Gradually, the public is becoming aware of the significant impact on climate change caused by our disregard of the environment.
Tackling climate change is more than a moral thing; it is of exceptional economic importance. There are a number of “inconvenient truths,” to quote former U.S. vice president Al Gore, that no longer can be ignored, without imperiling our economy.
A growing, competitive economy, such as we have in Canada, underpins a solid standard of living, which in turn provides the means by which our environmental protection is funded. Determining the proper mixture between conflicting economic and environmental goals is difficult and complicated.
Obviously, inability to find the right balance can lead to poorly conceived moves, with worse effects than those targeted.
Canada routinely is criticized for its failure to live up to international commitments to reduce carbon emissions. It is imperative that we understand the impacts on our economic future of our oversight here.
The Canada Clean Air Act of 2006 shifted Canada’s previous approach from one that is voluntary to a regulatory one based on energy efficiency and emissions reductions. That is a good example of what can be accomplished.
One recovery step is to close all coal-fired stations wherever they may be. A combination of conservation, renewables and natural gas can be relied upon to provide the replacement generation. Closing coal-fired stations is a relatively easy way to curb smog and polluting emissions.
Many government agencies have complained about the risks of that plan. Replacement generation has been delayed by the usual “not in my back yard” objections as well as the global competition for materials.
There is significant uncertainty regarding conservation’s contribution and true costs.
For example, wind power integration is intermittent, entailing concerns and objections that prevail about wind-power turbines.
Our economy is in trouble due in part to rising energy costs – almost one third higher than a year ago. Unfortunately, the forecast is for another 60 per cent to 70 per cent increase by the year 2015.
Experts have told this columnist the less risky option now is to finish retrofitting coal stations with clean-coal technology.
That has been ignored even though it has been tested successfully. We seem to have no other plan besides increased reliance on energy imports from U.S. higher emissions coal plants.
Perhaps Canada can become a world leader in reducing the dangers to our environment. Government and industry should work together to accomplish that objective.
The threats to our environment demand nothing less.