Alberta's resistance to the global clean energy trend
Danielle Smith, Alberta's premier, staunchly opposes the shift to renewable energy, prioritizing the region's fossil fuel dominance.
Jeremy Appel reports for Jacobin.
In short:
- Smith is mounting a formidable challenge against the global transition towards renewable energy sources.
- The Canadian province, its economy deeply entrenched in the fossil fuel industry, is resisting a just and equitable energy transition.
- Smith's administration is actively seeking ways to counteract initiatives aimed at reducing fossil fuel reliance, emphasizing economic risk over environmental progress.
Key quote:
Pausing renewable energy production “makes the statement that it’s impossible to achieve a net zero power grid by 2035 that much closer to being true.”
— University of Calgary political scientist Lisa Young
Why this matters:
Smith's stance exemplifies a broader conflict between traditional energy sectors and global sustainability goals, highlighting the tension between economic interests tied to fossil fuels and urgent environmental and health imperatives.
Learn more: Coal, oil and gas have given communities across the U.S. both steady paychecks and devastating pollution. Is it time to center health in energy production?
Question for the reader:
How should regions dependent on fossil fuels navigate the transition to clean energy?
AI-based tools helped produce this text, with human oversight and editing.
