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Alaska Oil Project Approval Adds Yet Another Climate Concern

Published

2 years ago

2023-03-15

Alaska, Juneau — Even as experts urgently warn that only a halt to more fossil fuel emissions can stem climate change, the Biden administration’s approval of a large oil development in northern Alaska binds the U.S. to yet another decades-long crude project.

At its height, the Willow project by ConocoPhillips would produce 180,000 barrels of oil per day, and burning that oil would emit at least 263 million tons (239 million metric tons) of greenhouse gases over 30 years.

As the earth warms, oil demand isn’t declining, and a contentious political battle over the project, which was approved on Monday, has highlighted the Democratic administration’s struggle to strike a balance between economic constraints and commitments to reduce fossil fuel use. The plan in the isolated area north of the Arctic Circle also draws attention to the contradiction that the United States and other countries are currently dealing with: the world’s transition to renewable energy lags behind the realities of an economy that is still mainly dependent on oil consumption.

We must eventually leave coal, oil, and gas in the ground. And that time is now, especially in a delicate ecosystem like the Arctic, according to Stanford University climate scientist Rob Jackson.

Upon announcing Willow’s clearance, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized that the number of drill pads had been decreased from ConocoPhillips’ initial plan by 40%, noting that this would benefit both humans and wildlife. Yet, according to official estimates, the corporation will still likely obtain the majority of the oil it sought, resulting in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of only 8%.

After a severe decline in oil production since the late 1980s, the project hopes to revitalize Alaska’s economy. It had the support of both party leaders in the state. The North Slope of Alaska, which is petroleum-rich, is where distant communities and villages can benefit from oil’s economic vitality.

Greenhouse gases produced by the project would contribute to melting the Arctic sea ice in Alaska.

Yet, the state has also experienced the effects of climate change: sea ice is receding, unique wildfires are surfacing, and melting permafrost threatens to release carbon into the atmosphere.

Lawyers for an Alaska Native organization and environmentalists have petitioned a federal judge to halt Willow’s approval in a lawsuit filed on Tuesday. According to The Sovereign Iupiat for a Living Arctic, Sierra Club, and other organizations, Interior Department officials disregarded that every ton of greenhouse gases produced by the project would contribute to melting the Arctic sea ice, endangering polar bears and Alaskan villages.

If nations, including the United States, are to achieve their 2050 objective of net-zero emissions—where only as much planet-warming gas is emitted into the atmosphere as can be absorbed—new drilling investments must be halted, according to the International Energy Agency.

90% of global carbon dioxide emissions and 75% of all greenhouse gases produced by humans are attributed to the energy industry.

Nonetheless, industry analysts and the U.S. Energy Information Administration predict that the demand for crude will keep growing globally.

Jim Krane, an energy specialist, suggested that authorities should concentrate on lowering demand rather than aiming to reduce domestic supplies of such fuels, such as initiatives like Willow.

According to Krane of Rice University’s Baker Center for Public Affairs, refiners will withdraw their oil from abroad if supply in the United States is targeted without any effort made to reduce demand in Alaska.

Willow’s greenhouse gas emissions would be almost 1.7 million automobiles worth or little over 0.1% of all emissions.

Electric vehicles are a potential replacement for gasoline-powered automobiles and trucks, but they have yet to do much to reduce the demand for fossil fuels. According to Enverus Intelligence Research, a company specializing in data research for the energy sector, EVs are anticipated to replace 2.7 million barrels of oil annually by 2030 in Alaska.

That is less than 3% of the world’s total oil consumption, which Al Salazar, senior vice president of the research firm, predicts will be around 100 million barrels per day in 2030.

Demand doesn’t suddenly disappear, according to Salazar. “Replacing the whole fleet of light duty vehicles takes time.”

Republican U.S. senators have stated that drilling should be anticipated in the National Petroleum Reserve- Alaska, where the Willow project is located.

Willow’s greenhouse gas emissions would be almost 1.7 million automobiles worth or little over 0.1% of all emissions in the United States. Officials from the Interior Department have used these comparatively tiny numbers to justify approving coal mines and oil and gas leases for years.

According to Jackson, if the worst effects of climate change are to be avoided, this perspective cannot be maintained. The Earth is “as far from zero emissions as we’ve ever been,” despite the focus on renewable energy.

It’s the same as thinking that any new automobile we build or coal plant in Alaska we construct is irrelevant because millions of other coal plants and thousands of other coal plants are functioning worldwide, he said.

In contrast to the early months of Biden’s presidency, the administration had already eased its attitude to oil and gas before the Willow decision. To win over Democratic holdout U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, the administration committed to tens of millions of acres of new leasing during discussions over last year’s climate package.

