Neither Saskatchewan party willing to discuss climate crisis

[Oscar]

Neither Saskatchewan party willing to discuss climate crisis

[ https://thestarphoenix.com/opinion/colu ... ate-crisis ]

by Jim Harding - October 22, 2024

Renewable energy is rising globally, but Saskatchewan political parties avoid the topic of climate and the province's abysmal record on emissions. . . . .

Saskatchewan is the most derelict province regarding climate. Our per capita emissions were 56 tonnes last year; compared to Canada’s average, 18. The highest country, Qatar, emits less than us (35 tonnes). Saskatchewan is amongst the worst climate polluters anywhere.

This is because we remain dependent on fossil fuels for electricity (coal 25 per cent, natural gas 40 per cent). Last year, with three per cent of Canada’s population, we produced 22 per cent of all Canadian emissions from electrical generation.

With blackouts increasing with climate change, we clearly need a smarter grid. Yet, clinging to an outdated notion of “baseload” power, the Saskatchewan Party even ignores the potential of interprovincial tie-ins. In government 17 years, it stubbornly refuses to embrace renewable technology.

In 2023, Saskatchewan had only 630 megawatts (MW) wind capacity. Alberta had 4,500 MW, nearly equal to Saskatchewan’s entire grid. Solar Power SK ranks Saskatchewan as No. 1 in sunlight, but ninth in installing solar.

This is no accident. In 2019, the Saskatchewan Party cancelled the solar rebate program, killing emerging small businesses strengthening local economies. Jurisdictions elsewhere use effective programs to expand renewable energy. Not here!