Aaron Cosbey
@aaroncosbey.bsky.social
climate and energy policy, trade and investment policy, and all the stuff in between
if i can't dance, i don't want to be part of your revolution
if i can't dance, i don't want to be part of your revolution
My latest: What if many countries adopt border carbon adjustment? How to prevent the nightmare scenario of many different requirements for measurement, reporting and verification of GHG emissions - a burden that would fall most heavily on SME exporters and those from developing countries?
🌍 As more countries explore #BCAs, how can we prevent #Trade frictions, especially for #SMEs & developing nations?
@aaroncosbey.bsky.social explains that success hinges on the interoperability of these systems.
🔗: www.iisd.org/articles/pol...
#CBAM #CarbonPricing #ClimatePolicy #NetZero
@aaroncosbey.bsky.social explains that success hinges on the interoperability of these systems.
🔗: www.iisd.org/articles/pol...
#CBAM #CarbonPricing #ClimatePolicy #NetZero
November 8, 2025 at 12:18 AM
My latest: What if many countries adopt border carbon adjustment? How to prevent the nightmare scenario of many different requirements for measurement, reporting and verification of GHG emissions - a burden that would fall most heavily on SME exporters and those from developing countries?
Reposted by Aaron Cosbey
(1/8) 🌍 An industrial policy renaissance
Governments are using #subsidies and other measures to help domestic industries play a role in the green transition—while strengthening economic competitiveness.
A new IISD report explores how this is reshaping trade and investment .👇
Governments are using #subsidies and other measures to help domestic industries play a role in the green transition—while strengthening economic competitiveness.
A new IISD report explores how this is reshaping trade and investment .👇
October 20, 2025 at 7:40 PM
(1/8) 🌍 An industrial policy renaissance
Governments are using #subsidies and other measures to help domestic industries play a role in the green transition—while strengthening economic competitiveness.
A new IISD report explores how this is reshaping trade and investment .👇
Governments are using #subsidies and other measures to help domestic industries play a role in the green transition—while strengthening economic competitiveness.
A new IISD report explores how this is reshaping trade and investment .👇
Nameless German firms to Hodgson: We'd be "interested" in Canadian LNG.
I'm sure. Every importer wants a surplus of exporters.
That doesn't mean they'd commit to any long-term deals. And it doesn't mean that they've thought through the business case from a Canadian perspective.
bit.ly/3Kvro96
I'm sure. Every importer wants a surplus of exporters.
That doesn't mean they'd commit to any long-term deals. And it doesn't mean that they've thought through the business case from a Canadian perspective.
bit.ly/3Kvro96
Natural resources minister presses case for Canadian LNG exports to Europe | CBC News
At a news conference wrapping up a trip to Berlin, Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson said German companies have told him they are interested in Canadian liquefied natural gas, and that his govern...
bit.ly
October 2, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Nameless German firms to Hodgson: We'd be "interested" in Canadian LNG.
I'm sure. Every importer wants a surplus of exporters.
That doesn't mean they'd commit to any long-term deals. And it doesn't mean that they've thought through the business case from a Canadian perspective.
bit.ly/3Kvro96
I'm sure. Every importer wants a surplus of exporters.
That doesn't mean they'd commit to any long-term deals. And it doesn't mean that they've thought through the business case from a Canadian perspective.
bit.ly/3Kvro96
At this point you expect more outrageous stuff every day.
But this is a whole new level of outrageous.
But this is a whole new level of outrageous.
The Trump administration is now seeking to replace PBS with “Prager University,” a far-right propaganda organization that isn’t actually a university.
One of their “kids videos” has Christopher Columbus telling them that slavery was “no big deal” and “better than being killed.”
One of their “kids videos” has Christopher Columbus telling them that slavery was “no big deal” and “better than being killed.”
August 13, 2025 at 4:44 PM
At this point you expect more outrageous stuff every day.
But this is a whole new level of outrageous.
But this is a whole new level of outrageous.
Republican lawmakers' smokescreen:
"The smoke you're choking on definitely has nothing to do with climate change.
The real culprit is criminally negligent foreign forest managers."
bit.ly/45tXeKj
"The smoke you're choking on definitely has nothing to do with climate change.
The real culprit is criminally negligent foreign forest managers."
bit.ly/45tXeKj
More Republican lawmakers demand legal action over Canadian wildfire smoke
The Republican lawmakers called for an investigation of Canada's wildfire management practices and for potential remedies under international law, saying Canada must face "real consequences."
bit.ly
August 10, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Republican lawmakers' smokescreen:
"The smoke you're choking on definitely has nothing to do with climate change.
