BY OLE HAMMARLUND
GUEST OPINION
Last week’s article by Gwyn Morgan is not supported by facts.
First of all climate change is not a fairytale but a reality supported by nearly all scientists. That some other countries do not make the effort to change is hardly an excuse for Canada to do the wrong thing.
Yes Ontario wasted billions with an ill-conceived support system for green energy. That particular failed policy does not mean that green energy is wrong or un-economical.
The problem with Canadian energy is that it is simply too cheap to compete with. Double the cost of energy as is the case in Europe, and public transportation, energy efficient or electric cars and energy efficient housing will appear like magic. A hefty carbon tax is the most economical way to do this. The economy will be stimulated as long as the carbon taxes collected are recycled into the economy.
Despite all the politicians green promise, Canadian production of CO2 has only grown along with the economy. But look at Denmark, which in the same period has also grown the economy but at the same time has reduced CO2 output.
Denmark is similar to Canada in also producing significant oil and gas from the North Sea, but unlike Canada this oil and gas is not wasted. The use is reduced through conservation and the excess exported for a healthy export balance. This makes perfect economic sense.
also believe the fairytale that the government can deliver the needed services such as health and education with same or less taxes. Denmark of course has much higher taxes and also much higher level of services, including free higher education and better housing and extensive senior and child support. The surprise is that Danes are among the happiest citizens of the world, clearly feeling that the benefits received are worth the extra taxes.
Being in the forefront of wind energy for decades Denmark has been able to export their wind technology to the tune of billions of dollars a year, including to Canada. Some are even on P.E.I. Canada’s abundant natural gas and hydropower matches perfectly with wind energy to provide an environmentally friendly, constant and dependable energy source.
No one is suggesting Canada stops extracting oil and gas, but why not save some for future generations while preserving our environment as well? It just makes more sense.
- Ole Hammarlund, a native of Denmark, is an architect practising in Charlottetown.