Last week, the UK made a bold move: it chose to prioritize science and public safety. The Labour government announced plans to stop issuing new oil and gas licenses in the North Sea. They also aimed to strengthen a windfall tax and speed up the transition away from fossil fuel subsidies.
These actions aren’t just for show. They reflect a growing understanding that the global energy landscape is changing, and wealthy nations need to adapt. This decision came during a week when devastating floods in Southeast Asia claimed over 1,000 lives and displaced more than a million people. The urgency to shift away from fossil fuels has never been clearer.
Meanwhile, just as the UK took a step forward, Canada took a troubling step back. Ottawa signed a deal with Alberta to support a new oil sands pipeline that will ramp up fossil fuel production. This agreement delays important methane regulations and cancels previous emissions caps. It even exempts Alberta from clean electricity rules. This is happening while Canada is rolling back environmental assessments and weakening green regulations.
The difference between the two countries couldn’t be starker. As climate change intensifies, Canada seems to be doubling down on the very industries causing the problem. Supporters of the Canadian government argue that expanding oil and gas is a practical approach. However, this perspective ignores the stark reality of worsening natural disasters.
Many leaders are pointing to carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a fix that allows for continued oil expansion. However, CCS has not delivered significant results despite substantial investment, as highlighted by the International Energy Agency. Even in a best-case scenario, these technologies address only a fraction of emissions. The majority comes from burning oil, not from its production.
On the international front, there is a strong commitment to phase out fossil fuels. At COP28 in Dubai, which took place recently, Canada, the UK, and 190 other countries agreed to move away from fossil fuel dependency. Building more infrastructure for oil contradicts this global pledge. It’s like trying to put out a fire with gasoline.
In contrast, efforts are gaining traction elsewhere. Eighty countries recently supported a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels during climate negotiations in Brazil. Colombia and the Netherlands are even co-hosting the first-ever global conference dedicated to this cause in April.
It’s becoming clear that leadership is emerging in the fight against climate change. Countries must choose between ignoring science or opting for solutions that prioritize our planet and people. As Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated, it’s about “choosing life over death.” Reckless reliance on fossil fuels is leading to severe air pollution, which claims around 5 million lives annually.
The UK’s recent decision deserves recognition. Actions like these help shape markets and change what the public expects from their leaders. In 2023, investments in renewable energy outpaced those in fossil fuels. China has taken significant steps as well, installing more solar power than the rest of the world combined.
While countries like the UK and China are adapting, Canada seems to be reversing course, clinging to industries that accelerate the climate crisis. This is concerning, especially in a world that is increasingly aware of the consequences of inaction.
Mark Carney, a respected figure in climate finance, has warned about the risks of ignoring climate change. Yet, he now oversees initiatives that enhance Canada’s reliance on fossil fuels, directly contradicting what needs to be done to protect communities.
Canada often talks about being forward-thinking. But in reality, it feels like they are moving backward at a critical time in our history. The next few years will be pivotal, and the choices made today will echo far into the future.
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