The real culprit is criminally negligent foreign forest managers."
bit.ly/45tXeKj
"The smoke you're choking on definitely has nothing to do with climate change.
The real culprit is criminally negligent foreign forest managers."
bit.ly/45tXeKj
Hey fellow Canadians. Cost of living more important to you than addressing climate change?
Here's a 10-year graph of my home insurance costs, following on recent years of monstrously costly floods, wildfires, storms.
Just 1 of so many ways in which we're paying for *not* addressing climate change.
Here's a 10-year graph of my home insurance costs, following on recent years of monstrously costly floods, wildfires, storms.
Just 1 of so many ways in which we're paying for *not* addressing climate change.
July 17, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Hey fellow Canadians. Cost of living more important to you than addressing climate change?
Here's a 10-year graph of my home insurance costs, following on recent years of monstrously costly floods, wildfires, storms.
Just 1 of so many ways in which we're paying for *not* addressing climate change.
Here's a 10-year graph of my home insurance costs, following on recent years of monstrously costly floods, wildfires, storms.
Just 1 of so many ways in which we're paying for *not* addressing climate change.
Reposted by Aaron Cosbey
On her dream of doubling Alberta's oil production, as on most things, Danielle Smith is in complete alignment with Alberta's separatists.
Here's why they're both going to be proven badly wrong. #abpoli #cdnpoli
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/07/10/o...
Here's why they're both going to be proven badly wrong. #abpoli #cdnpoli
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/07/10/o...
Alberta will never double its oil production
Both Danielle Smith and the separatists she keeps enabling want to see Alberta double its oil production. Spoiler: It won't be Mark Carney or the Liberal government that ends up stopping them.
www.nationalobserver.com
July 10, 2025 at 2:40 PM
On her dream of doubling Alberta's oil production, as on most things, Danielle Smith is in complete alignment with Alberta's separatists.
Here's why they're both going to be proven badly wrong. #abpoli #cdnpoli
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/07/10/o...
Here's why they're both going to be proven badly wrong. #abpoli #cdnpoli
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/07/10/o...
Six US Congressmen complain to Canada’s Ambassador that Canadian wildfires are wrecking their constituents’ summer holidays, ask us to do better at forest management and preventing arson.
How about this for a deal? (1/2)
bit.ly/3TArY6K
How about this for a deal? (1/2)
bit.ly/3TArY6K
Trump allies fume Canadian smoke is ruining summer – and offer misinfo as the solution
Smoke from Canadian wildfires that have forced about a quarter of a million Canadians to evacuate since 2023 are preventing Americans in Trump-voting districts from "spend[ing] time outdoors recreatin...
bit.ly
July 10, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Six US Congressmen complain to Canada’s Ambassador that Canadian wildfires are wrecking their constituents’ summer holidays, ask us to do better at forest management and preventing arson.
How about this for a deal? (1/2)
bit.ly/3TArY6K
How about this for a deal? (1/2)
bit.ly/3TArY6K
Your years of waiting and yearning are over! 😁
Deep-detailed guidance on best practice in border carbon adjustment -- the product of dialogues that brought together over 20 global experts from a wide range of backgrounds.
Deep-detailed guidance on best practice in border carbon adjustment -- the product of dialogues that brought together over 20 global experts from a wide range of backgrounds.
📢 New report!
If done right, Border Carbon Adjustments #BCAs, like the EU & UK #CBAMs, can support just transitions, but getting their design right is key. ✅
After2️⃣ years of expert insight, @economies.iisd.org presents this landmark set of recommendations.
🔗: www.iisd.org/publications...
If done right, Border Carbon Adjustments #BCAs, like the EU & UK #CBAMs, can support just transitions, but getting their design right is key. ✅
After2️⃣ years of expert insight, @economies.iisd.org presents this landmark set of recommendations.
🔗: www.iisd.org/publications...
July 9, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Your years of waiting and yearning are over! 😁
Deep-detailed guidance on best practice in border carbon adjustment -- the product of dialogues that brought together over 20 global experts from a wide range of backgrounds.
Deep-detailed guidance on best practice in border carbon adjustment -- the product of dialogues that brought together over 20 global experts from a wide range of backgrounds.
