Source: CTV
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under pressure to increase Canada’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Trudeau government intends to release new reduction targets for 2030 ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Environmentalists argue that Canada should set a reduction target of at least 40% to 50% below 2005 levels.
As per the report, Canada is the only G7 country where emissions have increased since the Paris Agreement was signed. According to the minister, Canada wants to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The report also says that the country’s annual emissions increased slightly to 730 million tonnes of carbon dioxide and its equivalents, bringing it closer to its 2005 level than to its 2030 target. On Thursday, Earth Day, Canada will host a virtual two-day climate summit with global leaders.
The Greens would like to see a 60% target with enforceable targets and timelines. The NDP is aiming for at least 50% and will go further if possible. Allies such as US President Joe Biden, who has prioritized combating climate change with billions of dollars in new spending, have put pressure on the administration. Organizations also point to the tone set by the United Kingdom, which pledged this week to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035.
“It is time to step up and demonstrate the next level of Canada’s ambition,” says an open letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “I sincerely hope that Canada can present an ambitious and united front,” the letter states. “Those who didn’t want to be ambitious on climate change kept telling us that we couldn’t do anything more,” Environmental Defence says.
