Kate Ervine

Dr. Kate Ervine is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and Global Development Studies at Saint Mary's University (SMU), located in Halifax, Canada. She holds a PhD in Political Science from York University and specializes in global environmental governance, climate change mitigation policy, and political economy analysis of climate finance mechanisms. Her current SSHRC Insight Grant-funded research examines carbon dioxide removal (CDR) finance models and green industrial strategies globally.

Education:

• PhD in Political Science, York University (2009)
• MA in Collaborative International Development and Political Science, University of Guelph (2001)
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Double Major in International Development and Political Science, University of Toronto (1999)

Research Interests: Dr. Ervine's work focuses on global carbon markets, climate finance equity, and policy frameworks for scaling CDR technologies. She critiques market-based climate solutions while advocating for socially just green industrial policies. Her 2018 book Carbon (Polity Press) analyzes carbon offsetting mechanisms, complemented by her 2022 documentary The Carbon Cage co-produced with Scientific American.

Funding & Grants: Recipient of a SSHRC Insight Grant (2025-2030) supporting comparative research on CDR financing.

Labs/Teams: Engaged in interdisciplinary climate policy research networks focused on equitable decarbonization pathways.