The legislation includes clauses connecting renewable energy sources’ growth and oil and gas leasing. As a result, on March 29, the administration will put up for sale oil and gas leases Alaska covering more than 73 million acres (29.5 million hectares) in the Gulf of Mexico. It also intends to auction off around 350,000 acres (141,600 hectares) of onshore oil and gas leases in Wyoming, New Mexico, Montana, Nevada, and other states over months beginning in May.

Activists claim that during 50 years, the Gulf sale alone may produce more than 1 billion barrels of oil.

“This administration has promised to supervise a historic shift to renewable energy, but deeds speak louder than words,” said George Torgun of Earthjustice, who represents environmental groups attempting to halt additional lease sales.

alaska

SOURCE – (AP)

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Trudeau Accused of Sowing Divisions Between Sikhs and Hindus

Published

2 days ago

2024-11-06

Geoff Thomas

Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Leader, has accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of sowing “divisions” that culminated in the violent altercation between Sikh separatists and Hindu devotees outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario.

Justin Trudeau initiated the question period by condemning Poilievre’s reticence regarding the violence in South Asian communities as “deafening.”

Poilievre refuted the assertion by accusing Trudeau of exploiting the matter to divert attention from domestic economic concerns.

“Consequently, he implements divisions in his residence.” Poilievre stated, “These divisions are the consequence of his actions.”

“Currently, sectarian riots are occurring on the streets of Brampton.” This has never occurred before the tenure of this prime minister. Is he accountable for the divisions he has incited and the ensuing violence?

Trudeau Must Assume Responsibility

Mr. Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Leader, requested that the Prime Minister assume responsibility for the divisions and violence in Canada. In response, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed Poilievre’s refusal to obtain security clearance to review foreign interference documents.

Trudeau, who has frequently employed a phrase in the question period recently, urged Poilievre to undergo the security clearance procedure to receive a briefing from Canada’s intelligence and security agencies regarding potential threats to the country.

Trudeau’s remarks exacerbate an already precarious police situation, which has the potential to further deteriorate the diplomatic relationship between Canada and India.

Police dispersed a second day of demonstrations outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario, on Monday. The temple has been the site of violent clashes that have resulted in arrests and a public safety alert.

During the Indian consular officials’ visit to the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple in Brampton on Sunday at midday, violence erupted.

Peel Regional Police issued a public safety alert on Monday evening regarding the presence of weapons at a demonstration near a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ont. The demonstration had been the site of violent clashes between demonstrators the previous day.

Canada India Tensions

Social media videos depict demonstrators holding banners in support of Pro-Khalistan separatism, a proposed independent Sikh homeland in northern India, and engaging in physical altercations with other individuals, some of whom are holding India’s national flag.

Later, an off-duty Sergeant of the Peel police in Brampton, Ontario, was identified as one of the pro-Khalistan protesters.

In the interim, the violence prompted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a rare comment during a period of escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

“I unequivocally condemn the intentional destruction of a Hindu temple in Canada.” “The cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats are equally appalling,” he shared on social media.

No amount of violence will ever undermine India’s resolve. We anticipate that the Canadian government will maintain the rule of law and ensure justice.

Last September, Trudeau expressed that there were credible allegations that the Indian government was involved in the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, which marked the beginning of the deterioration of relations between the two countries. India has vigorously denied the charge.

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Geoff Thomas is a seasoned staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. With his sharp writing skills and deep understanding of SEO, he consistently delivers high-quality, engaging content that resonates with readers. Thomas' articles are well-researched, informative, and written in a clear, concise style that keeps audiences hooked. His ability to craft compelling narratives while seamlessly incorporating relevant keywords has made him a valuable asset to the VORNews team.

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Police Officer Suspended for Joining Pro-Khalistan Protest

Published

2 days ago

2024-11-06

Geoff Thomas

A Brampton, Ontario, police officer was suspended on Monday following the viralization of a video on social media that showed him participating in a pro-Khalistan protest outside a Hindu temple.

According to CBC News, the suspended Peel Regional Police officer, Harinder Sohi, was videotaped brandishing a Khalistan flag while other participants in the protest chanted anti-India slogans. He was not wearing a police uniform.

Sohi served as a Sergeant for the Peel Regional Police.

In an email to CBC News, Media Relations Officer Richard Chin informed the organization that it is “aware of a video circulating on social media that depicts an off-duty Peel Police officer participating in a demonstration.”

“This officer has since been suspended in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act,” according to him.

“We are investigating the circumstances in totality depicted in the video and are unable to provide further information until this investigation is complete.”

Peel Regional Police have previously stated that three individuals have been charged in connection with the violence that occurred during the visit of Indian consular officials to the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple on Sunday.

