Kathryn Harrison
@profkharrison.bsky.social
Climate policy researcher, UBC Professor, chemical engineer, political scientist, feminist, cyclist. Persistently hopeful, but losing patience!
This is not the grand bargain of pipeline for GHG emissions reductions we’ve been hearing about. Rather, the deal I’m seeing (p 107) is a chance to collaborate on a post-2030 price trajectory, extension of CCUS tax credits to 2040 (at lower level), no oil/gas emissions cap in exchange for ... \5
November 4, 2025 at 11:18 PM
This is not the grand bargain of pipeline for GHG emissions reductions we’ve been hearing about. Rather, the deal I’m seeing (p 107) is a chance to collaborate on a post-2030 price trajectory, extension of CCUS tax credits to 2040 (at lower level), no oil/gas emissions cap in exchange for ... \5
Promising specifics: recommitment to methane regs, strengthening industrial carbon pricing by lowering benchmarks, creating a sustainable finance framework. But “Canada’s new government is committed to reduction GHG emissions” but no mention of meeting targets (2035?!) other than NZ in 2050. \3
November 4, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Promising specifics: recommitment to methane regs, strengthening industrial carbon pricing by lowering benchmarks, creating a sustainable finance framework. But “Canada’s new government is committed to reduction GHG emissions” but no mention of meeting targets (2035?!) other than NZ in 2050. \3
In a budget that *really* emphasizes infrastructure investments, I’m struck by what’s in the excerpt below, a clean power grid and critical minerals, and what's not: an oil pipeline. \2
November 4, 2025 at 11:12 PM
In a budget that *really* emphasizes infrastructure investments, I’m struck by what’s in the excerpt below, a clean power grid and critical minerals, and what's not: an oil pipeline. \2
Producer countries are not only planning for way more production than needed to meet the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement, they're even planning to produce more than would be needed under current policies. They are banking on failure, in doing so increasing chances of that. /2
September 22, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Producer countries are not only planning for way more production than needed to meet the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement, they're even planning to produce more than would be needed under current policies. They are banking on failure, in doing so increasing chances of that. /2
This LNG *terminal* may have relatively low emissions, but it's exporting a fossil fuel that causes climate change. Cdn govts are providing $400M in fossil fuel subsidies to Cedar LNG. See below for a relevant statement from the International Court of Justice decision last week.
July 29, 2025 at 10:43 PM
This LNG *terminal* may have relatively low emissions, but it's exporting a fossil fuel that causes climate change. Cdn govts are providing $400M in fossil fuel subsidies to Cedar LNG. See below for a relevant statement from the International Court of Justice decision last week.
A passage of note for Canada from the International Court of Justice climate change decision. Canada tends to focus selectively on consumption, disregarding responsibility for the emissions from fossil fuels we export released in other countries. We also deem many projection subsidies acceptable.
July 28, 2025 at 1:30 AM
A passage of note for Canada from the International Court of Justice climate change decision. Canada tends to focus selectively on consumption, disregarding responsibility for the emissions from fossil fuels we export released in other countries. We also deem many projection subsidies acceptable.
Signage for the Kettle River Recreation area describes wildfire as a “natural process” with zero mention of the human-caused climate change that is amplifying wildfires. Maybe an old sign, but the message is misleading. Do better BC Parks! @tamaradavison.bsky.social
July 25, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Signage for the Kettle River Recreation area describes wildfire as a “natural process” with zero mention of the human-caused climate change that is amplifying wildfires. Maybe an old sign, but the message is misleading. Do better BC Parks! @tamaradavison.bsky.social
We’ve been camping between Nelson and Vancouver this week. BC is glorious, but heartbreaking evidence of climate change is all too clear, eg driving west side of Lake Okanagan through burnt forests.
A symbol of our time that access to a lovely campground on the Kettle R was through this landscape.
A symbol of our time that access to a lovely campground on the Kettle R was through this landscape.
July 25, 2025 at 8:34 PM
We’ve been camping between Nelson and Vancouver this week. BC is glorious, but heartbreaking evidence of climate change is all too clear, eg driving west side of Lake Okanagan through burnt forests.
