Brett Caraway
Media, Economics, & Sustainability
Associate Professor
Institute for Management & Innovation
University of Toronto
Announcements
I am happy to announce the release of my latest book A Critical Introduction to the Economics of Sustainability as part of the Routledge Explorations in Environmental Studies series. The book is organized in two parts. In the first part, I survey the major contributions of a variety of economic schools of thought including classical political economy, neoclassical economics, environmental economics, ecological Marxism, and ecological economics. In the second half of the book, I provide an overview of the historical relationship between energy and wealth, paying particular attention to the Industrial Revolution and the concomitant development of an information economy. Using a series of case studies, I show how the development of a global hydrocarbon economy and communications infrastructure dramatically increased matter/energy flows, exacerbating the tensions between economic growth and a world of finite resources. For more information, including critics’ reviews: CLICK HERE
We are excited to announce that the Sustainability: Transdisciplinary Theory, Practice, and Action (STTPA) Conference will return October 27th and 28th at the University of Toronto Mississauga. Our theme this year is Sustainability Leadership in an Era of Uncertainty. As the world grapples with unprecedented changes in our natural, built, and political environments, these same shifts are reshaping how we understand and practice sustainability. While the challenges of our time—from climate change to economic inequality—bring uncertainty, they also open the door for rethinking leadership, collaboration, and long-term action. The 2025 STTPA Conference invites conversations about the many forms of sustainability leadership needed to navigate this new era. From policy and science to community activism and education, the conference will highlight how individuals and institutions across sectors are innovating to meet global challenges with local and systemic solutions. For more information: CLICK HERE
MScSM will be partnering with MindShare Learning Technology to host the 16th Annual Canadian EdTech Leadership Summit this October 29th and 30th at our Innovation Complex at the University of Toronto Mississauga, in partnership with the Peel District School Board. This year’s theme Empowering Human-Centered Sustainable Learning in an AI-Inspired World reflects our shared commitment to shaping a future where technology enhances the human experience in learning, leadership, and life. As we navigate the exciting frontier of generative AI, equity, and sustainable innovation, we invite you to engage in dynamic conversations, collaborative workshops, and immersive showcases that spotlight cutting-edge solutions and real-world impact. For more information: CLICK HERE
As of July 2025, I have been appointed as the Acting Director of the Institute of Communication, Culture, Information and Technology. ICCIT houses four interdisciplinary undergraduate programs offering a wide array of approaches to the study of communications, media, and technological innovation. I have been with ICCIT since 2012 and I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in this new capacity as we meet the challenges of today’s information and communications technology landscape. In addition to ICCIT Acting Director, I will continue in my role as the Director of the Master of Science in Sustainability Management program in the Institute for Management & Innovation. For more information: CLICK HERE
The Master of Science in Sustainability Management Program is delighted to welcome the Honourable Bob Rae, the Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations, as the 2024 Sustainability Leaders’ Series keynote as MScSM celebrates its 10 Year Anniversary. Over the last 10 years MScSM has grown rapidly, surpassing expectations, with a unique blend of core curriculum designed to prepare students for global sustainability challenges, and a broad range of experiential opportunities to acquire concrete experience. Ambassador Rae will join us virtually on November 7th from New York, where he will be discussing “Meeting the Moment: Canada and the Sustainable Development Goals.” For more information and registration: CLICK HERE
I was invited to address the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics in the House of Commons. This was part of the Committee’s series of meetings on the Use Of Social Media Platforms For Data Harvesting And Unethical Or Illicit Sharing Of Personal Information With Foreign Entities. These meetings came in the wake of the government’s decision to ban TikTok on the mobile devices of public employees and as the Canadian Government undertakes a major revision of its approach to AI and privacy regulation. For more information: CLICK HERE