A new report from the Canadian Climate Institute indicates that Canada was able to reduce its planet-warming emissions by about one per cent in 2023 compared to 2022, and by eight per cent since 2005. Despite this modest progress, the report emphasizes that Canada will need to accelerate its efforts in order to meet its 2030 target of cutting emissions by 40 to 45 per cent compared to 2005 levels. The report highlights the electricity sector as a standout, with a 6.2 per cent reduction in emissions year-over-year and a 38 per cent decrease since 2005, attributed to policies such as industrial carbon pricing and coal phaseouts. On the other hand, the oil and gas sector saw an increase in emissions by about one per cent compared to 2022, now accounting for nearly a third of the country’s total emissions.
The report points out that progress in emissions reductions varies significantly across different sectors, with the transport sector experiencing the biggest annual increase of about 1.6 per cent, driven by a rebound in domestic aviation. Canadian Climate Institute president Rick Smith emphasizes the need for governments to accelerate the development of policies and strengthen existing measures like electrification and industrial carbon pricing systems in order to address these sector-specific challenges. The institute’s early estimates provide a snapshot of trends before Canada releases its official inventory report next spring, as required by United Nations climate pacts. These estimates are based on data from Statistics Canada on production, demand, and demographic activity, and consider factors like the global and regional climate conditions of the past year.
The report notes that 2023 was the second warmest year on record in Canada and the warmest globally, indicating the impact of climate change on the earth’s temperature. This trend is further amplified by El Niño conditions, highlighting the urgent need for countries like Canada to take swift action to reduce emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The report underscores the importance of continued efforts and collaboration across sectors to achieve meaningful reductions in emissions and meet international climate targets. It also serves as a reminder of the critical role that government policies and regulations play in driving emissions reductions and promoting sustainability in key industries, such as energy and transportation.
In response to the challenges posed by rising emissions in the oil and gas sector and the rebound in air travel, the report calls for targeted interventions and tailored strategies to address the specific drivers of emissions growth. This may include measures to incentivize cleaner fuels, promote energy efficiency, and accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources in both the transportation and industrial sectors. The report highlights the potential for innovative solutions and technological advancements to support emissions reduction efforts, while also acknowledging the need for greater political will and public support to drive meaningful change across the economy.
Overall, the report provides a comprehensive overview of Canada’s progress in reducing emissions and highlights the areas where further action is needed to achieve long-term climate goals. By focusing on sector-specific challenges and opportunities, the report offers valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public to inform decision-making and drive collective action towards a more sustainable and low-carbon future. With increased awareness and commitment to addressing climate change, Canada has the potential to build on its current achievements and accelerate its transition to a greener, more resilient economy that benefits both people and the planet.
