Ontario is now North America’s first jurisdiction to eradicate coal as a source of electricity. The groundbreaking move was celebrated by Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and former US Vice President Al Gore.
Ontario’s move to go 100% coal-free was heralded Thursday afternoon, and both Gore and Wynne went on to emphasize the need for the rest of the world to follow Ontario’s lead.
Ten years ago in 2003, Ontario was dependent on six plants to provide a quarter of its total energy usage. With these plants, Ontario hit a record-breaking 53 smog days back in 2005, which contributed to 660 premature deaths, 920 hospital admissions, 1,090 emergency room visits and 331,000 minor illnesses every year.
As of 2012, Ontario has produced more energy using wind than coal power, and the province has only reported two smog days in 2013.
Canada is receiving bad press for the federal government’s failure to take action to cut greenhouse gas emissions and recent news that it will miss its 2020 emissions reductions target. Unlike federal leaders, however, some provincial leaders like Wynne are taking strong climate action
Ontario’s move to go 100% coal-free was heralded Thursday afternoon, and both Gore and Wynne went on to emphasize the need for the rest of the world to follow Ontario’s lead.
Ten years ago in 2003, Ontario was dependent on six plants to provide a quarter of its total energy usage. With these plants, Ontario hit a record-breaking 53 smog days back in 2005, which contributed to 660 premature deaths, 920 hospital admissions, 1,090 emergency room visits and 331,000 minor illnesses every year.
As of 2012, Ontario has produced more energy using wind than coal power, and the province has only reported two smog days in 2013.
Canada is receiving bad press for the federal government’s failure to take action to cut greenhouse gas emissions and recent news that it will miss its 2020 emissions reductions target. Unlike federal leaders, however, some provincial leaders like Wynne are taking strong climate action
