Canada will aim to cut emissions by 45-50% below 2005 levels by 2035, the environment ministry announced on Thursday, December 12, 2024, setting a new transitory target before the Paris Agreement’s 2050 goal of net-zero emissions.
The new target, a requirement under Canadian law passed by the Liberal government, builds upon a goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 40% to 45% below 2005 levels by 2030.
“This target keeps us on track to keep the promise to our kids and grandkids that the world we leave behind for them will be safe, sustainable, affordable and prosperous,” Environment Minister, Steven Guilbeault, said in a statement.
A leading oil and gas producer, Canada has missed every one of its greenhouse gas emission targets.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, which has introduced a raft of measures intended to address climate change and boost the use of green energy, said in May that data suggested the country was on track to achieving its 2030 target.
The Canadian Climate Institute said on Thursday that the 2035 target “is achievable and balances the need for sustained progress cutting emissions.”
Some climate groups, however, said the new targets were not ambitious enough.
According to Climate Action Network Canada’s analysis, Canada’s fair share of the global effort to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C would require domestic emissions reductions of 80% below 2005 levels by 2035.
350.org says it is gravely concerned over how the goal falls far short of what experts have warned is necessary to prevent even more devastating impacts of the climate crisis, and for Canada to exert real climate leadership as a rich, historic polluter.
Amara Possian, 350.org Canada Team Lead, says: “This target is a slap in the face to Canadians who are already living through devastating climate disasters. It not only falls short of the ambition required to address the climate crisis and meet our national and global obligations, but disregards scientific consensus and recommendations, as well as side steps Canada’s fair share of the global effort as a rich, historic polluter.
“We need leadership that rises to this moment–not one that sides with fossil fuel industries that are continuing to torch our planet for profit. Canada remains hostage to an outdated oil-driven agenda that clings to the energy past, when the future demands bold action and leadership on climate. Instead, it must lead with a vision for a resilient, equitable, and diversified economy powered by clean energy.”
The David Suzuki Foundation said the new climate target was short of what is needed to avoid the worst effects of the climate crisis, while the Pembina Institute said governments and industries must be “more ambitious to fully enhance our competitiveness in the new global clean energy economy.”
The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, passed in 2021, requires the government to publish the 2035 emissions reduction plan by 2029-end.
Canada faces a federal election within the next year, which polls suggest Trudeau’s Liberals will lose to the opposition Conservatives. The conservatives have criticised climate measures including an emissions cap on the oil and gas sector.
