Environmental news from BC, Canada, 16 July.
Drought conditions in British Columbia are worsening, with unprecedented levels of drought observed early in the season, emphasizing the need for water conservation.
As drought conditions worsen, with unprecedented levels of drought being observed in British Columbia this early in the season, people and b
2. British Columbia has requested 1,000 additional international firefighters to help combat the province's wildfires.
British Columbia has requested 1,000 additional international firefighters to join the battle against the province's wildfires.
The Canadian government is prepared to deploy resources, including military assistance, to support firefighting efforts in B.C.
The province is experiencing a severe fire season, with over 350 wildfires burning, and is looking for more firefighting support, particularly air equipment.
3. British Columbia and Alberta have contrasting policies on coal mining, with B.C. continuing coal mining in the Rocky Mountains while Alberta restricted it due to environmental concerns.
Mountaintop-removal coal mining is much more prevalent in B.C. than Alberta. To understand why, you need to go back decades to unfurl a stor
Alberta's shift away from coal mining in the 1970s was influenced by the emergence of an environmental movement and the rise of the oil industry in the province.
B.C.'s support for the metallurgical coal industry and the failed plan to make every resident a shareholder in a coal company contributed to the continuation of coal mining in the province's Rockies.
4. Metallurgical coal, also known as coking coal, is a high-quality coal used in steelmaking that emits significant greenhouse gases during the production process.
Metallurgical coal, used to make steel from iron ore, is back in the headlines after former B.C. premier John Horgan announced he has joined
British Columbia is a major producer of metallurgical coal, with stringent regulations and high-quality reserves, making it a trusted source in the industry.
While demand for metallurgical coal is expected to decline in the future due to the development of greener alternatives like hydrogen, the industry continues to play a significant role in steel production worldwide.
5. The Port of Vancouver is the busiest coal export terminal in North America and exports large amounts of both metallurgical and thermal coal.
It is perhaps our country’s dirtiest secret – the export of Canadian and American coal through the Port of Vancouver. Operating in the ver
Coal exports from the Port of Vancouver contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and may lead to increased shipping traffic and potential environmental damage.
More on thermal coal here and here. In brief:
The B.C. government saw record revenue from coal exports in 2022, which facilitated social spending.
Canadian thermal coal exports continue to rise due to demand from Asian countries, despite global efforts to phase out coal production. Asian countries are still building coal plants and relying on Canadian thermal coal for its high energy output and supply diversification.
The market for coal is expected to shrink in the coming years as global commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions increase.
The provincial government is promoting its CleanBC plan to lower emissions while simultaneously projecting lower revenue in the short term as natural resource prices are expected to fall. The government is also working on a trade diversification strategy.
