Ian Urquhart
@ianurquhart.bsky.social
Political scientist who studies the politics of climate, fossil fuels, and renewables. Also very interested in getting a bulldog puppy to behave.
There’s a New Forecast for Peak Oil Demand. It’s Increasingly Cloudy. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/12/c...
Predicting 2.5 degrees or 2.9 degrees warmer by 2100. #COP30 #climatecrisis
Predicting 2.5 degrees or 2.9 degrees warmer by 2100. #COP30 #climatecrisis
There’s a New Forecast for Peak Oil Demand. It’s Increasingly Cloudy.
www.nytimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:39 PM
There’s a New Forecast for Peak Oil Demand. It’s Increasingly Cloudy. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/12/c...
Predicting 2.5 degrees or 2.9 degrees warmer by 2100. #COP30 #climatecrisis
Predicting 2.5 degrees or 2.9 degrees warmer by 2100. #COP30 #climatecrisis
Reposted by Ian Urquhart
November 11, 2025 at 5:02 PM
How Canada Thumbs Its Nose at the Global Climate Summit via @thetyee.ca thetyee.ca/Analysis/202...
#COP30 #climatecrisis
#COP30 #climatecrisis
How Canada Thumbs Its Nose at the Global Climate Summit | The Tyee
We used to pledge lower emissions. Now we push for higher oil production.
thetyee.ca
November 11, 2025 at 7:38 PM
How Canada Thumbs Its Nose at the Global Climate Summit via @thetyee.ca thetyee.ca/Analysis/202...
#COP30 #climatecrisis
#COP30 #climatecrisis
Reposted by Ian Urquhart
Here's a look at the extent of the "warmth" across the #Arctic in October. This map uses my normal anomaly scaling for each month, but it clearly doesn't work for something this extreme.
Data from doi.org/10.24381/cds...
Data from doi.org/10.24381/cds...
November 9, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Here's a look at the extent of the "warmth" across the #Arctic in October. This map uses my normal anomaly scaling for each month, but it clearly doesn't work for something this extreme.
Data from doi.org/10.24381/cds...
Data from doi.org/10.24381/cds...
You won't find this message in Canada's official #COP30 statement: Canada, with already the worst #GHG emissions record in the G7, intends to increase oil sands production from today's record levels. #climatecrisis
abpolecon.ca/2025/11/08/w...
abpolecon.ca/2025/11/08/w...
November 10, 2025 at 12:11 AM
You won't find this message in Canada's official #COP30 statement: Canada, with already the worst #GHG emissions record in the G7, intends to increase oil sands production from today's record levels. #climatecrisis
abpolecon.ca/2025/11/08/w...
abpolecon.ca/2025/11/08/w...
I couldn't deliver this speech to #COP30 with a straight face. "Deep decarbonization" is a snake-oil phrase coming from a country where total GHG emissions have climbed by nearly 15% since 1990. Canada hasn't met a single #climatechange goal in more than 30 years.
www.canada.ca/en/environme...
www.canada.ca/en/environme...
Canada delivers its national statement at COP30 - Canada.ca
Canada delivers its national statement at COP30
www.canada.ca
November 9, 2025 at 5:53 PM
I couldn't deliver this speech to #COP30 with a straight face. "Deep decarbonization" is a snake-oil phrase coming from a country where total GHG emissions have climbed by nearly 15% since 1990. Canada hasn't met a single #climatechange goal in more than 30 years.
www.canada.ca/en/environme...
www.canada.ca/en/environme...
calgaryherald.com/business/new...
Oil sands emissions hit a new record high. Both Ottawa and Alberta are prepared to see those emissions increase. Funny the headline doesn't make that clear... Feel good - this year's record high is just a bit higher than last year's. #climatechange #fossilfuels
Oil sands emissions hit a new record high. Both Ottawa and Alberta are prepared to see those emissions increase. Funny the headline doesn't make that clear... Feel good - this year's record high is just a bit higher than last year's. #climatechange #fossilfuels
Oilsands emissions rise slightly with new production, even as industry makes progress on GHGs
New report says absolute GHG emissions from oilsands increased by less than one per cent in 2024
calgaryherald.com
November 1, 2025 at 2:57 PM
calgaryherald.com/business/new...
