Canada’s National Observer – By Cloe Logan | News , Climate Solutions Reporting February 7th 2024
“Recent energy figures from Europe further weaken Canada’s justification for developing LNG to export it abroad, says a new report.”
“Released Tuesday by energy think tank Ember, the report found fossil fuel electricity generation levels in Europe last year reached a record low. Wind power hit 18 per cent of the energy mix, beating gas power for the first time, at 17 per cent. Overall, renewable energy made up 44 per cent of electricity generation. On the same day as the report’s release, the European Commission called for a 90 per cent reduction of planet-warming greenhouse gases in the European Union (EU) by 2040.”
“These statistics, combined with United States President Joe Biden’s announcement of a pause on LNG exports, are further signals that Canada should back away from the fossil fuel for good, said Moe Qureshi, manager of climate solutions with the Conservation Council of New Brunswick.”
“It’s irresponsible for Canada to try to build an LNG export market instead of focusing on building up renewables at home, said Qureshi.”
“While natural gas is often called a “bridge fuel” and is presented as a cleaner fossil fuel than oil or coal, research has found that the methane leaks that occur during extraction and transportation of natural gas could make the fossil fuel worse than burning coal. Methane has 84 to 87 times more warming potential over 20 years than carbon dioxide, making it especially relevant in achieving short-term emissions reduction goals.”
“When I think of the story, it’s about how we have officially started this transition. We have officially moved away from fossil fuels,” said Qureshi, about Ember’s analysis.
“LNG is dropping, people are now realizing there are alternative solutions.”