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Along with the Minister of Energy and Minerals Brian Jean and Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Rebecca Schulz, Alberta will respond to the federal government’s announcement on oil and gas emissions. https://t.co/gUQmmxPysN— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) November 4, 2024
The United Conservative Party (UCP) of Alberta has voted to abandon the province’s emission reduction targets at its recent annual general meeting. The party members passed a resolution that redefines carbon dioxide as a “foundational nutrient for all life on Earth” and removes its designation as a pollutant. This move essentially denies the role of human-caused carbon dioxide emissions in contributing to global warming.
Alberta’s United Conservative Party members showed up in droves this weekend to prove that we are stronger than ever. Our United Conservative government is back in the legislature this week with a renewed mandate to fight for Albertans.
We’re focused on creating jobs, improving… pic.twitter.com/j3u1jniYzk
— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) November 4, 2024
Premier Danielle Smith stated that she would honor the spirit of the resolution but not strictly adhere to its text. She expressed her commitment to securing investment for carbon capture, utilization, and storage technology to help the oil and gas industry achieve its pledge of net zero emissions by 2050. However, she did not provide specific details on how this would be accomplished.
The resolution was put forward by northern Alberta’s Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock and Red Deer South riding associations.
From Alberta's 2008 climate change strategy: "ultimately, CO2 capture and storage technologies provide the province with the greatest potential to substantially reduce GHGs while, at the same time, retaining our ability to produce and provide energy to the rest of the world."
— Andrew Leach (@andrew_leach) November 5, 2024
Alberta UCP rejects emission targets
They argued that the Earth needs more carbon dioxide to support life and increase plant yields, which they believe contribute to the health and prosperity of Albertans.
Not all attendees at the meeting supported the resolution. Adam Bieganek from Innisfail-Sylvan Lake warned about the dangers of excessive carbon dioxide, comparing it to consuming too much water. “CO2 is as important for the planet as drinking water is for me,” Bieganek said to jeers from the audience.
“But just like I can drink five liters of water and get water poisoning, too much CO2 is a detriment to the planet and to people.”
Keith Stewart, a senior energy strategist with Greenpeace Canada, criticized the resolution’s passage, calling it “an utter failure of leadership by Danielle Smith.” He added, “A real leader wouldn’t pander to conspiracy theories but inform their supporters that they have been misled, because climate change is real, it’s bad, and it’s caused by burning fossil fuels. Anything less is a crime against our kids.”
The Smith government has opposed several federal environmental policies, including the proposed mandate to achieve a clean electricity grid nationwide by 2035, methane reduction targets, a forthcoming cap on oil and gas emissions, and the carbon tax. Despite this, Smith reiterated her commitment to doubling oil and gas production during her morning keynote address at the annual general meeting.
Noah Nguyen is a multi-talented developer who brings a unique perspective to his craft. Initially a creative writing professor, he turned to Dev work for the ability to work remotely. He now lives in Seattle, spending time hiking and drinking craft beer with his fiancee.
