Debunking 'Cows are the New Coal': Insights on Farming and Food Prices
On September 25, 2025, Dr. Joseph Fournier delivered a compelling talk titled "Food Prices, Farming and Net Zero Ideology" for the Friends of Science Society in Calgary, Alberta. As a senior scientist and rancher, Fournier aimed to unravel the complexities surrounding food supply chains and their connection to climate change narratives.
Dr. Fournier's presentation revolved around four pivotal themes, starting with the crucial role hydrocarbons and internal combustion engines have played in ushering in the modern era. He pointed out that this technological revolution has substantially contributed to population growth, improved health, and extended life expectancy. Surprisingly, he noted that a mere fraction of the calories in our food supply originates from photosynthesis, with the vast majority deriving from hydrocarbons used in agriculture.
While governments in the European Union and Canada actively push legislation to limit methane emissions, Fournier stressed that the natural emissions from Canada's Boreal Forest dwarf those released from agricultural and oil and gas sectors. His research revealed that methane emissions can be ten times higher from natural sources than from human activities. Therefore, he argues, stringent regulations targeting the oil and gas industry may be fundamentally misguided.
The notion that "cows are the new coal," popularized by various climate activist circles, is something Fournier ardently disputes. He emphasized the importance of the Haber-Bosch process in synthetic fertilizer production, a method that has enabled a significant increase in crop yields. He cautioned that restricting synthetic fertilizers might lead to diminished crop production, resulting in higher food prices and potential famine, especially in developing regions where food security is already precarious.
Fournier also highlighted the successes of the 20th Century Green Revolution, which significantly boosted agricultural productivity and reduced land use. Modern methods, such as no-till farming, have shown to enhance soil moisture retention and drought resistance, transforming what once required vast human labor into efforts manageable by one person operating advanced machinery.
A key part of his argument revolved around decarbonization in agriculture, particularly in relation to battery-powered equipment. Fournier explained that the weight of lithium-ion batteries necessary for today's robust farm equipment could adversely impact soil health, further complicating the sustainability debate in farming.
According to his findings, Canadian agriculture produces far more food than needed for domestic consumption, positioning it as a critical economic driver not only for Canada but also as a vital food supplier to the global market. He challenged the claims made by organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), which suggest that food systems are central to the climate change dilemma, arguing instead that the sun, rather than carbon dioxide, is the primary climate driver.
The Friends of Science Society, alongside Dr. Fournier, draws insights from research indicating that there isn’t a climate emergency. As outlined in significant publications by climate scholars, the society advocates for a rejection of unnecessary measures like carbon taxes and restrictions on fertilizers and livestock. They argue that these approaches could lead to more harm than good, especially in a world facing hunger.
Through his informative presentation, Dr. Fournier challenged the status quo of climate discussions, emphasizing the critical need for understanding the natural dynamics of greenhouse gas emissions—a perspective often overshadowed in mainstream narratives. His take-home message is clear: In the quest for energy and food security, it’s imperative to critically assess the policies shaping agriculture and climate action.
In conclusion, as Canada aspires to become an energy superpower, it is essential for the government to disengage from agreements that potentially hinder agricultural productivity. Friends of Science Society believes that embracing the role of natural processes in climate discussions, rather than overly focusing on human-induced factors, could lead to more effective and sensible policies in the long run.
Dr. Fournier's presentation revolved around four pivotal themes, starting with the crucial role hydrocarbons and internal combustion engines have played in ushering in the modern era. He pointed out that this technological revolution has substantially contributed to population growth, improved health, and extended life expectancy. Surprisingly, he noted that a mere fraction of the calories in our food supply originates from photosynthesis, with the vast majority deriving from hydrocarbons used in agriculture.
While governments in the European Union and Canada actively push legislation to limit methane emissions, Fournier stressed that the natural emissions from Canada's Boreal Forest dwarf those released from agricultural and oil and gas sectors. His research revealed that methane emissions can be ten times higher from natural sources than from human activities. Therefore, he argues, stringent regulations targeting the oil and gas industry may be fundamentally misguided.
The notion that "cows are the new coal," popularized by various climate activist circles, is something Fournier ardently disputes. He emphasized the importance of the Haber-Bosch process in synthetic fertilizer production, a method that has enabled a significant increase in crop yields. He cautioned that restricting synthetic fertilizers might lead to diminished crop production, resulting in higher food prices and potential famine, especially in developing regions where food security is already precarious.
Fournier also highlighted the successes of the 20th Century Green Revolution, which significantly boosted agricultural productivity and reduced land use. Modern methods, such as no-till farming, have shown to enhance soil moisture retention and drought resistance, transforming what once required vast human labor into efforts manageable by one person operating advanced machinery.
A key part of his argument revolved around decarbonization in agriculture, particularly in relation to battery-powered equipment. Fournier explained that the weight of lithium-ion batteries necessary for today's robust farm equipment could adversely impact soil health, further complicating the sustainability debate in farming.
According to his findings, Canadian agriculture produces far more food than needed for domestic consumption, positioning it as a critical economic driver not only for Canada but also as a vital food supplier to the global market. He challenged the claims made by organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), which suggest that food systems are central to the climate change dilemma, arguing instead that the sun, rather than carbon dioxide, is the primary climate driver.
The Friends of Science Society, alongside Dr. Fournier, draws insights from research indicating that there isn’t a climate emergency. As outlined in significant publications by climate scholars, the society advocates for a rejection of unnecessary measures like carbon taxes and restrictions on fertilizers and livestock. They argue that these approaches could lead to more harm than good, especially in a world facing hunger.
Through his informative presentation, Dr. Fournier challenged the status quo of climate discussions, emphasizing the critical need for understanding the natural dynamics of greenhouse gas emissions—a perspective often overshadowed in mainstream narratives. His take-home message is clear: In the quest for energy and food security, it’s imperative to critically assess the policies shaping agriculture and climate action.
In conclusion, as Canada aspires to become an energy superpower, it is essential for the government to disengage from agreements that potentially hinder agricultural productivity. Friends of Science Society believes that embracing the role of natural processes in climate discussions, rather than overly focusing on human-induced factors, could lead to more effective and sensible policies in the long run.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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