Canada`s Progress towards fulfilling the Paris Agreement
In 2015, Canada was one of 196 countries that signed the Paris Agreement, committing to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The Paris Agreement also mandates countries to regularly report their progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in renewable energy infrastructure.
Over the past few years, Canada has made some significant strides towards fulfilling its commitments under the Paris Agreement. Here are some key areas where Canada has shown progress:
1. Carbon Pricing
One of the main ways Canada has addressed its greenhouse gas emissions is through carbon pricing, which places a price on carbon emissions and incentivizes individuals and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. In 2018, the Canadian government introduced the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, a federal carbon pricing policy that requires all provinces to put in place either a carbon tax or a cap-and-trade system. The policy has faced legal challenges and political opposition from some provinces, but it represents a significant step towards reducing emissions in Canada.
2. Renewable Energy
Canada is also investing in renewable energy infrastructure to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. In 2019, the Canadian government introduced a plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, which includes significant investment in renewable energy technologies like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. Some provinces, like British Columbia and Quebec, have already made significant progress towards using renewable energy sources.
3. Transportation
The transportation sector is among the largest contributors to Canada`s greenhouse gas emissions. To address this issue, the Canadian government has invested in public transportation infrastructure and incentivized electric vehicle adoption. In 2019, the government committed significant funding towards electrifying public transit in Canada`s largest cities, and it has also introduced tax credits for individuals who purchase electric or hybrid vehicles.
While Canada has made progress towards fulfilling its commitments under the Paris Agreement, there is still much work to be done. Canada`s greenhouse gas emissions have continued to rise in recent years, and some provinces and industries have been resistant to the government`s climate policies. However, with continued investment in renewable energy and carbon pricing policies, Canada has the potential to be a leader in the fight against climate change and fulfill its commitments under the Paris Agreement.