The government of Canada, the world’s fourth largest oil producer, has approved the construction of a major controversial oil project in the Atlantic Ocean, Environment Minister Steven Gilbelt announced on Wednesday, April 6th.
Named the Bay of Nord and supported for many years by the Norwegian giant Equine, it is possible to exploit a deposit located at a depth of more than a thousand meters and 500 kilometers off the coast of Newfoundland. It is scheduled to start in 2028. It will be the fifth oil base in Canada and will allow about 300 million barrels of oil to be extracted in thirty years, the company said.
“The Pay to Nord development project can proceed, subject to some of the harshest environmental conditions ever imposed, including the historic need for an oil and gas project to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.”The minister and former climate activist said in a statement.
He added that according to a comprehensive environmental assessment, the project is unlikely to have significant adverse environmental effects. “The world needs more oil”In October 2021, Justin Trudeau told Radio Canada who had been elected Minister of the Environment in October 2021 for being an activist.
Raising the shields
The announcement immediately sparked a outcry from environmental groups. “Recognizing Pay to the Northers is another step towards an unlivable future”Environmental Protection said Julia Levine, and a “Climate scientists affected in Canada and around the world slap communities in the face”.
As for Greenpeace, this is the result “Success” Policies that do not “This is exacerbating the climate crisis and the global dependence on fossil fuels burning the planet.”.
These organizations recall what Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), described as “Crazy” Continuing dependence on fossil fuels, a “Addiction that leads us to collective destruction”.
According to a recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the use of coal (carbon immature technology) without carbon sequestration should be stopped altogether to respect temperatures of up to + 1.5 C. Oil and gas prices were reduced by 60% and 70% in 2050, respectively, compared to 2019 levels.
“Duns” Facing Climate Change
This decision of the Canadian government has been condemned by many political parties, especially the New Democrats (NDP, Left), which has allied with Justin Trudeau’s Liberals in the Ottawa Parliament. “It simply came to our notice then. They ask their friends in the oil and gas industry instead of asking for climate scientists.Laurel Collins, NDP environmental critic condemned.
According to Bloc Québécois, the third largest parliamentary party in the country, it is Canada. “Confirms its position in the fight against climate change” And this results “The death knell of credibility is ringing” Minister of Environment.
There has been confusion over the plan, with the decision being postponed twice in recent months, especially since Justin Trudeau has been frequently criticized in recent years for his decisions regarding the oil sector, especially for the nationalization of the oil pipeline in 2018. He had made strong climate commitments during the last election campaign and confirmed that it was necessary in October 2021. “Ensure that the oil and gas industry stops increasing emissions and begins to reduce them”.
“Web specialist. Infuriatingly humble coffee ninja. Wannabe zombie advocate. Subtly charming tv fanatic. Avid social media scholar.”