More than 90 scientists are coming out against the Pacific Northwest LNG project, citing concerns around greenhouse gas emissions.
In a letter to Canada’s Minister of Environment Minister of Environment Catherine McKenna, the international group calls for the rejection of the project planned for Lelu Island near Prince Rupert.
One of the signatories is UNBC professor Brian Menounos who is a nationwide leader in the study of glacier change. He says shrinking snowpacks and glaciers have been linked to an increase in greenhouse gases over to past 30-40 years.
“As a scientist, I think it’s only prudent to let the federal government know that this Petronas LNG project would contribute substantial greenhouse gases to the environment.”
Taking upstream emissions into account, the scientists says the LNG project could increase BC’s total greenhouse gas emissions by more than 20%.
The letter also states “there is no evidence that LNG from the project will replace coal in Asia”, something that has been a key selling point from the BC LNG industry and Provincial Government.
Another UNBC professor who signed the letter, Art Fredeen is a climate scientist who studies the impact of greenhouse gases on forest ecosystems.
“The unconventional gas that we are creating in the northeast, some say is dirtier than coal given all the emissions that are required to extract that tight gas and oil from the shale.”
Fredeen is also skeptical that electricity from Site C will be used to liquefy the natural gas, as common practice has producers burning natural gas to power the liquefaction process.
Menounos says he understands the allure of LNG jobs, but points to green industries such as wind power which could employ the workers.
The letter states the approval of the Pacific Northwest LNG project would make it nearly impossible for Canada to meet any international climate change targets.