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Challenging Clean Energy Narratives

The Friends of Science Society has brought significant attention to Premier David Eby’s assertions regarding British Columbia's clean energy economy, presented during Climate Week in New York City. In a brief video titled "Clean BC Runs on Oil," the society counters the narrative that British Columbia (BC) operates predominantly on renewable energy. Instead, they emphasize that the province's energy landscape is still heavily reliant on oil, natural gas, and hydroelectric power.

The Energy Mix of British Columbia

According to the society, British Columbia's electricity—which comes from hydroelectric sources—accounts for only about 18% of the province's total energy consumption. This overlooks the crucial roles that oil and natural gas play in BC’s energy matrix. As Premier Eby mentioned the abundance of clean hydro power, he failed to address that this power supply has been supplemented by energy imports from the United States due to local drought conditions impacting BC’s hydro resources.

Broader Implications and Economic Concerns

Former President Trump echoed these concerns on a global stage at the UN General Assembly, denouncing climate change as what he termed "the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world." His reflections on the European Union's efforts to reduce carbon emissions revealed a significant contradiction: despite a 37% reduction in carbon emissions, global emissions had actually risen by 54%, rendering the EU's sacrifices seemingly ineffective.

The Friends of Science Society's past report titled "Europe on the Brink: The Debate about Europe's Energy Future – Lessons for Canada" underscores the challenges that Canada may soon face if it follows the European model. As described by Robert Lyman, the consequences of misguided energy policies could be dire, affecting not only larger enterprises but also the smaller businesses dependent on them.

An Analysis of Net Zero Ideology

The societal discourse around Net Zero targets has become increasingly polarized. Observers point out the risks associated with neglecting traditional energy sources, warning alarmingly that a fixation on zero carbon emissions could lead to a corresponding decline in industrial activity—a potential pathway to economic stagnation. In a recent discussion, featuring insights from Dr. Joseph Fournier, the society pointed out the implications that Net Zero principles could hold for agriculture and food prices in an upcoming live-streamed event.

Critique of Scientific Reports

As scientific reports, such as those from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), proliferate, Friends of Science Society remains skeptical of their findings. While the NASEM recently reaffirmed the EPA's long-standing assertion that greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health, critics argue that such reports often overlook other influences on climate phenomena. A blog entry by member Arthur Viterito contends that geothermal hotspots may be responsible for marine heat waves observed in various regions, a factor he argues is frequently disregarded in mainstream climate discussions.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Friends of Science Society calls for a reevaluation of climate strategies and an acknowledgment of the complex interactions between human activity and natural processes influencing climate change. They assert that no climate emergency exists, advocating for an informed stance against carbon taxation and similar measures that may be economically damaging. Citizens and stakeholders can engage with these critical discussions during their event titled "Food Prices, Farming and Net Zero Ideology" scheduled for September 25, 2025, promising an exploration of the intersection between climate policy and agricultural viability.

For more information about the Friends of Science Society, interested parties can visit their official website or contact them directly for further insights into their research and activities.