A symbol of our time that access to a lovely campground on the Kettle R was through this landscape.
A symbol of our time that access to a lovely campground on the Kettle R was through this landscape.
Wandering through Toronto last night, I came across a delightful park that features statues of dogs frolicking in a fountain. Big dogs spitting out water, pugs doing their bit to help, puppies playing at the top. Whimsy makes cities better! Thank you #Toronto! #BerczyPark
June 4, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Wandering through Toronto last night, I came across a delightful park that features statues of dogs frolicking in a fountain. Big dogs spitting out water, pugs doing their bit to help, puppies playing at the top. Whimsy makes cities better! Thank you #Toronto! #BerczyPark
Key appendix. The grey wedge above is big, suggesting missing policies for oil/gas and existing trucks + cars are much needed. Policies so for only defined include EV mandate for new trucks, bldg heating equipment stds, new building code. GHG cap for gas utilities seems to have disappeared! /8
April 30, 2025 at 1:48 AM
Key appendix. The grey wedge above is big, suggesting missing policies for oil/gas and existing trucks + cars are much needed. Policies so for only defined include EV mandate for new trucks, bldg heating equipment stds, new building code. GHG cap for gas utilities seems to have disappeared! /8
I'd also hope for more transparency. e.g., How does the impact of implemented policies compare with the Roadmap commitment? How big is the shortfall for individual defined policies? How big are specific missing pieces of the Roadmap in that grey section?
April 30, 2025 at 1:10 AM
I'd also hope for more transparency. e.g., How does the impact of implemented policies compare with the Roadmap commitment? How big is the shortfall for individual defined policies? How big are specific missing pieces of the Roadmap in that grey section?
We compare the CPC, LPC and NDP because one of the first two will form government and in a minority scenario the NDP is most credible to sign a confidence agreement. Here's a summary. More details below. /2
April 21, 2025 at 6:17 PM
We compare the CPC, LPC and NDP because one of the first two will form government and in a minority scenario the NDP is most credible to sign a confidence agreement. Here's a summary. More details below. /2
What a great day — Two of my favourite things: chocolate eggs and VOTING!
April 21, 2025 at 2:55 AM
What a great day — Two of my favourite things: chocolate eggs and VOTING!
First game of the NSL. We Rise!!
April 17, 2025 at 2:37 AM
First game of the NSL. We Rise!!
Delighted that it comes in an adult size. We love our silly hats in this fam (or at least they all humour me).
March 29, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Delighted that it comes in an adult size. We love our silly hats in this fam (or at least they all humour me).
Many heartbreaking references to isolation and losing lifelong friends. Because Long Covid sufferers can't get out much (or at all) they become "invisible." They aren't at the social events they used to attend, while friends have moved on with their lives - and stopped visiting.
March 15, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Many heartbreaking references to isolation and losing lifelong friends. Because Long Covid sufferers can't get out much (or at all) they become "invisible." They aren't at the social events they used to attend, while friends have moved on with their lives - and stopped visiting.
Many with long covid cannot work full-time or at all. Post-exertional malaise causes a "crash" if someone pushes past their energy limit (way lower than before!) Many wrote of trying to tough it out and just getting sicker. Lots of stories of beloved careers lost, but also poverty from job loss.
March 15, 2025 at 11:08 PM
Many with long covid cannot work full-time or at all. Post-exertional malaise causes a "crash" if someone pushes past their energy limit (way lower than before!) Many wrote of trying to tough it out and just getting sicker. Lots of stories of beloved careers lost, but also poverty from job loss.
Many wrote of not being able to visit with family members, limits on their ability to parent their kids, loss of custody of their children, and fears that they'll never be able to have children. One child wrote that she misses her mom being able to help with her homework and come to soccer games.
March 15, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Many wrote of not being able to visit with family members, limits on their ability to parent their kids, loss of custody of their children, and fears that they'll never be able to have children. One child wrote that she misses her mom being able to help with her homework and come to soccer games.
