System Instructions for Document Classification and Metadata Extraction

This research paper by Steven Haig of the International Institute for Sustainable Development argues that expanding liquefied natural gas (LNG) production in Canada will increase domestic and global emissions, hinder the transition to renewable energy, and divert public funds from climate solutions.

• Producing LNG in Canada is expected to increase domestic emissions. The LNG Canada Phase 1 terminal, which uses natural gas turbines for cooling, is projected to emit 2.1 megatonnes of CO2e annually, a figure that could double if Phase 2 proceeds with only partial electrification.
• The goal of achieving net-zero operational emissions for proposed LNG projects like Woodfibre LNG, Cedar LNG, and Ksi Lisims would require a massive increase in electricity. Electrifying the B.C. oil and gas industry by 2030 would need over 40,000 GWh per year, equivalent to eight Site C hydroelectric dams.
• Net-zero LNG facilities do not produce net-zero LNG because liquefaction accounts for less than 10% of life-cycle emissions. The majority of emissions come from upstream extraction, transportation, and shipping; if all proposed B.C. projects proceed, upstream emissions could increase by 10 Mt per year.
• There is little evidence that Canadian LNG will significantly displace coal use abroad. In markets like China and India, renewable energy and falling costs for solar photovoltaic power and storage are the primary drivers reducing coal's market share, while LNG is often twice as expensive to produce as needed to compete.
• The claim that LNG Canada is 60% cleaner than the global average is based on liquefaction emissions intensity (0.15 t CO2e/t LNG vs 0.35 t CO2e/t LNG) rather than total life-cycle emissions. Because liquefaction is a small part of the total footprint, a 60% cleaner process would only make the LNG 5% cleaner overall.
• Expanding LNG production may increase global emissions by adding to total fossil fuel consumption rather than substituting existing supplies. Increased supply could deflate gas prices and disincentivize renewable energy investments, a trend mirrored in a 2024 U.S. Department of Energy study finding that U.S. LNG exports displace more renewables than coal.
• New LNG projects are incompatible with the 1.5°C global temperature limit, which requires no new long-lead time upstream oil and gas projects. This includes facilities enabling extraction in the Montney Basin.
• The Canadian and B.C. governments have allocated at least CAD 3.93 billion in financial support for new LNG projects by 2030, creating an opportunity cost. This funding diverts resources from clean energy retrofits, a net-zero electricity grid, and clean transportation systems.

APA

Haig,, S. (2025). System Instructions for Document Classification and Metadata Extraction. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/articles/deep-dive/how-canadian-lng-impacts-climate-carbon-emissions-fuel-switching-and-cleaner

Chicago

Haig,, Steven. System Instructions for Document Classification and Metadata Extraction. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2025. https://www.iisd.org/articles/deep-dive/how-canadian-lng-impacts-climate-carbon-emissions-fuel-switching-and-cleaner.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Haig, |first1=Steven |title=System Instructions for Document Classification and Metadata Extraction |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=4 December 2025 |url=https://www.iisd.org/articles/deep-dive/how-canadian-lng-impacts-climate-carbon-emissions-fuel-switching-and-cleaner |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{haig2025system, author = {Haig,, Steven}, title = {{System Instructions for Document Classification and Metadata Extraction}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2025}, month = dec, url = {https://www.iisd.org/articles/deep-dive/how-canadian-lng-impacts-climate-carbon-emissions-fuel-switching-and-cleaner}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }