Economy vs. Environment: Some question Alberta delegation's motivation at COP27
There are still questions about how emissions targets will impact Alberta as a provincial delegation returns from the world's largest climate change summit.
Environment Minister Sonya Savage led a five-person team to Egypt last week for the COP27 conference.
Before leaving, Savage told CTV News she would be going to represent Alberta interests, as she didn't trust the federal government to do so.
The province has repeatedly said current national emissions targets are too ambitious.
Savage believes they will hurt Alberta's No. 1 industry and, on a larger scale, its entire economy.
"We need to have an honest conversation about balancing climate policy with energy and food security," she wrote in a Financial Post op-ed.
"This means connecting the question of emission reduction targets with an understanding of the technology and economic costs required to get there."
But as Savage gets set to return home, many experts argue profit will eventually have to take a back seat to climate goals.
That could put the province in a tricky spot.
"The Alberta government has a lot at stake here," the Pembina Institute's Chris Severson-Baker said.
"As the world tackles climate change, we are an oil and gas producing jurisdiction, and that product is simply not wanted going forward. (So) as the demand declines, they need to dramatically reduce the emissions associated with producing that oil."
ECONOMIC AND EMISSIONS DRIVER
The single largest contributor of national greenhouse gas emissions is the energy sector.
In 2019, it accounted for more than a quarter of Canada's output.
Ottawa wants to cut that by more than 40 per cent by 2030.
"But Alberta has no plan to reduce its emissions," Calgary doctor and COP27 attendee Joe Vipond said.
"They are putting up a resistance."
The province's industry can boast of success in carbon capture and methane reduction, and on Monday, Savage announced a $50-million initiative to help the sector cut emissions.
Experts call those important steps.
But provincial output is – and likely still will be – massive.
"Countries still need (energy) and it's vital," Severson-Baker said.
"But they're actively working to reduce the need for it from a climate and security perspective. I don't think anybody can go to COP and not hear that message loud and clear."
EITHER WAY...
But "pushing" the economic case for emissions – as Vipond says – may be a conundrum on its own.
Canada's parliamentary officer says the effects of climate change bit a $20-billion hole out of Canada's economy last year.
His office issued a new analysis looking at the economic impacts of climate change over the next 80 years, which shows hurt if the world's changes continue to accelerate.
MINISTER UNAVAILABLE
CTV News has been trying all week to connect with the delegation to talk about Alberta's goals at the summit.
On Thursday, Savage's press secretary said the minister was in transit and unable to speak.
He instead sent part of her Egypt agenda.
The conference in Sharm El Sheikh ends on Friday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Saskatchewan isn't remitting the carbon tax on home heating. Why isn't my province following suit?
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams goes to the Bears with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.