By Letter to the Editor on May 5, 2021.
Dear editor, We’ve heard it again, the accusation – this time from researcher Angela Carter and others of the like mind – that Canada produces more than its share of greenhouse gas emissions in the production and consumption of oil and gas. (In the News, April 15). Reducing emissions from fossil fuel production is a matter which we are assured is being worked on by those engaged in it, and we wish them success. But fuel consumption is a matter for all of us to address. Here Canadians are at a disadvantage. Even by being careful, we use more heating fuel than most because of the climate, and more transportation fuel because of the distances. How can we not? It’s time environmental critics recognized these differences. Although I think it’s prudent to use whatever resources we have, I doubt that wind and solar power can ever be sufficient to meet the needs, especially in the winter. Electricity also takes power to produce. Fossil fuels will still be needed, at least for some time. It’s encouraging to learn of new technologies which may offer environmental advantages – like the use of hydrogen, a component of water. Exciting innovations require long periods of development. In the meantime, could Canadians please stop being blamed for factors out of our control? Charmaine Wood Irvine 10