Idiots, go with the solar lights.
Via Guardian:
The Canadian government’s efforts to cut the country’s carbon emissions have found a new target: a small flame that has burned on Parliament Hill for more than 50 years.
The centennial flame in Ottawa was first unveiled during celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the Canadian confederation. Initially envisioned as a temporary installation, the flame remained so popular with visitors that it has continued to burn ever since.
But the federal government has announced that it is now exploring a number of options to reduce the environmental impact of the flame, one of which includes swapping the fire with LED lights.
A spokesperson with Public Services and Procurement Canada, the government agency tasked with overseeing the project, confirmed it is “exploring options for alternative sustainable approaches to fuel the centennial flame”.
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Read moreFederal government offices have come under pressure to reduce or eliminate carbon dioxide emissions resulting from daily operations as part of the government’s climate strategy.
The flame is fueled by natural gas ferried across the country from western Canada, a region of the country where environmental groups and indigenous activists are currently protesting against pipeline expansions and carbon emissions from tar sands.
In September 2017, the government attempted to decrease the emissions of the flame by striking a “net zero” deal with Bullfrog Power, which provides gas to the flame. The energy company offsets the emissions from the flame by pumping biogas – a cleaner alternative – into its existing pipeline infrastructure in order reducing emission in a separate location. Bullfrog Power declined to comment on the extent of emissions offset by the deal which currently costs the government US$15,000 a year.
HT: BCF