Canada's $40-Billion Bet on a Fossil Fuel Future

The Canadian government has announced plans to build a new oil pipeline, sparking controversy over its environmental impact and economic viability.

Tzeporah Berman, a climate and energy policy adviser, argues that building this pipeline would lock in decades of future emissions and exacerbate the effects of climate change. She points out that existing fossil fuel infrastructure is already set to take Canada beyond the 1.5 C limit agreed upon by world leaders.

The International Energy Agency has concluded that there is no need for investment in new coal, oil, and natural gas as clean energy expands and demand declines. Berman notes that the reported cost of this pipeline could exceed $40-billion, an amount that could fund significant investments in renewable energy, transportation infrastructure, and other projects.

The proposed pipeline would also increase heavy oil tanker traffic through the Salish Sea, putting the Southern Resident killer whale population at greater risk. With fewer than 80 individuals remaining, this iconic species is already on a trajectory toward extinction.