We’ve had a decade of lively debate about climate change, oil sands, renewable energy and carbon pricing. In contrast to 100 years ago, we now talk about energy in environment and social, as well as economic terms. Past debates and policy have focused almost exclusively on economic considerations, including the production of energy as inexpensively as possible.
Today, some people talk about whether energy is ‘too cheap’, and why it’s a good thing we pay more for our energy. Ontario is one jurisdiction where the merit of more expensive energy is currently being debated, as the province grapples with economic realities (PDF) of moving away from inexpensive fossil fuels to costlier renewable energy sources. Some commentators predict the transition could double power costs in the province. See, for example, articles in the Toronto Star, and the London Free Press.
At the same time, the oil sands have come under scrutiny for their environmental and social impacts. But oil sands developers, like coal and hydro power players, are just trying to meet rising energy demand at a time when conventional oil sources are declining.
It remains to be seen if the public will accept the premise that higher energy costs are good for them with as much enthusiasm as political leaders. Whatever the solution is, it will need to recognize that the environment, economic impact and energy abundance cannot be treated as disconnected policy priorities, but are actually wholly interconnected over the long term. A comprehensive Canadian energy strategy could address the need for a mix of energy sources and technologies and is the best way to drive innovation, reduce environmental impact and increase energy efficiency.
To put this strategy into effect, our own industry needs to think past quarterly results. But governments also need to think past election terms, environmentalists need to think past funding campaigns, and consumers need to think past their energy-intensive habits. Our President and CEO, Rick George spoke about this in a recent speech:
At the same time, the oil sands have come under scrutiny for their environmental and social impacts. But oil sands developers, like coal and hydro power players, are just trying to meet rising energy demand at a time when conventional oil sources are declining.
It remains to be seen if the public will accept the premise that higher energy costs are good for them with as much enthusiasm as political leaders. Whatever the solution is, it will need to recognize that the environment, economic impact and energy abundance cannot be treated as disconnected policy priorities, but are actually wholly interconnected over the long term. A comprehensive Canadian energy strategy could address the need for a mix of energy sources and technologies and is the best way to drive innovation, reduce environmental impact and increase energy efficiency.
To put this strategy into effect, our own industry needs to think past quarterly results. But governments also need to think past election terms, environmentalists need to think past funding campaigns, and consumers need to think past their energy-intensive habits. Our President and CEO, Rick George spoke about this in a recent speech:
If politicians and environmentalists are right and cheap energy is a thing of the past, then this is something our country needs to debate in a constructive fashion. As we have said before, we all need to be part of this conversation.
