This is a news compilation setting the record straight on the day’s top anti-oil and gas stories and providing research and facts to counter misinformation about the oil and gas industry.
News Headline:
As Canada curbs methane emissions, new measurements show problem bigger than thought
Misleading article title suggests Canadian oil and gas industry dramatically increasing emissions but leaves out key information
The Facts:
Methane regulations in Canada are among the best in the world, and we continue to improve.
- The International Energy Agency has cited Canada’s new methane strategy as key method in reducing GHGs.
https://www.iea.org/commentaries/canada-steps-up-its-efforts-to-reduce-methane-emissions - While countries like the United States are cutting regulation on emissions, Alberta, the heart of Canada’s oil and gas industry is committing to reducing emissions by 45% from 2014 levels.
https://www.aer.ca/providing-information/by-topic/methane-reduction.html#:~:text=In%202015%2C%20the%20Government%20of,released%20on%20December%2013%2C%202018. - The ‘increase’ in emissions is due to the Alberta Energy Regulator changing reporting definitions to provide more accurate readings, to ensure the oil and gas industry is able to more effectively reduce methane emissions.
https://www.aer.ca/providing-information/by-topic/methane-reduction.html#:~:text=In%202015%2C%20the%20Government%20of,released%20on%20December%2013%2C%202018. - Methane emissions in the oil and gas industry have been on a decreasing trend since 2007, dropping 14%.
https://www.canadianenergycentre.ca/canadian-energy-industry-leading-the-way-in-tackling-methane-emissions/ - Companies continue to invest in emissions reduction technology. Modern Resources has developed its Modern Ultra-Low Emissions technology which reduced methane emissions to zero and CO2 by 95% compared to conventional well-sites.
https://modernresources.ca/modern-newsroom/the-mule/
Here are some stories that get it right, or mostly right.
In a Facebook post from North99, the group takes on the 10% tariff on unprocessed Canadian aluminum from the U.S.. While tariffs inhibit the flow of free trade Canada has experienced with the U.S. for decades, they can also increase global emissions. Navius Research studied the affects of carbon leakage on Canada’s aluminum sector and shows that Canada has a comparative advantage in emissions for the sector. They found that increased production of aluminum in Canada results in significant reductions in emissions globally. Less Canada, more emissions.
