Ottawa, Ont. – In Canada, and across the world, we need to rapidly wind down production of fossil fuels in order to limit catastrophic levels of warming, save millions of lives, and end harm to frontline communities. Yet this year’s Production Gap report finds that Canada and other countries are still planning to produce more than double the amount of fossil fuels than would be consistent with our global climate commitments.
Yesterday the Premier of Quebec announced a provincial ban on all fossil fuel extraction. Yet elsewhere in Canada, including in Ottawa, elected leaders are still not willing to admit what achieving zero emissions really means: that we must transition off of fossil fuels. Canada needs to move forward with capping emissions from fossil fuel production and winding the sector down, rather than getting distracted by false solutions, like carbon capture, which will prolong our dependence on fossils.
Canada is a wealthy and innovative nation, with a lot of clean sector expertise. We have the means and the capacity to start implementing a just and equitable managed wind-down of fossil fuels that ensures no workers or communities are left behind. As Canada prepares for COP26, it’s time to show true leadership by taking immediate steps to address Canada’s production gap.
About ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.
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For more information and to arrange an interview please contact:
Barbara Hayes, bhayes@environmentaldefence.ca
The post Statement from Julia Levin, Senior Climate and Energy Program Manager, on the 2021 UN Production Gap Report on Fossil Fuel Production and Climate Change appeared first on Environmental Defence.
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