Canada fast-tracks fossil fuel pipelines despite climate warnings

Prime Minister Mark Carney and provincial leaders in Canada this week unveiled major expansions of fossil fuel infrastructure, despite growing climate concerns. On Tuesday, Carney celebrated the advancement of LNG Canada Phase 2, which will become the second-largest liquefied natural gas facility globally, and the doubling of the Coastal GasLink pipeline's capacity. The following day, he and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith declared a new bitumen pipeline, Pacific Link, to be in the national interest, bypassing environmental protections.

The announcements coincided with dire climate news, including rapid Swiss glacier loss, California's state of emergency due to extreme weather, and devastating Indonesian wildfires. Carney framed fossil fuel expansion as part of Canada's climate strategy, arguing that Canadian oil and gas are 'low-emissions' and 'low-carbon,' despite evidence that their full life cycle emissions far outweigh any potential gains. Smith highlighted Alberta's rollback of climate policies, including the removal of electric vehicle mandates and emissions caps.

British Columbia Premier David Eby, who previously opposed fossil fuel expansion, has shifted stance, now competing with conservatives to expand such infrastructure fastest. Critics argue the government conflates fossil fuel development with climate action and environmental protection. Indigenous communities, including the Coldwater Indian Band, report inadequate consultation and express anger over the Pacific Link pipeline's approval.

Opposition figures like NDP Leader Avi Lewis condemn the pipeline as a risky investment with severe environmental consequences. Legal challenges and potential protests are expected to follow the project's approval.