and it opened my eyes to conferences, ideas, and people shaping the future of energy. Groups like Young Canadians for Resources (YCR) also give youth across the country a platform to engage with real issues at the grassroots level.
For the longest time, all I heard was how bad fossil fuels were, that they were outdated and harmful. But no one ever told me the full story, or offered real, long term sustainable alternatives. It wasn’t until I started studying more that I realized energy is a broad and evolving field. It’s not just about oil and gas, it’s about transition, innovation, and balance.
We need to teach kids the full picture. We can have honest conversations about environmental impact without demonizing the infrastructure we currently rely on. Change won’t come from blame or fear, it will come from education, innovation, and informed dialogue.
The future of energy is bright, but it’s not going to shape itself. We, the youth, have a responsibility to lead the conversation, not just follow it. Whether it’s through education, entrepreneurship, or advocacy, there is room for every young Canadian to be part of the solution. So, I’ll leave you with this question:
Do you want to take charge of your future, or let others shape it for you?
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