This is a timely book to consider an Alberta economy beyond oil.I know, saying things like that are blasphemy in a province so dedicated to an extraction economy. But, one of the things the author promotes is Canadian energy independence by stopping the export of our resources. This would mean constructing the Energy East pipeline, something Quebec blocked, instead of expanding the Keystone XL line.
East of Ottawa oil products are imported from the Middle East. This makes for a vulnerable situation if some kind of interruption in supply should happen.
All countries will ultimately protect their own citizens first, but Canada is unprepared to do so. It would be better to set the stage now instead of waiting for a crisis to force our hand.
It is astonishing to learn how little proven reserves remain of Alberta’s natural gas. I for one think of this when my furnace kicks in on a cold February morning.
This book is largely a big-picture, government-programs exploration on how to first, secure our current energy supply and then to transition off of carbon fuels to do our part in addressing climate change.
The last three chapters dig into a possible path for Canada. It points to many other books and groups who are doing a lot of thinking on the subject. Nothing will change overnight but it is important to explore the ways available to us.
Change is coming. Will it be a disaster or a new era for humanity?
It’s scary and exciting to contemplate.
Highly recommended.
Gordon Laxer's website - https://www.gordonlaxer.com/
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