In partnership with Climate Change Newmarket-Aurora, NewmarketToday brings you a regular series of columns aimed at creating awareness and engaging our community to take action on climate change.
Last month, Climate Action Newmarket Aurora addressed misinformation about carbon levies. This month, we're asking why we aren’t letting go of gas and its hugely negative effects on our health, finances and climate. You may wonder why getting rid of gas is necessary. Gas appliances were once considered trendy and “natural” and still account for 44 per cent of Ontario's household energy use and 13 per cent of electricity generation. However, that has shifted, for good reason.
Health
Gas plants and appliances release nitrogen oxides and methane, worsening respiratory conditions, especially in vulnerable populations like young children. In Ontario, air pollution is linked to about 6,500 premature deaths annually and increases risks of heart disease, stroke, dementia, cancer, and pregnancy complications. With a planned 25 per cent increase in Ontario gas plant operations over the next six years, these risks are likely to escalate. Polluting emissions from Ontario’s gas-fired plants could surge by an alarming 580 per cent by 2030 compared to 2017 levels. A housing development on Villiers Island has been delayed due to toxicity levels from Port Lands gas pollution. If it is affected there, where else?
Cost
The financial fallout is staggering. In pre-COVID 2018, premature deaths from air pollution cost Ontario $52 billion, exacerbating the strain on public health services. Taxpayers are on the hook for approximately $250 million annually in Enbridge subsidies to link gas to new homes despite $34 billion profits. Add to that $230 million in cancelled green energy contracts and an estimated $2 billion in annual climate damages to public infrastructure. It’s no wonder vital services like first responders, hospitals, long-term care facilities and special needs continue to be underfunded.
Climate Crisis
Greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels are driving extreme weather, evident in the intense flooding in Toronto, Nova Scotia and Quebec, and the relentless wildfires across Canada. Events, once rare, are now happening annually. This summer set a record with $7 billion in insurance claims from severe weather damage. Deeply concerning if you live on a floodplain, in a valley or rural subdivision or have a cottage in the woods.
Ontario is responsible for six megatonnes of the 10 megatonnes (equivalent to about 20 million gas cars) of Canada’s increase in emissions from 2021-23. Gas plants are the leading offenders.
Without significant reductions in gas plant emissions, Ontario could face electricity blackouts by 2035. Offshore wind could meet Ontario's growing energy needs, but an outdated moratorium is holding us back while the U.S. forges ahead with technology that now reduces risk to marine and bird life. Meanwhile, cheap, solar energy represents less than one per cent of our electricity generation, and wind only seven per cent. Both could triple their output with the right investment redirected from gas.
Political Will
Economists agree transitioning now from fossil fuels to green technologies is essential to reduce future costs and loss of life. The Canadian government has been slow to cap fossil fuel emissions, hindering progress toward 2050 net-zero targets. Instead of working collaboratively to leave no worker behind and save humanity, politics and federal/provincial jurisdiction battles impede forward progress. It’s not a ‘gas’.
The question remains: Why does the Ontario government continue to hold onto gas while the world is letting it go? Who stands to benefit? All puns aside, the myth that cloudy skies and calm days make solar and wind unreliable must be dispelled. Embracing clean alternatives and more innovative storage technologies will improve health, lower bills, stimulate economic growth and create jobs. Contrary to fossil fuel industry claims, transitioning to clean energy is expected to create 2.2 million jobs, across Canada, surpassing the 1.5 million jobs at risk.
What’s being done?
In Ontario, 35 municipalities are leading the charge to phase out gas-generated electricity. We encourage Newmarket and Aurora to join this movement, reflecting their Climate Emergency Declarations. Ontario will now ‘consider’ alternative energy projects approved by municipalities. Individually, we can manage our energy consumption better, as well as choose electric appliances and heat pumps when it’s time to replace them. For more suggestions and other actions, visit our website.
When election time comes, let’s fact-check candidates beyond the headlines and use our vote wisely to elect those committed to genuinely reducing emissions, pollution, and energy bills, while fostering a sustainable job-creating economy and prioritizing healthy communities. Our well-being and that of future generations depend on our actions today and the current Ontario government isn't passing the test yet. We can all do better!
Inspired by the international organization Project Drawdown, Climate Action Newmarket-Aurora seeks to engage citizens, institutions, and policymakers in actionable and measurable solutions to stop catastrophic climate change as quickly, safely and equitably as possible. You can contact them at [email protected], and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