Oil sands emissions hit a new record high. Both Ottawa and Alberta are prepared to see those emissions increase. Funny the headline doesn't make that clear... Feel good - this year's record high is just a bit higher than last year's. #climatechange #fossilfuels
Oil sands emissions hit a new record high. Both Ottawa and Alberta are prepared to see those emissions increase. Funny the headline doesn't make that clear... Feel good - this year's record high is just a bit higher than last year's. #climatechange #fossilfuels
www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?...
A cynical Friday afternoon news release. Didn’t know Alberta Ed. was authorized to speak for Canadian universities about what a no diploma exam grade would do to admission prospects. And what does a flexible calendar mean? Madness. #education #ableg
A cynical Friday afternoon news release. Didn’t know Alberta Ed. was authorized to speak for Canadian universities about what a no diploma exam grade would do to admission prospects. And what does a flexible calendar mean? Madness. #education #ableg
October 31, 2025 at 10:05 PM
www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?...
A cynical Friday afternoon news release. Didn’t know Alberta Ed. was authorized to speak for Canadian universities about what a no diploma exam grade would do to admission prospects. And what does a flexible calendar mean? Madness. #education #ableg
A cynical Friday afternoon news release. Didn’t know Alberta Ed. was authorized to speak for Canadian universities about what a no diploma exam grade would do to admission prospects. And what does a flexible calendar mean? Madness. #education #ableg
Reposted by Ian Urquhart
I called on the 🇨🇦 govt to guarantee, no-cost access to COVID-19 vaccines, including for every child under 12.
Under the Canada Health Act, every Canadian deserves equal access to care no matter where they live, or how badly their provincial gov’t ignores science, health guidelines & their citizens.
Under the Canada Health Act, every Canadian deserves equal access to care no matter where they live, or how badly their provincial gov’t ignores science, health guidelines & their citizens.
August 25, 2025 at 9:06 PM
I called on the 🇨🇦 govt to guarantee, no-cost access to COVID-19 vaccines, including for every child under 12.
Under the Canada Health Act, every Canadian deserves equal access to care no matter where they live, or how badly their provincial gov’t ignores science, health guidelines & their citizens.
Under the Canada Health Act, every Canadian deserves equal access to care no matter where they live, or how badly their provincial gov’t ignores science, health guidelines & their citizens.
ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/without... It’s harder and harder to refute the view that Albertans live in a banana republic - without the benefit of growing bananas. #ableg
'Without precedent': Alberta Energy Regulator CEO cancels hearing for coal mine
CALGARY — The head of the Alberta Energy Regulator has cancelled an application hearing for a potential coal mine, a move that he acknowledged is "without precedent."
ca.finance.yahoo.com
August 28, 2025 at 3:03 PM
ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/without... It’s harder and harder to refute the view that Albertans live in a banana republic - without the benefit of growing bananas. #ableg
Thanks to @thetyee.ca for publishing this piece. In this age of propaganda governments selectively use statistics to manufacture public complacency. If they get away with it we, and those who come after us, will pay a steep price. #climatechange #abpoli #cdnpoli #democracy
As Mark Twain said, “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.”
When it comes to #GHG emissions, Alberta’s UCP government selectively uses statistics to persuade the world of the ludicrous claim that Alberta is a climate change leader, writes @ianurquhart.bsky.social.
When it comes to #GHG emissions, Alberta’s UCP government selectively uses statistics to persuade the world of the ludicrous claim that Alberta is a climate change leader, writes @ianurquhart.bsky.social.
