Has never expressed any remorse or regret over breaking the law as an environmental activist
During the Conservative leadership debate on May 11, Pierre Poilievre took the moderator to task for not mentioning an eco-terrorist attack on a pipeline project in British Columbia when listing recent attacks on critical infrastructure. On Feb. 17, around 20 masked assailants – some wielding axes – engaged in a co-ordinated attack on a Coastal…
Manitoba must follow the science and re-introduce the bill to lift the ban on cosmetic pesticides
Manitoba needs to follow the science and not give into ideological environmentalists who value kneejerk emotionalism over positive outcomes. A case in point is the province’s sensible decision to lift a ban at least partially on cosmetic pesticides passed by the previous NDP government back in 2014. Cosmetic pesticides are pesticides used to control weeds…
Western leaders are acting in ways that make your cringe: It's like watching an out-of-control teen at their first party
People have been asking for my thoughts on the recently announced federal climate plan. I shrug. I ask them what their thoughts are on the Iowa State Fair Hog Calling Regulations. I’m indifferent. I know I should care, but what’s the point? The feds throw something at us; we have to work with it. We…
Bold vision without a solid grasp of the facts amounts to hallucination
The holy grail of “net-zero” is electrification. Over time, this solution to the problem of global climate change envisions that today’s fossil fuel-centric energy system will transition to one run by water, wind, solar, biofuels, hydrogen, nuclear, and – maybe eventually – fusion. In many countries, eliminating fossil fuels in the electric sector is the…
We need to stop the self-immolation of our energy sector before the next crisis strikes
How to end the conflict created by the Russian invasion of Ukraine is top of mind. Most of the world, including Canada, wants this nasty war resolved in Ukraine’s favour. To do this, steps need to be taken to limit Russian aggression, short of the direct military engagement that could lead to an all-out multinational,…
The unintended consequences of our policy decisions
The tragedy unfolding in Ukraine brings several immediate thoughts to mind. In a dangerous world, being able to look after yourself is highly advantageous We talk a lot about how war has become obsolete, how a rules-based international order can substitute for a robust defence capability, and how attachment to the nation-state is increasingly passé.…
Longer days are coming! Cheaper solar power, not so much
We are constantly being told that wind and solar power are really cheaper than fossil-fuel power if you tot up the true costs of using each type. These arguments have always been dubious on their merits, if not outright disingenuous. Yes, the wind is free and the sunshine is free, but nothing about capturing either…
The current European/Asian energy crisis is a preview of what we can all expect in the years ahead
Industry and environmentalists are on a clash course. The 23rd World Petroleum Congress in Houston last week was enough to highlight the emerging trends, complexities and challenges faced by the oil and gas industry. The message from the industry was clear – a global oil scarcity is on the horizon. Underinvestment since oil prices began…
Comment the mark of an extremist with little interest in human safety
In mid-November, prominent environmental activist David Suzuki made some remarks that any impartial observer would consider radical. This was during an event hosted by an organization that is not known for its measured responses: Extinction Rebellion. Suzuki’s message was clear: “there are going to be pipelines blown up if our leaders don’t pay attention to…
U.S. "commitment" to tackle climate change crumbles in the face of climate poverty
With the possibility of co-ordinated moves by major crude-oil consuming nations, the markets took a hit last week. On Friday, oil prices were down four to six per cent. Strong demand growth and a tight leash on global supplies have driven the oil markets in recent months. New COVID-19 lockdowns in parts of the world…