Canada’s progress in reducing carbon emissions has hit a roadblock, as per the latest government report to the UN. Emissions from the oil and gas sector have increased post-pandemic. The recently released National Inventory Report for 2024 indicates minimal changes in emissions across various economic sectors compared to the previous year.
Dave Sawyer, an economist at the Canadian Climate Institute, expressed concern that Canada is unlikely to achieve its 2030 emission reduction target. The report revealed a slight decrease in 2024 emissions to 685 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent from the previous year. Despite this, emissions are still 10% lower than 2005 levels, a target set by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2021.
The country’s aim is to reduce emissions by 40 to 45% below 2005 levels by 2030, in line with the Paris Agreement. However, government projections indicate that reaching this target may be unattainable.
Notably, electricity generation has significantly contributed to emission reductions, with a 57% decrease since 2005 due to the phasing out of coal plants. On the contrary, the oil and gas industry, the largest emitter in Canada, has observed a growth in emissions. Production in Alberta and British Columbia has been on the rise, driven by projects like the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion and the new LNG export terminal in Kitimat, B.C.
Despite advancements in electric vehicles and cleaner energy sources, emissions from the oilsands have been steadily increasing, offsetting progress made in other areas. Without addressing these rising emissions, Canada’s overall emissions are likely to remain stagnant, according to experts.