CALGARY — BINNU JEYAKUMAR, director of clean energy at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to the Government of Canada’s new policy statement on future thermal coal mining projects and project expansions:
“Pembina Institute welcomes this decision by the Government of Canada against the development of new thermal coal mines, saying that they are not aligned with Canada’s domestic and international climate commitments. This is a great step towards mitigating climate change, and a decisive step away from an industry that does not have a future.
“Recent International Energy Agency analysis shows that developed countries must phase out coal power by 2030 with the rest of the world immediately following by 2040 in order to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 Celsius or below. At the same time, the economics for coal-powered electricity continues to weaken. Forty-two per cent of coal plants world-wide are running at a loss. And by 2030, new wind and solar power will be cheaper than 96 per cent of current coal-fired generation.
“This announcement enables Canada to continue its strong global leadership role with the Powering Past Coal Alliance. The initiative, which the Pembina Institute is proud to support, encourages and supports governments, businesses and investors across the globe in phasing out unabated coal-fired generation.
“As with all climate policies, we need to also ensure that help is provided to workers and communities impacted by this transition.”
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Contact
Jill Sawyer
Senior Communications Lead, Pembina Institute
587-585-4522
Background
Report: Out with the coal, in with the new
Report: Breathing in the benefits