The overwhelming and heartbreaking theme is loss of a former life, and at the limit outright despair.
March 15, 2025 at 10:58 PM
The overwhelming and heartbreaking theme is loss of a former life, and at the limit outright despair.
Those with long covid are all ages, including many previously healthy young people (like my daughter) who had mild cases that just got worse over time. Some got it in the 1st wave and have been suffering for 5 yrs, others on their 3rd or 4th infection last year. COVID is not "over" for them - or us!
March 15, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Those with long covid are all ages, including many previously healthy young people (like my daughter) who had mild cases that just got worse over time. Some got it in the 1st wave and have been suffering for 5 yrs, others on their 3rd or 4th infection last year. COVID is not "over" for them - or us!
Estimating benefits is tricky bc climate change is global. ECCC used a credible method: the social cost of carbon. PBO says estimating benefits is beyond its mandate (why?), yet made a point of saying most benefits accrue to other countries. True, just as we benefit from other countries' actions /3
March 13, 2025 at 2:41 AM
Estimating benefits is tricky bc climate change is global. ECCC used a credible method: the social cost of carbon. PBO says estimating benefits is beyond its mandate (why?), yet made a point of saying most benefits accrue to other countries. True, just as we benefit from other countries' actions /3
My 3rd and last lecture as McLean Family Chair is March 26. Looking back on my career, I'm struck by the ways my own story parallels Canada's experience with fossil fuels over the last 60+ yrs. So, gonna step outside my comfort zone and weave some personal history in with my research in this one.
March 11, 2025 at 12:44 AM
My 3rd and last lecture as McLean Family Chair is March 26. Looking back on my career, I'm struck by the ways my own story parallels Canada's experience with fossil fuels over the last 60+ yrs. So, gonna step outside my comfort zone and weave some personal history in with my research in this one.
I'll be giving the McLean Family Lecture on "The Comparative Politics of Carbon Taxes" this Wednesday Feb. 26, 4:00-5:00 in UBC's Irving Barber Centre Dodson room. It's not being webcast but the UBC Cdn Studies program will post a recording.
February 23, 2025 at 11:34 PM
I'll be giving the McLean Family Lecture on "The Comparative Politics of Carbon Taxes" this Wednesday Feb. 26, 4:00-5:00 in UBC's Irving Barber Centre Dodson room. It's not being webcast but the UBC Cdn Studies program will post a recording.
Happy federal carbon tax rebate day (in 8 provinces)!
The screenshot shows the $140 quarterly deposit for a single-person in Ontario. It's more for a larger family but it all goes to one adult's bank account. It also reveals that banks still resist clearly labelling the "Canada Carbon Rebate."
The screenshot shows the $140 quarterly deposit for a single-person in Ontario. It's more for a larger family but it all goes to one adult's bank account. It also reveals that banks still resist clearly labelling the "Canada Carbon Rebate."
January 15, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Happy federal carbon tax rebate day (in 8 provinces)!
The screenshot shows the $140 quarterly deposit for a single-person in Ontario. It's more for a larger family but it all goes to one adult's bank account. It also reveals that banks still resist clearly labelling the "Canada Carbon Rebate."
The screenshot shows the $140 quarterly deposit for a single-person in Ontario. It's more for a larger family but it all goes to one adult's bank account. It also reveals that banks still resist clearly labelling the "Canada Carbon Rebate."
And we’re home! 70-some hours on 6 train (punctuated by cycling on the coast), interesting people (suspected mathematician, soldier, nurse, 2 opera singers, adorable children), 16 hours of Meryl Streep reading aloud to me (Tom Lake👍🏻👍🏻), too many Amtrak brownies. Let the new term begin.
January 6, 2025 at 8:01 AM
And we’re home! 70-some hours on 6 train (punctuated by cycling on the coast), interesting people (suspected mathematician, soldier, nurse, 2 opera singers, adorable children), 16 hours of Meryl Streep reading aloud to me (Tom Lake👍🏻👍🏻), too many Amtrak brownies. Let the new term begin.