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Powering Our Lives – Energy in the News 2019Older generations dealt with world wars and nuclear confrontations. Our generation’s challenge is different, but the stakes are just as high. We are faced with a crisis of sustainability. As our population grows, and areas of the developing world reach higher consumption levels, our energy consumption skyrockets. Unfortunately, 75% of our energy comes from a source that jeopardizes the long-term viability of our planet. Emissions from our use of fossil fuels have altered the Earth’s climate and accessing these resources weaken the systems we rely on to live, breathe, eat, and drink.In Canada we are on the front lines of this issue. We are a significant producer and exporter of fossil fuels. Our government cashes in on tax revenues and royalties from coal and offshore oil on the east coast, to natural gas and bitumen in the west. Many Canadians rely on jobs associated with the oil sector. We are also one of the highest energy users per capita in the world. On the other hand, as a developed nation, it can be argued that we have the technology, ability, and perhaps the responsibility to lead the world in the shifting away from a carbon-based economy. In fact, in many ways it is an opportunity to exploit, as alternative energy technologies are renewable, cleaner, and can be in the end more efficient and cheaper in the long term.The above paragraph highlights the significant debate we are currently having as a nation. It dominates our political discourse and is prevalent in our news media. Are you paying attention? This impacts you. You are part of the problem and the solution. Soon, you will be voting. Let’s dive in by learning and thinking about a number of current issues.Part 1 – Electric VehiclesRead Canada’s Relationship with Electric Vehicles Needs a BoostReading Comprehension QuestionsWhat percentage of news cars purchased in Canada were electric? __________How does that rate to other developed countries?Of the six strategies suggested for boosting EV purchases, which three do you think are most important and WHY?What have Britain, France, Norway, India, Germany, and the Netherlands pledged to?Read In Norway, Almost a Third of New Cars Are Electric Reading Comprehension QuestionsWhat world record did Norway set?What does Norway do to give people incentives to buy EVs?What is their 2025 goal? Why do they want to do this?Read We Are PetroholicsReading Comprehension QuestionsWhat are Norway’s gas prices like? Why? How does that help EV sales?How much oil globally is consumed by the transportation sector? _________Why does the Green Party member say that Norway “pretends to be environmentally friendly”?Thinking QuestionsWhy do you think Canadians haven’t embraced EVs?What are the advantages and disadvantages of having an EV in Winnipeg?What could our government do to boost EV sales? Should they do this?Should we tax fuel more to reduce use? Part 2 – Carbon TaxesRead What is a Carbon Tax and Will Make a Difference? Reading Comprehension QuestionsWhat is the Federal government doing in terms of a carbon tax?What is a carbon tax? Why do supporters say it works?What reasons do people give for opposing carbon taxes?What does the government say they will do for “households” in regards to the carbon tax?Read 'We say no': Manitoba defies Ottawa by killing its carbon tax planThe Federal government requires that all provinces impose a carbon tax. What reasons does Premier Pallister give for “saying no”?How did Prime Minister Trudeau respond?What do critics like NDP leader Wab Kinew say about Pallister’s decision?Thinking QuestionAre you pro or anti carbon tax? Defend your position with specific details and arguments.Part 3 – PipelinesRead Trans Mountain: The billion-dollar oil pipeline Canadians own and can’t buildReading Comprehension QuestionsWhat is the Trans-Mountain Pipeline? How much would it increase capacity?Why is the Trans-Mountain Pipeline “central to the fight over climate change and Canada’s economic model”?Use a T-chart to highlight the arguments for and against the pipeline. Directly reference the article and be detailed.Read Risk on the Rails (paper copy from Winnipeg Free Press)Reading Comprehension QuestionsMore oil is moving by rail now. How much was sent in just one month (October) and why is there such an increase?Many people believe this poses a great danger to Winnipeg. List and explain at least three reasons why.How much information do the railroad companies give about the cargo they drive through cities? Why?In terms of our city’s growth and development, what do many citizens point to as something that is making the danger greater?In what ways could increased oil movement on our rail lines impact other natural resource sectors?Thinking QuestionsIf we can’t change the fact that more oil is being transported by rail, what could we do to fix the problem?Are you pro or anti pipeline? Defend your position with specific details and arguments. ................
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