Breaking: European Commission has proposed that CBAM-covered producers of steel, aluminum, cement & fertilizers will be relieved of the EU ETS carbon price for exports. Some thoughts. (1/4)
bit.ly/4knZmZl
bit.ly/4knZmZl
bit.ly
July 4, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Breaking: European Commission has proposed that CBAM-covered producers of steel, aluminum, cement & fertilizers will be relieved of the EU ETS carbon price for exports. Some thoughts. (1/4)
bit.ly/4knZmZl
bit.ly/4knZmZl
Reposted by Aaron Cosbey
The economics version of "It doesn't count if it's not on Strava"
One interesting angle on the rise of solar (and batteries) is that fossil fuel burn contributes directly and trackably to GDP measures of economic activity, while power generation used directly does not.
Presumably the purchase of equipment counts in GDP, but after that it's an avoided cost.
Presumably the purchase of equipment counts in GDP, but after that it's an avoided cost.
June 10, 2025 at 3:33 PM
The economics version of "It doesn't count if it's not on Strava"
Reposted by Aaron Cosbey
This isn't surprising, in that the emissions cap has for a while seemed an obvious sacrificial lamb. But if Ottawa sees it as potentially a straight-up trade-off for Pathways (oil-sands carbon capture) finally happening, I think it's missing a step. www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
Insiders say Mark Carney could compromise on emissions cap
Once hailed under prime minister Justin Trudeau's leadership as a marquee plank of Canada's climate action under the Liberal government, the proposed emissions cap is also politically contentious, wit...
www.thestar.com
June 6, 2025 at 2:17 PM
This isn't surprising, in that the emissions cap has for a while seemed an obvious sacrificial lamb. But if Ottawa sees it as potentially a straight-up trade-off for Pathways (oil-sands carbon capture) finally happening, I think it's missing a step. www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
Thoughtful coverage of our new report calling for a new Canadian industrial strategy.
We lay out specific recommendations, based on the lessons of successful Canadian and international industrial policies.
carboncompetitiveness.ca/wp-content/u...
We lay out specific recommendations, based on the lessons of successful Canadian and international industrial policies.
carboncompetitiveness.ca/wp-content/u...
June 5, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Thoughtful coverage of our new report calling for a new Canadian industrial strategy.
We lay out specific recommendations, based on the lessons of successful Canadian and international industrial policies.
carboncompetitiveness.ca/wp-content/u...
We lay out specific recommendations, based on the lessons of successful Canadian and international industrial policies.
carboncompetitiveness.ca/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Aaron Cosbey
Chinese HSR does Beijing-Shanghai – which is about the distance as NYC-Atlanta – in just over four hours, and gets six times the ridership of airlines. $1.8 billion in net profit last year. scmp.com/economy/chin...
‘More convenient’: why China’s travellers are ditching planes for bullet trains
More passengers on busy Beijing-Shanghai route are choosing high-speed rail, which offers flexibility, comfort and stable internet access.
scmp.com
May 25, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Chinese HSR does Beijing-Shanghai – which is about the distance as NYC-Atlanta – in just over four hours, and gets six times the ridership of airlines. $1.8 billion in net profit last year. scmp.com/economy/chin...
“Climeworks’ [direct air capture] energy needs: … It would take up to 72 terawatts to fully offset Iceland's carbon footprint each year … equivalent to almost four times Iceland's electricity production.”
Something very wrong with this equation.
bit.ly/4drzWbA
Something very wrong with this equation.
bit.ly/4drzWbA
Climeworks’ capture fails to cover its own emissions
The carbon capture company Climeworks only captures a fraction of the CO2 it promises its machines can capture. The company is failing to carbon offset the emissions resulting from its operations – wh...
bit.ly
May 16, 2025 at 3:29 PM
“Climeworks’ [direct air capture] energy needs: … It would take up to 72 terawatts to fully offset Iceland's carbon footprint each year … equivalent to almost four times Iceland's electricity production.”
Something very wrong with this equation.
bit.ly/4drzWbA
Something very wrong with this equation.
bit.ly/4drzWbA
Have you ever wondered what things we’re doing today will be shocking to folks 20 years from now? The “kids dancing in DDT fog” test?
In my top 10: cooking by burning fossil gas inside our homes.
bit.ly/4kmHZbG
In my top 10: cooking by burning fossil gas inside our homes.
bit.ly/4kmHZbG
Gas stoves increase cancer risk, especially for kids, new study finds
The appliances emit benzene, a potent carcinogen. Exposure varies depending on ventilation and other factors, but there’s no safe level.
bit.ly
May 16, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Have you ever wondered what things we’re doing today will be shocking to folks 20 years from now? The “kids dancing in DDT fog” test?
