Climate change policies

By Leela Sharon Aheer Chestermere-Strathmore MLA

Hello Chestermere-Strathmore readers. We have had a few interesting weeks across the political front federally. We saw our federal government float policies regarding climate change. We heard terms like “just transition,” followed by that lump in our stomachs, whereas Albertans, we say, “what now?”

 If you are interested, here is my understanding-albeit frustrated understanding. The world is investing in all sorts of energy, including investments in the green, low-carbon global economy, including net-zero. As with any economy, there are huge opportunities and drawbacks. Unfortunately, political divisiveness leads these discussions, and common sense is not part of the discourse. We must believe that any transition needs to be driven by markets, needs, prosperity, and the advice of experts in the energy sector. We need to speak honestly about energy security, but it is so much more than being able to flip on the light switch; it’s about affordability. We need a policy agenda that speaks to the global energy crisis that has come full circle due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. High energy prices impact the global economic outlook, but more importantly, it hurts households and industries. It’s time to restore and take a different look at how governments build energy policy priorities.

The discussions around energy transitions show us the ability to build diverse and sustainable energy systems. These opportunities are important because they address the volatility and exposure in the market that drive the high prices we are facing right now. But this road is full of pitfalls and potholes and needs to be handled with transparency which is sorely lacking in the political and divisive rhetoric. Energy needs to be reliable and affordable. That is something we can all agree on. We are in the midst of economic recovery globally and locally, and we need to get our ethically and responsibly sourced energy to the world, particularly Europe and Asia, where consumers are paying exorbitant prices for energy, and there are supply shortages. Some nations and people who only recently secured electricity will not be able to pay for it and are forced to burn wood. Governments should be focused on adequate storage, fuel alternatives, and affordability in the short term. This is where the actual harm is, and unless there are thoughtful conversations and actions meaningful to the people we serve, politics win, and people lose. Keeping Alberta’s resources in the ground only prevent nations from progressing and having access to affordable energy. We are morally required, in my opinion, to be able to offer our vast resources to the world, and governments need to be on board. The future of energy includes all energy, and we should work towards enhancing efficiencies in all these areas.  

As always, we love to hear from you.

(Leela Sharon Aheer is the MLA Elect for Chestermere-Strathmore)