How Alberta Fudges Its Climbing Oilsands Emissions | The Tyee
The province crows about a drop in ‘intensity’ while rising GHGs fuel the climate crisis.
thetyee.ca
June 26, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Thanks to @thetyee.ca for publishing this piece. In this age of propaganda governments selectively use statistics to manufacture public complacency. If they get away with it we, and those who come after us, will pay a steep price. #climatechange #abpoli #cdnpoli #democracy
abpolecon.ca/2025/01/10/p...
Info for tonight. Jean nonsensically suggested last Dec. that Grassy wasn't a new open pit mine. It was an "advanced coal project." He eliminated that provision in a 01/15/25 Min. Order. With it he eliminated the flimsy legal basis for his Dec. position. #abpoli #ableg
Info for tonight. Jean nonsensically suggested last Dec. that Grassy wasn't a new open pit mine. It was an "advanced coal project." He eliminated that provision in a 01/15/25 Min. Order. With it he eliminated the flimsy legal basis for his Dec. position. #abpoli #ableg
Pinocchios Aplenty: Fact Checking Alberta’s Coal Industry Modernization Initiative - AB Pol Econ
Contributor Dr. Ian Urquhart is Professor Emeritus of Political Science from the University of Alberta. In memory of Kris Unger. Kris was passionate about preserving Alberta’s landscapes, most espec...
abpolecon.ca
June 11, 2025 at 4:13 PM
abpolecon.ca/2025/01/10/p...
Info for tonight. Jean nonsensically suggested last Dec. that Grassy wasn't a new open pit mine. It was an "advanced coal project." He eliminated that provision in a 01/15/25 Min. Order. With it he eliminated the flimsy legal basis for his Dec. position. #abpoli #ableg
Info for tonight. Jean nonsensically suggested last Dec. that Grassy wasn't a new open pit mine. It was an "advanced coal project." He eliminated that provision in a 01/15/25 Min. Order. With it he eliminated the flimsy legal basis for his Dec. position. #abpoli #ableg
calgaryherald.com/news/politic...
Message? No new open pit mines except for Grassy Mtn. Jean tries to deflect by saying the 1976 policy will apply - big deal, that policy didn't apply to the orig. Grassy application - one the Alberta Energy Regulator categorically rejected. #abpoli #ableg
Message? No new open pit mines except for Grassy Mtn. Jean tries to deflect by saying the 1976 policy will apply - big deal, that policy didn't apply to the orig. Grassy application - one the Alberta Energy Regulator categorically rejected. #abpoli #ableg
Premier Danielle Smith, cabinet ministers to 'address concerns' about coal industry, policies at Fort Macleod meeting
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, three cabinet ministers and the local MLA are hosting a meeting about coal Wednesday in Fort Macleod.
calgaryherald.com
June 11, 2025 at 3:56 PM
calgaryherald.com/news/politic...
Message? No new open pit mines except for Grassy Mtn. Jean tries to deflect by saying the 1976 policy will apply - big deal, that policy didn't apply to the orig. Grassy application - one the Alberta Energy Regulator categorically rejected. #abpoli #ableg
Message? No new open pit mines except for Grassy Mtn. Jean tries to deflect by saying the 1976 policy will apply - big deal, that policy didn't apply to the orig. Grassy application - one the Alberta Energy Regulator categorically rejected. #abpoli #ableg
Reposted by Ian Urquhart
No one should dispute the National Energy Program’s devastating impact on Alberta’s conventional oil and gas sector 40 years ago.
But the oilsands, not conventional oil, propelled Canada to its position as the world’s fourth-largest oil producer. @ianurquhart.bsky.social writes.
But the oilsands, not conventional oil, propelled Canada to its position as the world’s fourth-largest oil producer. @ianurquhart.bsky.social writes.
Busting the Myth That Ottawa Has Hurt Alberta’s Oil Industry | The Tyee
In fact, federal governments have promoted and protected it. Especially the oilsands.
thetyee.ca
May 15, 2025 at 2:08 PM
No one should dispute the National Energy Program’s devastating impact on Alberta’s conventional oil and gas sector 40 years ago.
