Last year the world’s leading climate scientists, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, issued a “code red” for humanity and outlined how we had to stop oil and gas drilling if we wanted a livable future.
At COP26 in Glasgow, U.S. President Joe Biden beat the drum for urgent action.
“The science is clear: We only have a brief window left before us to raise our ambitions and to raise — to meet the task that’s rapidly narrowing,” said the President. This is the Decisive decade
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, added
“the science is clear: we must do more, and faster
The Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre reiterated the need for drastic action at COP26, telling delegates,
“this is existential. It is urgent. And it is possible – if we jointly step up our commitments.”
This is the Action - something needs to be done!!
USA
According to Counterpunch, “The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts that U.S. oil production will average 12.4 million barrels per day during 2023, surpassing the record high for domestic crude oil production set in 2019 under Trump.” The U.S. has more oil and gas extraction expansion planned in the next decade than any other country, and a December analysis by Public Citizen found that Joe Biden is approving oil and gas drilling permits on public lands at a faster rate than former President Donald Trump, a noted climate denier and proponent of fossil fuel expansion.
Canada
Canada’s fracked gas expansion plans in northern Alberta and northern British Columbia are massive (second only to the U.S.) but largely flying under the radar: Trudeau’s government is also under pressure to stop subsidies and public finance for fossil fuels, which it gives to the tune of about CAD $18 billion a year.
Norway
Norway, has just announced 53 new oil and gas licenses “supporting the country’s continued role as Western Europe’s largest hydrocarbon producer,” according to one oil industry publication, which adds “the offers provide reassurance on Norway’s commitment to maximizing petroleum extraction.”