Canada's Reluctance to Take Climate Action: A Disappointing Contrasting Image with the UK
As severe flooding and devastating wildfires sweep across South-East Asia, killing over 1,000 people and displacing millions, it has become crystal clear that the world is at a critical juncture. The need for urgent climate action has never been more pressing, yet Canada's government appears to be undermining this imperative with its recent decision to support the expansion of fossil fuels.
In stark contrast to the United Kingdom's pragmatic yet bold move to ban new oil and gas licences in the North Sea, Ottawa is instead signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Alberta to facilitate increased production of fossil fuels. This deal would delay methane regulations, cancel an oil and gas emissions cap, and exempt the province from clean electricity rules.
The consequences of this decision are far-reaching. By strengthening their ties with the oil sands industry, Canada's leaders seem to be ignoring the scientific consensus on climate change. The International Energy Agency has long documented the underperformance of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, which would supposedly allow for continued expansion of fossil fuels while mitigating emissions.
However, CCS addresses only 20% of a barrel's climate pollution, leaving the remaining 80% from production itself. Expanding pipelines while touting CCS as a solution is akin to telling someone with lung cancer to smoke more but use filtered cigarettes – it's a cruel joke that delays inevitable disaster.
Internationally, Canada is standing out for all the wrong reasons. At COP28 in Dubai last year, Canada, along with the UK and 190 countries, agreed to transition away from fossil fuels. Yet, by supporting new oil sands pipelines, Ottawa appears to be going in the opposite direction of its own commitment.
In contrast, other nations are taking bold steps towards a cleaner future. Eighty countries have pledged support for developing a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, and eighteen countries are participating in dialogues to develop a Fossil Fuel Treaty. Colombia and the Netherlands will soon co-host the world's first global diplomatic conference on fossil-fuel phase-out.
It appears that Canada is choosing to remain stuck in the past, despite mounting evidence of climate change. The opposition from First Nations who vow to protect the Great Bear Sea from oil tankers only serves as a poignant reminder of this shortsighted decision.
Leadership is emerging worldwide, with nations recognizing that ignoring science and the devastating consequences of climate change is no longer an option. As Gustavo Petro, Colombia's president, put it, "life over death" is no longer a luxury – it's a choice that must be made every day.
As severe flooding and devastating wildfires sweep across South-East Asia, killing over 1,000 people and displacing millions, it has become crystal clear that the world is at a critical juncture. The need for urgent climate action has never been more pressing, yet Canada's government appears to be undermining this imperative with its recent decision to support the expansion of fossil fuels.
In stark contrast to the United Kingdom's pragmatic yet bold move to ban new oil and gas licences in the North Sea, Ottawa is instead signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Alberta to facilitate increased production of fossil fuels. This deal would delay methane regulations, cancel an oil and gas emissions cap, and exempt the province from clean electricity rules.
The consequences of this decision are far-reaching. By strengthening their ties with the oil sands industry, Canada's leaders seem to be ignoring the scientific consensus on climate change. The International Energy Agency has long documented the underperformance of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, which would supposedly allow for continued expansion of fossil fuels while mitigating emissions.
However, CCS addresses only 20% of a barrel's climate pollution, leaving the remaining 80% from production itself. Expanding pipelines while touting CCS as a solution is akin to telling someone with lung cancer to smoke more but use filtered cigarettes – it's a cruel joke that delays inevitable disaster.
Internationally, Canada is standing out for all the wrong reasons. At COP28 in Dubai last year, Canada, along with the UK and 190 countries, agreed to transition away from fossil fuels. Yet, by supporting new oil sands pipelines, Ottawa appears to be going in the opposite direction of its own commitment.
In contrast, other nations are taking bold steps towards a cleaner future. Eighty countries have pledged support for developing a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, and eighteen countries are participating in dialogues to develop a Fossil Fuel Treaty. Colombia and the Netherlands will soon co-host the world's first global diplomatic conference on fossil-fuel phase-out.
It appears that Canada is choosing to remain stuck in the past, despite mounting evidence of climate change. The opposition from First Nations who vow to protect the Great Bear Sea from oil tankers only serves as a poignant reminder of this shortsighted decision.
Leadership is emerging worldwide, with nations recognizing that ignoring science and the devastating consequences of climate change is no longer an option. As Gustavo Petro, Colombia's president, put it, "life over death" is no longer a luxury – it's a choice that must be made every day.
. They're taking the opposite approach of most other countries which are actually doing something about climate change. I mean, have they seen what's happening in South-East Asia? 1,000+ people dead and millions displaced... it's just not right 
.
. But Canada's just signing deals that'll increase fossil fuel production... it's like they're not listening to science at all 
.
.
. Let's hope other nations can keep pushing forward with their climate action plans 
.
I'm so done with Canada's lack of urgency on climate change 
. Like, come on guys! You're literally signing deals to support more fossil fuels while the rest of the world is over here trying to save itself 
. It's like they're stuck in some kind of bizarre loop where "expansion" means "delaying inevitable disaster" 
. The whole world is moving forward with cleaner energy, but Canada's just lagging behind 
. But seriously, folks, climate change isn't a joke anymore 
. We need to take drastic action now or else we'll face the consequences 
.
. At least they're taking concrete steps towards change, unlike some countries 
. Maybe Canada will join the party eventually 
?
and what's with supporting Alberta? those oil sands are a ticking time bomb 
Colombia and Netherlands hosting that fossil fuel treaty conference tho - now that's leadership 
. Meanwhile, expanding pipelines and touting CCS as a solution is like telling someone with lung cancer to smoke more but use filtered cigarettes – it's a cruel joke that delays disaster 
.
. Leadership is emerging worldwide, and nations are making choices every day – it's time for Canada to make a change 
. Colombia and the Netherlands hosting a global conference to phase out fossil fuels? That's amazing! And it's not just about the science, it's about leadership and putting people over profits.
. Supporting new oil sands pipelines might seem like a backward step, but what if CCS tech really does help? We can't rule it out just yet 
. Maybe we need to see more data on how effective CCS tech really is before jumping ship?
The opposition from First Nations who are fighting to protect their lands and communities is totally justified 
We need change now, not some piecemeal solution that just delays the inevitable 
.
, and I think Canada needs to listen more to their concerns than just paying them lip service 
. It's time for Canadian leaders to take bold action on climate change or risk being left behind by the rest of the world