But the oilsands, not conventional oil, propelled Canada to its position as the world’s fourth-largest oil producer. @ianurquhart.bsky.social writes.
But the oilsands, not conventional oil, propelled Canada to its position as the world’s fourth-largest oil producer. @ianurquhart.bsky.social writes.
www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quo...
Continued steep decline in Cdn return trips to the US by car (-35.2% comparing 04/25 with 04/24). (see Chart 4) Decline in returns by air from the US (-19.9%) outweigh increase from overseas countries. than fm other intl destinations. #elbowsup #tariffs #travel
Continued steep decline in Cdn return trips to the US by car (-35.2% comparing 04/25 with 04/24). (see Chart 4) Decline in returns by air from the US (-19.9%) outweigh increase from overseas countries. than fm other intl destinations. #elbowsup #tariffs #travel
The Daily — Leading indicator of international arrivals to Canada, April 2025
In April, the preliminary number of international arrivals (returning Canadian residents and non-residents combined) to Canada by air and automobile was 4.5 million, down 15.2% from April 2024. This w...
www150.statcan.gc.ca
May 13, 2025 at 1:57 PM
www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quo...
Continued steep decline in Cdn return trips to the US by car (-35.2% comparing 04/25 with 04/24). (see Chart 4) Decline in returns by air from the US (-19.9%) outweigh increase from overseas countries. than fm other intl destinations. #elbowsup #tariffs #travel
Continued steep decline in Cdn return trips to the US by car (-35.2% comparing 04/25 with 04/24). (see Chart 4) Decline in returns by air from the US (-19.9%) outweigh increase from overseas countries. than fm other intl destinations. #elbowsup #tariffs #travel
Alberta has long accused Ottawa of trying to destroy its oil industry. Here’s why that’s a dangerous myth
theconversation.com/alberta-has-... #abpoli #cdnpoli
Thanks to those of you who have read/shared this piece. It’s been opened more than 32,000 times. I expect heresy charges soon.
theconversation.com/alberta-has-... #abpoli #cdnpoli
Thanks to those of you who have read/shared this piece. It’s been opened more than 32,000 times. I expect heresy charges soon.
Alberta has long accused Ottawa of trying to destroy its oil industry. Here’s why that’s a dangerous myth
Has Ottawa facilitated or obstructed the spectacular post-1990 growth of oilsands production? The evidence is clear: the federal government has been a major oilsands booster.
theconversation.com
May 10, 2025 at 11:25 PM
Alberta has long accused Ottawa of trying to destroy its oil industry. Here’s why that’s a dangerous myth
theconversation.com/alberta-has-... #abpoli #cdnpoli
Thanks to those of you who have read/shared this piece. It’s been opened more than 32,000 times. I expect heresy charges soon.
theconversation.com/alberta-has-... #abpoli #cdnpoli
Thanks to those of you who have read/shared this piece. It’s been opened more than 32,000 times. I expect heresy charges soon.
theconversation.com/alberta-has-...
Looking forward to talking with Shaye Ganam on his show tomorrow morning at 9:15. On 630 CHED in #YEG and 770 CHQR in #YYC.
Looking forward to talking with Shaye Ganam on his show tomorrow morning at 9:15. On 630 CHED in #YEG and 770 CHQR in #YYC.
Alberta has long accused Ottawa of trying to destroy its oil industry. That’s a dangerous myth
Has Ottawa facilitated or obstructed the spectacular post-1990 growth of oilsands production? The evidence is clear: the federal government has been a major oilsands booster.
theconversation.com
May 8, 2025 at 3:45 PM
theconversation.com/alberta-has-...
Looking forward to talking with Shaye Ganam on his show tomorrow morning at 9:15. On 630 CHED in #YEG and 770 CHQR in #YYC.
