WOW, Kjell, that the carbon footprint of the ferries that operate for Vancouver Island is 15% is a very important discovery, yet, of course troubling to see/hear that the concerns re. the ferries is focused more on the affordability and service side of the operation.
We have a similar but different challenge Up North, with all the transport truck emissions that are not usually accounted for when different goods (& services) are purchased. Something that is often overlooked, even if truck emissions are considered is the associated wear & tear on the NWT road system that requires a dedicated effort of heavy machinery to maintain the roads to keep them operational as well as to repair them because of the impacts of the larger truck traffic on the extensive gravel (which is actually much better than I would have thought coming from central Alberta!) and paved (but impacted in various locations by permafrost upheaval) road systems.
In addition to the transport trucks, we also have a system of freshwater ferries that enable residents to access a number of communities including Ft. Simpson where I live. So, to account for the total carbon footprint of living in a relatively accessible community such as Ft. Simpson still involved ~1,400 km’s travel from Edmonton + 10 minute ferry ride across the Liard River + the diesel generated electricity to power anything & everything that is not operating off of a renewable energy source!
Given the many intricate details that are important to account for, for even 1 NWT community’s carbon emissions, it would be fantastic to undertake a more involved CEEP approach combined with a top-notch planning/public engagement process (incl. communications plan) so that more residents and business owners could fully appreciate the impact of living with the comforts we have in the remote locations we are calling home.
