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China is smoggy, and dangerously so. Coal is burned for industrial use and power, and is a significant contributor to the Middle Kingdom’s unhealthy, deadly problem. At present 70 per cent of China’s electrical power is generated from coal.

It was in response to severe pollution problems that Chinese mandarins tried to reduce coal use this winter. But with a lack of alternatives, the orders were not practical. Nor for that matter would more solar power and other oft-promoted green alternatives help, given they are unable to heat a northern home in winter.

Instead, reliable coal-replacement energy sources must be used, which is where natural gas shipments from British Columbia come into play. But one British Columbia politician will have none of it, University of Victoria academic and climate scientist Andrew Weaver.

Weaver, of course, is also leader of B.C.’s Green party, which holds the balance of power in the province’s legislature with three seats. The Greens have a “Confidence and Supply Agreement” to keep the NDP government from falling. That agreement includes implementing a “climate action” strategy beyond B.C’s existing carbon dioxide emissions tax.

Greens oppose the development of LNG exports because that economic activity will result in higher carbon emissions for the province. However, contra the Green party position, natural gas exports from B.C. could help solve two Chinese problems: coal-produced pollution and the need for reliable and affordable heat in Chinese homes, schools, offices, stores and every other building in winter. In addition, B.C. LNG exports could reduce China’s greenhouse gas emissions.