Month: July 2022

Opinion, by Alex Cameron

This is a brief overview of four things that have really caught my attention lately regarding getting the Oil & Gas industry in Canada to take the required actions to reduce their GHG emissions. 

1. The Government of Canada has recently published a very interesting discussion paper entitled “Options to cap and cut oil and gas sector greenhouse gas emissions to achieve 2030 goals and net-zero by 2050 – discussion document”
   
   The paper’s purpose is to “invites input on the design and implementation of an approach to cap and cut emissions from the sector. The document seeks input on two potential regulatory approaches: The development of a new cap-and-trade system under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA); and The modification of existing carbon pollution pricing systems under the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (GGPPA).
   
   The paper also states that “The Government of Canada is seeking views on the guiding principles, policy design considerations, and regulatory options presented in this paper”, and that written comments can be submitted until 2022-09-30. So, there is time to do a detailed review (I have nearly completed my first read) and draft a reasonable response.

2. The Globe and Mail reports that as result of this paper, the “Energy sector fears higher costs under new carbon pricing system”. Key points in the article include the following.
   • “A cap-and-trade system would provide more certainty in meeting emissions targets, but the industry would incur a higher administrative burden, the document says”
   • It talks about the caps leading to production cuts, which Ottawa says is not the immediate aim – the aim is reduce the GHGs emitted in Scope 1 and Scope 2 
   • Lots of commentary about the provinces and the industry lining up to push back hard against these measures
   • The NZAB supports the report
   • Chris Severson-Baker of the Pembina Institute state that they support the report and that “ the federal government needs to nail down its approach for the emissions cap as quickly as possible”. He goes on to state that their review of the two options is ongoing and that “ “In our view, you’ve got to go with the one that is going to get you there the fastest” .

3. I just finished watching the extremely scary PBS documentary “The Power of Big Oil”. Available on Youtube at:
   The Power of Big Oil – Part 1 – Denial
   The Power of Big Oil – Part 2 – Doubt
   The Power of Big Oil – Part 3 – Delay
   
   This does a great job talking about the use of denial, then sewing doubt, followed by delay as a tactic to delay action. It also does a great job talking about the fact that “we won’t solve the climate crisis unless we solve the misinformation crises”
4. The collapse of the climate bill in the United States after a Democratic senator (Joe Manchin) – could not be persuaded to support it. Many sources (CNN, the NY Times) state that Senator Manchin is deeply beholden to the fossil fuel industry

First of all, I think we all agree that we need to stop burning oil and gas – possibly with some rare exceptions with compensating controls.

Secondly, I think we likely all agree that the complicated part is getting from where we are now to that target state. I am hopeful that we can define paths to achieve that goal – and this brief article contains some highlights on that effort.

Third, I think it is important that we realize that a lot of powerful forces will attempt to use the the same delay and focused attack methods that have worked so well in the USA to try and delay action on the Oil and Gas cap and cut approach that Canada wants to take.

I think it is very important that we as citizens make sure that our MPs, as well as our MPPs,  know that we support these measures to cap and cut. I also think that we need to look at legislation that allows the windfall profits that the industry is currently making be directed towards cap and cut efforts.  BUT – this is where I start to run out of ideas – because I also think that we need to see what we can do to get the industry and the provinces to cooperate with this effort – instead of opposing it. I think the key is education – as per the quote from the Frontline special “we won’t solve the climate crisis unless we solve the misinformation crises”.

Opinion, by Alex Cameron

The Ontario Climate Emergency Campaign has published a 12 Point Climate Action Plan. This plan is well worth reading, and you will see that a large list of organizations have endorsed it. 

Personally, and even though I support all 12 points – I feel that some of the wording: 

• pushes away potential new allies for the climate movement – it sounds very “left” – and we want to appeal to “centre” and “centre-right” as well.
• tends to pull in (“coat-tailing”) other issues into the climate issue.
• is such that the current provincial government will stop listening after about the 2nd sentence.
• may be overly aggressive with some of its targets instead of aligning with targets which already exist .

I think it is really important to choose words that the Ontario government can listen to – even if that means pulling your punches on issues which you think should be tied into the climate debate. I would be happy to discuss this further.

How would I reword this 12 point program? See below.

1. Keep the pressure on to ensure that the science-based targets Canada has set for GHG emission reduction are actually met. 
   Canada’s current targets of  “40‑45 percent below 2005 levels by 2030” and “achieving net-zero emissions by the year 2050” including the “Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act” are reasonable, and include the requirement to “set national emissions reduction targets for 2035, 2040, and 2045, ten years in advance. Each target will require credible, science-based emissions reduction plans to achieve it.”
   
   These targets for planning seem reasonable. However, more must be done to ensure that the federal government,  provinces, municipalities, and industry work together to actually meet these targets.   As citizens, we must make sure that all levels of government, and the businesses we interact with know that we will hold them accountable to meet these targets.
2. not included
3. Increase pressure on the Ontario Government to invest significantly in creating a thriving, regenerative, zero emissions economy.
   Work with the Ontario Government to help them better understand that investing in the training, industrial scale-up in green industry and industry required to convert multiple sectors of the economy including transportation and buildings to a green economy. This  will both grow the economy and reduce GHG emissions. Promote the creation of a cabinet-level “Minister of the Green Transition”  position within the Ontario government responsible for ensuring that this investment in a green economy happens.
4. Rapidly wind down all fossil fuel use.
   Further thoughts on actions to wind down fossil fuel usage as rapidly as possible are forthcoming.
   
   Ensure that the IESO meets its current target to phase-out all NG generation of electricity by 2035. 
5. not included
6. Accelerate the transition to zero emission buildings.
   Establish and implement stringent net-zero emissions building codes on all new builds by 2025 including elimination of fossil fuel based heating, while incentivizing the study to evaluate when and where deep retrofits for existing buildings, as well as district energy, should be used to achieve net-zero emissions for all buildings in Ontario by 2050, including setting interim targets. These targets can be modeled on the approach taken in   “Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act” (CNZEAA). Immediately establish a task force to determine a reasonable date to ban new natural gas connections. Mandate the ““Minister of the Green Transition” to create a Crown Corporation to mobilize the workforce for the sustainable employment opportunities that will be generated.
7. Accelerate the transition to zero emissions transportation and ensure ongoing sustainable community development.
   Invest in affordable, accessible, and convenient zero-emissions public transit connecting and interconnecting communities, including northern communities. 
   
   As part of the  “Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act”, ensure that Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) sales targets (CZEVST) establish a targets  to phase out the sale of light duty vehicles (LDVs) and medium and heavy duty vehicles (MHDVs) which are not zero emission. The current LDV targets outlined in CZEVST of “achieving 100% ZEV sales by 2035, including interim targets of at least 20% by 2026 and at least 60% by 2030” make sense – but we need to ensure that we work to meet this target. 
   
   Ensure that attainable targets for MHDVs and rail are also in place – including the required investigation and incentivization.
   
   Ensure that attainable targets for air transportation are also in place – including the required investigation and incentivization.
   
   Promote the creation of livable walkable / rollable neighbourhoods that reduce the need for mechanized transportation.
   
   Prevent urban sprawl through sustainable urban development and intensification, while promoting healthy walkable, cycling-friendly communities with ample green infrastructure. Promote increased density and the ability to live near where you work, and shop near where you live.
   
   This will require increased cooperation between the municipalities and the Ontario government – and working to reduce the number of cases where they are at loggerheads.
8. Urgently protect natural biodiversity.
   Support and invest in science-based conservation initiatives. Restore natural ecosystems functions, preserve biodiversity, and increase carbon sequestration, including important carbon sinks such as the Greenbelt, the boreal forests of northern Ontario, and the James Bay lowlands, thereby improving human and ecosystem resilience to climate impacts. Protection must include at least 30% by 2030 of forests, wetlands, greenspaces and fresh water including our Great Lakes and other sources of drinking water. Restore powers and funding to Conservation Authorities.
9. Invest in local, organic, regenerative agriculture and plant-rich food systems.
   Incentivize carbon storage in soil, restore biodiversity, restore degraded ecosystems, and ensure Canadian food sovereignty and food security across the country. Increase public access to locally-sourced, affordable, sustainably-produced, and plant-rich foods and implement reductions in food waste. Support farmers in shifting operations to regenerative agriculture. Support all communities (including Indigenous communities) wishing to maintain traditional food systems and enhance their food security, including hunting and fishing.
   
   Ensure that dairy and other animal husbandry farming methods are humane, and that their GHG production is reflected in the product costs.
10. Institute a broad public education campaign to educate the public on what’s at stake.
    Ensure that the public knows about the climate and biodiversity crises and their critical impacts on human survival, in order to educate and mobilize broad community-based and societal action. Recognize climate change as the single greatest threat to human health of our time. Highlight the multiple co-benefits and massive opportunities that will result from taking climate action, including health and economic benefits, as well as employment opportunities.
11. In Ontario, immediately reinstate an independent office of the Environmental Commissioner.
    Empower and adequately fund the Environmental Commissioner on an ongoing basis to independently oversee the implementation of the essential environmental actions to be taken.
12. Ensure a just transition to a green economy which leaves no one behind.
    As we make the massive and urgent transformations critically needed to secure our shared future, ensure a just transition for Indigenous, resource-dependent, remote, and marginalized communities, low income families, fossil fuel workers, and all others disproportionately affected by the necessary shift to a low carbon economy. Prepare our communities for the impacts of the climate crisis to minimize human suffering and infrastructure damage. Address environmental racism and intergenerational justice by supporting those most vulnerable to climate change impacts including future generations. Recognize that our only way forward is to act together urgently, collectively, massively to safeguard the present and secure the future for ourselves, our children, and for generations yet to come.
13. Flex regulations, Border Carbon Adjustments, and other regulatory measures
    Ensure that a thorough investigation of the role of flexible regulations, as well as carbon pricing; the role of carbon border adjustments; and other regulatory issues are thoroughly addressed both at a federal and provincial level so as to ensure that we can safely make the required just green transition.