Looking forward to talking with Shaye Ganam on his show tomorrow morning at 9:15. On 630 CHED in #YEG and 770 CHQR in #YYC.
theconversation.com/alberta-has-... #cdnpoli #abpoli It’s nonsense to portray Ottawa as an enemy of the #tarsands. In 2004 Mark Lisac wrote: “Alberta is a place soaked in self-deception.” Right then, right now. Exploiting myth is crucial to nurturing secessionist delusions.
Alberta has long accused Ottawa of trying to destroy its oil industry. That’s a dangerous myth
Has Ottawa facilitated or obstructed the spectacular post-1990 growth of oilsands production? The evidence is clear: the federal government has been a major oilsands booster.
theconversation.com
May 8, 2025 at 3:39 PM
theconversation.com/alberta-has-... #cdnpoli #abpoli It’s nonsense to portray Ottawa as an enemy of the #tarsands. In 2004 Mark Lisac wrote: “Alberta is a place soaked in self-deception.” Right then, right now. Exploiting myth is crucial to nurturing secessionist delusions.
Coal in Alberta: Neither public outrage nor waning global demand seem to matter to Danielle Smith
#abpoli #mountainsnotmines #ableg #coalmining #YYC #YQL
theconversation.com/coal-in-albe...
#abpoli #mountainsnotmines #ableg #coalmining #YYC #YQL
theconversation.com/coal-in-albe...
Coal in Alberta: Neither public outrage nor waning global demand seem to matter to Danielle Smith
Alberta’s coal initiatives illustrate two dangerous trends in today’s democratic politics — the refusal to heed both the public and experts.
theconversation.com
April 15, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Coal in Alberta: Neither public outrage nor waning global demand seem to matter to Danielle Smith
#abpoli #mountainsnotmines #ableg #coalmining #YYC #YQL
theconversation.com/coal-in-albe...
#abpoli #mountainsnotmines #ableg #coalmining #YYC #YQL
theconversation.com/coal-in-albe...
A shout out to the 4 Republican Senators - Collins, McConnell, Murkowski, and Paul (co-sponsor) for joining their Democratic colleagues in passing Sen. Kaine's resolution to repeal the emerg. resolution slapping #tariffs on Canada for my country's alleged role in the #fentanyl crisis. Thank you.
April 3, 2025 at 12:59 AM
ablawg.ca/2025/03/26/t...
Hats off to MD of Ranchland and Michael Niven/Carscallen Law for their tenacity. #abpoli #mountainsnotmîned
Hats off to MD of Ranchland and Michael Niven/Carscallen Law for their tenacity. #abpoli #mountainsnotmîned
The Municipal District of Ranchland Stands Strong Against More Coal Exploration
By: Nigel Bankes Case Commented On: Ranchland (Municipal District No 66) v Alberta Energy Regulator, 2025 ABCA 105 (CanLII). PDF Version: The Municipal District of Ranchland Stands Strong Against M…
ablawg.ca
March 26, 2025 at 7:01 PM
ablawg.ca/2025/03/26/t...
Hats off to MD of Ranchland and Michael Niven/Carscallen Law for their tenacity. #abpoli #mountainsnotmîned
Hats off to MD of Ranchland and Michael Niven/Carscallen Law for their tenacity. #abpoli #mountainsnotmîned
Reposted by Ian Urquhart
Kevin Van Tighem: A lot of Canadians didn’t visit a national park. Why should their tax dollars finance holidays enjoyed by others...
@ianurquhart.bsky.social: Free admission helps parks promote health, biodiversity, climate change mitigation and Indigenous partnerships...
@ianurquhart.bsky.social: Free admission helps parks promote health, biodiversity, climate change mitigation and Indigenous partnerships...
March 25, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Kevin Van Tighem: A lot of Canadians didn’t visit a national park. Why should their tax dollars finance holidays enjoyed by others...
@ianurquhart.bsky.social: Free admission helps parks promote health, biodiversity, climate change mitigation and Indigenous partnerships...
@ianurquhart.bsky.social: Free admission helps parks promote health, biodiversity, climate change mitigation and Indigenous partnerships...