An official report from Canada’s auditor general reveals that the country’s emissions reduction plan is inadequate to achieve its goal of cutting emissions by 40% to 45% below 2005 levels by 2030. The audit indicates that key measures essential to reach the 2030 target were either postponed or deprioritized. Failing to achieve the minimum 40% reduction target for 2030 would result in Canada falling short of its commitment under the United Nations’ Paris agreement on climate change.
Canada introduced its initial comprehensive roadmap to attain its 2030 climate objectives last year. It detailed plans along with a budget of C$9.1 billion (US$6.6 billion) in new funding to reduce carbon emissions, following years of failing to meet its climate goals.
The audit identified a fragmented responsibility for emissions reduction among various federal entities not directly accountable to Canada’s environment and climate change minister, making progress and corrective actions challenging.
While Canada has consistently missed its emissions reduction targets, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has consistently emphasized climate change as a top priority for his government. The commissioner of the environment and sustainable development, Jerry DeMarco, who authored the report, maintains that the government could still attain its 2030 target “with drive, focus, and leadership.”
The audit acknowledged that the plan contained potentially effective measures for emissions reduction, including carbon pricing and regulations, but it also highlighted several weaknesses, such as missing and inconsistent information and unreliable projections that undermined the plan’s credibility.
By Reuters