In my top 10: cooking by burning fossil gas inside our homes.
bit.ly/4kmHZbG
In my top 10: cooking by burning fossil gas inside our homes.
bit.ly/4kmHZbG
Trump to scrap billions in DoE support for industrial decarbonization. Terrible for climate progress, jobs, investment.
But also: condemns US industry to be dirty & uncompetitive in the global green markets of the future. Threatens the manufacturing base that GOP claims to cherish.
bit.ly/452NbNv
But also: condemns US industry to be dirty & uncompetitive in the global green markets of the future. Threatens the manufacturing base that GOP claims to cherish.
bit.ly/452NbNv
‘It’s bleak’: Trump prepares to gut investments to clean up heavy…
The Industrial Demonstrations Program would create thousands of jobs while helping modernize U.S. industries like steelmaking. It’s on Trump’s chopping…
bit.ly
May 9, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Trump to scrap billions in DoE support for industrial decarbonization. Terrible for climate progress, jobs, investment.
But also: condemns US industry to be dirty & uncompetitive in the global green markets of the future. Threatens the manufacturing base that GOP claims to cherish.
bit.ly/452NbNv
But also: condemns US industry to be dirty & uncompetitive in the global green markets of the future. Threatens the manufacturing base that GOP claims to cherish.
bit.ly/452NbNv
Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) deserves all the shade that gets thrown at it.
But it also can be used to protect renewable energy investments like Equinor's.
Expect the Trump admin to get slapped with billions in claims for arbitrarily shutting down approved projects.
bit.ly/4lRBDCZ
But it also can be used to protect renewable energy investments like Equinor's.
Expect the Trump admin to get slapped with billions in claims for arbitrarily shutting down approved projects.
bit.ly/4lRBDCZ
Equinor considers suing Trump administration over halted US windfarm
Norway’s state energy company’s $2.5bn project off coast of New York was almost a third finished
bit.ly
May 1, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) deserves all the shade that gets thrown at it.
But it also can be used to protect renewable energy investments like Equinor's.
Expect the Trump admin to get slapped with billions in claims for arbitrarily shutting down approved projects.
bit.ly/4lRBDCZ
But it also can be used to protect renewable energy investments like Equinor's.
Expect the Trump admin to get slapped with billions in claims for arbitrarily shutting down approved projects.
bit.ly/4lRBDCZ
Reposted by Aaron Cosbey
"On Friday, the WFP said it had distributed the last of its stocks to the approximately 50 kitchens where hundreds of thousands of people line up daily to take food back to their families."
US cuts to WFP -> 40% drop in its budget & 60m people at risk worldwide
www.ft.com/content/c947...
US cuts to WFP -> 40% drop in its budget & 60m people at risk worldwide
www.ft.com/content/c947...
UN agency runs out of food in Gaza as Israel’s siege takes devastating toll
Extreme hunger intensifies as Israeli politicians rebuff calls to allow supplies into shattered enclave
www.ft.com
April 25, 2025 at 6:08 PM
"On Friday, the WFP said it had distributed the last of its stocks to the approximately 50 kitchens where hundreds of thousands of people line up daily to take food back to their families."
US cuts to WFP -> 40% drop in its budget & 60m people at risk worldwide
www.ft.com/content/c947...
US cuts to WFP -> 40% drop in its budget & 60m people at risk worldwide
www.ft.com/content/c947...
Facebook consistently offers up misinformation/scamming content, is unwilling/unable to address the problem. Do we just throw up our hands? Or do we mandate that they (and any others) will be shut down in Canada if they don’t meet reasonable standards? #OnlineHarmsAct
bit.ly/3YQWgFh
bit.ly/3YQWgFh
Scam political ads on Facebook take a dark turn as Canada's election looms - The Logic
The bogus ads show politicians with black eyes and make claims of major scandals for Pierre Poilievre and Doug Ford.
bit.ly
April 25, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Facebook consistently offers up misinformation/scamming content, is unwilling/unable to address the problem. Do we just throw up our hands? Or do we mandate that they (and any others) will be shut down in Canada if they don’t meet reasonable standards? #OnlineHarmsAct
bit.ly/3YQWgFh
bit.ly/3YQWgFh
Why it makes no sense to subsidize oil production.
As demand for oil begins secular decline, it will be increasingly difficult for OPEC+ to assert discipline. Low prices, low profits/royalties, declining jobs, amplified cyclical swings.
Oil is going into a messy and painful sunset.
bit.ly/3RvFckj
As demand for oil begins secular decline, it will be increasingly difficult for OPEC+ to assert discipline. Low prices, low profits/royalties, declining jobs, amplified cyclical swings.
