Premier Blaine Higgs of New Brunswick believes that Canadians should consider the “big picture” when it comes to the federal carbon tax. However, his vision is met with skepticism and faces several challenges.
Higgs proposes extracting natural gas in New Brunswick and shipping it to Europe, claiming it would lead to the closure of coal-burning plants there and reduce global emissions. Despite potential economic benefits, this plan faces obstacles such as local opposition to fracking, the high cost of transporting gas, and the lack of social license from Indigenous nations.
Moreover, the viability of Higgs’s plan relies on Europe continuing to rely on natural gas, which is becoming less likely with the growing popularity of renewable energy sources. Even if gas exports do occur, verifying the impact on coal use and establishing a global emissions accounting system remains complex.
Critics argue that Higgs’s focus on reducing emissions elsewhere is short-sighted, as Canada must take responsibility for its own emissions. They also point to the broader impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, and emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach that includes transitioning away from fossil fuels.