Social media videos appear to depict demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan, a proposed independent Sikh homeland in northern India, and engaging in a physical altercation with other individuals, some of whom are holding India’s national flag.

The videos appear to depict fist battles and individuals striking each other with poles on the grounds outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple.

According to Peel police, the event was ultimately relocated to two additional locations in the neighboring city of Mississauga, where additional demonstrations were also conducted.

Peel police acknowledged the protest on Sunday at noon and announced that they had increased their presence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple to preserve public safety and order.

“We acknowledge the right to peacefully and safely protest; however, we will not tolerate criminal activities or violence,” stated Chief Nishan Duraiappah in response to the videos’ dissemination.

“Those that do participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested, and charged.”

The violence elicited condemnations from Canadian political leaders at all levels of government and also prompted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a rare comment during a period of escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his concern regarding the “deliberate attack” and requested accountability from the Canadian government, which Justin Trudeau heads. He anticipated that the government would uphold the rule of law and ensure justice.

PM Modi expressed his strong condemnation of the deliberately targeted assault on a Hindu temple in Canada in a post on X. The contemptible endeavors to intimidate our diplomats are equally repulsive. No amount of violence will ever be able to undermine India’s resolve.

In the interim, the Minister of External Affairs (MEA) expressed its “profound concern” regarding the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada, and it anticipates that those who engage in violence will be prosecuted.

The Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario, was the site of violent acts committed by separatists and extremists yesterday. We condemn these actions. “We urge the Canadian government to guarantee that all places of worship are safeguarded from such attacks,” stated Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the MEA.

India Slams Trudeau Over Pro-Khalistani Sikhs Attack

India Slams Trudeau Over Pro-Khalistani Sikhs Attacking Canadian Hindus

Geoff Thomas

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Pro-Khalistanis Sikhs Attack Hindu Temple in Brampton

Published

4 days ago

2024-11-04

Geoff Thomas

Pro-Khalistanis Sikhs, Hindu Temple, Brampton, Ontario

Pro-Khalistanis Sikhs attack Hindu Temple in Bramption Ontario.

Police in Brampton, Ontario, were summoned to the Hindu Temple after a group of pro-Khalistanis Sikhs attacked Hindu worshipers on Sunday. According to the Hindu Canadian Foundation, supporters of the Khalistaani movement in Canada helped to carry out the “attack.”

Following its posting on X, a video of the attack with demonstrators brandishing Khalistan flags at the Hindu Temple’s front entrance quickly became viral, inciting indignation among the Hindu community in Canada and India.

Chandra Arya, a Liberal MP from Canada, denounced the violence and claimed that under the country’s “freedom of expression,” extremists are getting away with it.

According to Arya, he began to think there might be some truth to the claims that Khalistanis have successfully infiltrated Canada’s law enforcement forces and political machinery.

Today, Canadian Khalistani fanatics have crossed a line. The attack by Khalistanis on Hindu-Canadian worshipers within the Hindu Sabha temple’s grounds demonstrates the extent and blatantness of Khalistani violent extremism in Canada.

In a post on X, he stated, “I start to believe that there is a sliver of truth in the reports that Khalistanis have successfully infiltrated not only our political apparatus but also our law enforcement agencies.”

It is understandable why Khalistani fanatics are receiving a free pass in Canada under the guise of “freedom of expression.” As I’ve been saying for a while, Hindu Canadians must stand up, defend their rights, and hold politicians responsible for the safety and security of our community,” he continued.

Peel Regional Police said they were aware of the demonstration in the city’s northeast and are investigating the situation.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states, “We respect the individual right to protest, but it is still our duty and responsibility to maintain public order and ensure everyone’s safety. ” Therefore, we request the public’s help participating in and supporting a nonviolent and legal protest.

Peel police warned that any acts of violence, threats of violence, or vandalism would be looked into and said they would be more visible and present to keep an eye on the situation.

Taking his X account, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown also conveyed his dissatisfaction after learning of the “acts of violence” outside the Hindu Sabha.

“In Canada, religious freedom is a fundamental virtue. In their house of worship, everyone ought to feel secure. Brown stated in his letter that he is “completely confident that Peel police will do everything in their authority to keep the peace and hold those accountable who commit acts of violence.” “I strongly condemn any acts of violence outside of a place of worship,” Brown added.

“The violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton was unacceptable,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also posted on X.

Every Canadian has the right to freely and securely follow their religion. “Swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident” was how he praised the cops.

As Ottawa frequently rejected New Delhi’s demands for tough measures against Khalistani radicals in Canada, the incident took place during a time of poor relations between India and Canada. Instead, it sparked a huge diplomatic dispute by accusing India of targeting Khalistani people inside its borders.