More than 60 Canadian scientists from the Sustainable Canada Dialogues (SCD) project, led by James Byrne, a climatologist and professor at the University of Lethbridge, have published a note analyzing Canada's current policy on climate change . The issues they raised are especially relevant now that many countries have ratified the Paris Climate Agreement (UNFCCC COP21). Canada itself is responsible for almost 2% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, declared ratification of the agreement on 5 October and implemented it on 4 November.
Analyzing the current situation, scientists are starting on a positive note: this fall, Canada took two important steps towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting obligations under the Paris climate agreement. First, in September, the government announced a plan to invest $120 billion in infrastructure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the use of low-carbon and sustainable technologies. Second, in October, the government introduced a nationwide carbon pricing system that will come into effect in 2018. The cost of one ton of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere in 2018 will be 10 USD per ton, and by 2022 it will be already 50 USD. By the way, earlier the government reported that the central value of the social cost of carbon (SCC, "social cost of carbon") is at the level of 30 USD and can reach 124 USD.
Along with this, there is a serious negative point in Canada's policy: the government's decision to approve a project for the production of Pacific Northwest liquefied natural gas caused reasonable questions from environmental scientists. The implementation of this project will not only increase greenhouse gas emissions in British Columbia (a province in the west of the country), but will also become "one of the largest emitters in Canada." Supporting such initiatives calls into question the unidirectional nature of the government's actions and will take the country away from the stated goal of taking the necessary measures to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (as per the Paris Agreement). According to studies cited by Canadian scientists, to keep global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius, half of the existing gas reserves and one third of oil must be left without use.
A country that has already passed a carbon tax should discuss the prospect of redirecting the $3.3 billion in subsidies currently given to the fossil fuel industry, the scientists say: could apply their skills in other areas.”
In addition, they note that Canada's leadership in action against climate change is "more needed than ever." And despite everything, including the lack of a complete action plan on this issue, there are positive trends. More recently, Canada has taken significant new steps: On November 19, Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna released details of actions towards clean energy and sustainable development in Canada and the world, and on November 21, she announced that By 2030, the country will completely abandon electricity generated by coal.
See also anekdotig:
- News: “Why is Russia in no hurry to ratify the Paris climate agreement?” (November 24, 2016)
- Newsletter: " Leonardo DiCaprio's environmental film 'Before the Flood' is now available for free " (November 3, 2016)
- News: " 31 countries (including Belarus and Ukraine) have joined the Paris climate agreement (COP21) " (September 23, 2016)
- Newsletter: " Outcomes of the UN Conference (COP21) in Paris on Climate Change " (December 18, 2015)