Karen Tam Wu: BC needs a clear vision of the energy future

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After a devastating summer, the British Columbia government’s improved climate plan will face intense scrutiny. Expected in October, it could position the province as a model for the rest of Canada, if it puts BC on track to achieve a net zero economy by 2050.

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To do so, you’ll need to do two things: focus on five high-impact policies, and provide clarity on the role of fossil fuels. And it should incorporate the findings and recommendations of two recent international reports that were explicit about the role of fossil fuels in driving climate change.

The latest annual report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned that climate change is widespread, rapid and intensifying, and called for strong and sustained reductions in greenhouse gases.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) net zero report in 2050 showed the kinds of policies needed to limit warming, including the non-approval of new oil and gas fields after 2021, a 75% reduction in emissions. of methane by 2030, with no new fossil fuel boiler sales by 2025 and a 100% zero-emission vehicle sales mandate by 2035.

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As leaders and negotiators address the 26th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP26) in November, there is an expectation that they will increase their ambition and action to address climate change. Subnational governments have an important role to play. What BC determines as its path to meeting its 2030 commitments could set an important example on this global stage.

In recent years, the British Columbia government has laid a solid foundation for addressing the current and future impacts of climate change. The province was the first in North America to set carbon reduction targets for specific sectors, including the gas sector (from 33% to 38% by 2030) and the construction sector (from 59% to 64% by 2030 ), and has legislated the goal of a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030 and the commitment to achieve a net zero economy by 2050. The province can adopt the IEA net zero scenario to establish pathways to achieve these legally binding targets.

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The next climate plan, then, will need to prioritize five core climate policies: an increase in the price of carbon pollution, reinforced low-carbon standards for liquid and gaseous fuels, regulations on upstream methane emissions, an accelerated mandate. and global zero emissions for vehicles. and rules that drive a switch from fossil fuels to electricity in homes and buildings.

These policies would go a long way towards taking much of the guesswork out of resource planning by British Columbia utilities, which, despite recognizing climate goals, are not yet aligning resource plans over the long term. term with what the energy economy models show that they will be needed at a low level. carbon economy. In the midst of a climate emergency, the province must give clear direction to public services, and in particular BC Hydro, to use all available tools to accelerate the electrification of buildings and transportation.

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BC must also present a clear vision of how the province’s production and export of fossil fuels will be managed in the future. The IEA and IPCC reports are clear: We can no longer afford to hang around when it comes to fossil fuel development and oil and gas emissions. Aside from curbing methane leaks from existing gas production and eliminating other sources of upstream emissions, there is no room for maneuver in our carbon budget for large new projects that increase emissions like liquefied natural gas. To ensure that British Columbia meets climate goals, this updated plan will need to reconcile oil and gas development ambitions with the scientific imperative of reducing emissions as deeply and rapidly as possible.

It is also essential that utilities invest only in infrastructure and programs that are compatible with a net zero future. This will require courage and committed financial resources for the implementation of policies and support for workers and communities.

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We are already paying the mounting financial and human costs of climate change. Failure to push for the highest impact policies and aligning electricity production, distribution and use with climate goals will result in even higher costs for generations to come.

Karen Tam Wu is British Columbia Director at the Pembina Institute, a group of climate and energy experts.

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