Oil is going into a messy and painful sunset.
bit.ly/3RvFckj
Kazakhstan’s OPEC+ defiance could push Saudi into a painful price war
Kazakhstan's public defiance of the OPEC+ oil production alliance could signal its exit from the group and push Saudi Arabia into a painful price war at a precarious moment.
bit.ly
April 24, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Why it makes no sense to subsidize oil production.
As demand for oil begins secular decline, it will be increasingly difficult for OPEC+ to assert discipline. Low prices, low profits/royalties, declining jobs, amplified cyclical swings.
Oil is going into a messy and painful sunset.
bit.ly/3RvFckj
As demand for oil begins secular decline, it will be increasingly difficult for OPEC+ to assert discipline. Low prices, low profits/royalties, declining jobs, amplified cyclical swings.
Oil is going into a messy and painful sunset.
bit.ly/3RvFckj
Conservative election platform now released, contains the zombie climate pledge that refuses to die: Canada should use Paris Agreement Article 6 to get credit for clean LNG exports.
I can play the resurrection game too. Here's my 2024 piece debunking that proposal.
bit.ly/40By0Zy
I can play the resurrection game too. Here's my 2024 piece debunking that proposal.
bit.ly/40By0Zy
Credit Check
Debunking the myth that Canada can get credit under Paris Agreement Article 6 for its clean energy liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
bit.ly
April 22, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Conservative election platform now released, contains the zombie climate pledge that refuses to die: Canada should use Paris Agreement Article 6 to get credit for clean LNG exports.
I can play the resurrection game too. Here's my 2024 piece debunking that proposal.
bit.ly/40By0Zy
I can play the resurrection game too. Here's my 2024 piece debunking that proposal.
bit.ly/40By0Zy
@economist.com: Spanish businesses booming, standing out from rest of EU. Why?
First big factor: cheap electricity. Massive build out of renewables in the grid, now @ 65% of generation = a 20% drop in prices. So:
Renewables at high levels are feasible, and are an economic enabler.
bit.ly/3GiaUPw
First big factor: cheap electricity. Massive build out of renewables in the grid, now @ 65% of generation = a 20% drop in prices. So:
Renewables at high levels are feasible, and are an economic enabler.
bit.ly/3GiaUPw
Spanish business thrives while bigger European economies stall
Cheap energy and high immigration are the motors of success
bit.ly
April 21, 2025 at 10:15 PM
@economist.com: Spanish businesses booming, standing out from rest of EU. Why?
First big factor: cheap electricity. Massive build out of renewables in the grid, now @ 65% of generation = a 20% drop in prices. So:
Renewables at high levels are feasible, and are an economic enabler.
bit.ly/3GiaUPw
First big factor: cheap electricity. Massive build out of renewables in the grid, now @ 65% of generation = a 20% drop in prices. So:
Renewables at high levels are feasible, and are an economic enabler.
bit.ly/3GiaUPw
This is such a great group! Stand by for our guidance on border carbon adjustment, coming later this spring/summer.
Last week, we hosted the final Global Stakeholder Dialogue on Border Carbon Adjustments, bringing together experts to shape fair & effective #BCA guidelines. 🌎
Guidance is 🔑 to avoiding regulatory fragmentation, protecting developing countries & preventing protectionism.
[1/5]
Guidance is 🔑 to avoiding regulatory fragmentation, protecting developing countries & preventing protectionism.
[1/5]
April 11, 2025 at 9:53 PM
This is such a great group! Stand by for our guidance on border carbon adjustment, coming later this spring/summer.
Trump considers ignoring ongoing negotiations on deep sea mining code for international waters, greenlighting environmentally destructive US operators.
In other news: Trump finalizing plans to commission American privateers on open seas, to improve US trade balance.
bit.ly/4iVrZgA
In other news: Trump finalizing plans to commission American privateers on open seas, to improve US trade balance.
bit.ly/4iVrZgA
Exclusive: White House weighs executive order to fast-track deep-sea mining, sources say
Trump's deep-sea mining order is likely to stipulate that the U.S. aims to exercise its rights to extract critical minerals on the ocean's floor.
bit.ly
April 1, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Trump considers ignoring ongoing negotiations on deep sea mining code for international waters, greenlighting environmentally destructive US operators.
In other news: Trump finalizing plans to commission American privateers on open seas, to improve US trade balance.
bit.ly/4iVrZgA
In other news: Trump finalizing plans to commission American privateers on open seas, to improve US trade balance.
bit.ly/4iVrZgA