Canada’s new environment minister and officials from Environment and Climate Change have affirmed the federal government’s commitment to the national climate targets established during Justin Trudeau’s tenure. Environment and Climate Change Minister Julie Dabrusin reiterated that the current Liberal government remains dedicated to achieving the ambitious near-term targets, including the 2035 emissions goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 45% below 2005 levels.
In a recent interview on the CBC’s environment and climate change podcast, “What on Earth,” Dabrusin emphasized the importance of these targets, stating that they serve as a challenging yet necessary framework to drive progress. When questioned about the government’s acceptance of the previous administration’s emission reduction objectives, Dabrusin affirmed that these targets are integral to Canada’s climate commitments.
Prime Minister Mark Carney also expressed support for the established climate targets during the unveiling of his “Buy Canadian Plan.” This marks a significant endorsement of the current objectives by Carney and his environment minister.
Previously, there were uncertainties surrounding the government’s stance on the climate targets, as neither Dabrusin nor Carney had explicitly addressed them in their Climate Competitiveness Strategy. However, recent statements from government officials ahead of the United Nations Climate summit, COP 30, reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to the 2035 target and the overarching goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
While acknowledging that Canada may fall short of its 2030 climate goal, experts emphasize that progress, even if incremental, is crucial in the fight against climate change. The Canadian Climate Institute underscores the importance of using these targets as guideposts to steer climate action in the right direction.
As the world marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, countries are striving to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius, with a target of 1.5 degrees Celsius. Despite the challenges, nearly 200 nations, including Canada, have submitted new climate plans that, if fully implemented, could help reduce the projected global temperature rise from 4 degrees Celsius to below 3 degrees Celsius, signaling a continued but achievable path towards progress.
