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Katie Engle | Irene Mysonhimer

Climate Change
7 April 2020

Canada NDC Approach

Although Canada is only responsible for 1.6% of the world’s greenhouse gas
emissions, they are determined to hit the Paris Climate Agreement target of reducing
those greenhouse gas emissions by 30% from the years 2005 to 2030. Figure 1 shows
a graph illustrating Canada’s ambitious goal. It is evident from this graph that Canada
was off to a good start, as from 2005 to 2013 they decreased greenhouse gas
emissions by 3.1% even though their economy grew by 12.9% in that same timeframe.
[1] This pledge also means that Canada wishes to reduce its carbon emissions 15%
below the level in the 1990s. As for long-term, by 2050, Canada is trying to reduce their
2005 total emissions by 80%. Furthermore, based on what Canada has proposed, it
received an “Insufficient” CAT (Climate Action Tracker) rating. This means that
Canada’s approach would not help keep global warming to below 2 °C. Instead, if every
country approached climate change like Canada, global warming would reach above 3
°C. [2]

Figure 1: Canada’s Emissions in Accordance with the Paris Climate Agreement [1]

Something unique about Canada’s approach is their sector-by-sector regulatory

approach. This method holds each sector responsible for their own emission use and
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decrease. The main contributors to Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions are their
transportation and electricity sectors. In terms of transportation, Canada has seen a
large decline in the use of light trucks and heavy machinery trucks by implementing
tighter regulations on fuel usage, such as requiring gasoline to now contain 5%
renewable fuel content. Canada has been working closely with the United States to
make a new standard for vehicle emissions. This teamwork approach is helpful so that
the entire continent of North America improves its emissions. In terms of electricity,
Canada has banned any new construction of coal-fired electricity generation units while
attempting to shut down existing units of its kind. [1]

Canada is also focusing on regulating HFCs, which are the quickest growing
greenhouse gases worldwide. Their regulations will impact oil, gasoline, natural gas,
and fertilizers. In alignment with their approach so far, Canada will be implementing the
sector-by-sector regulatory approach for this initiative. [1]

Canada is financially supporting the efforts to meet the Paris Climate Agreement
goal. They have invested ten billion dollars into preventing climate change, and they
have pioneered some technological advancements such as creating the world’s first
large scale carbon capture and storage facility at an oil sands operation, as depicted in
Figure 2. Canada has expressed their belief that success in meeting their goal is a
shared responsibility from every level of their government, and their sector-by-sector
approach is upheld by an inclusive intergovernmental forum: The Canadian Council of
Ministers of the Environment. [1]

Figure 2: First Large Scale Carbon Capture and Storage Facility [3]

According to a recent paper written by Canada’s Climate Action Network,

however, Canada is not doing its fair share in contributing to the worldwide effort to
reduce emissions. Canada is listed among a list of the world’s top ten countries that
contribute most to global pollution, despite Canada’s small population. Furthermore,
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Canada’s per-capita carbon emissions are higher than that of almost all other countries.
The article discusses how the world “can expect to see warming of between 2.6°C and
4°C if nations continue down [Canada’s] current path.” If Canada was to do its part and
truly help global warming stay below 1.5 °C, it would need to decrease emissions by
60% [4].

So what does this mean for Canada? How can they do their fair share to help
reduce global warming by 1.5 °C? Canada’s Climate Action Network put together a list
of concrete ways to ensure they can achieve the NDCs they agreed to. These ideas
include: (1) stop using public money to support fossil fuel companies, (2) create greater
targets concerning emission reductions, (3) help other countries lower their emissions to
make up for Canada’s shortcomings, (4) getting more citizens to believe in, understand,
and discuss climate change, and (5) create laws and procedures that apply to every
citizen, can be achieved, and are effectual. As one of the main contributors to global
GHG emissions, Canada needs to step up and do its part. This plan addresses many of
the issues facing Canada and can truly help Canada achieve the NDCs it agreed to in
2015. By following such a plan, Canada might be able to pull its weight and assist with
ending this global problem. [4]
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Reference Sources

[1] https://www4.unfccc.int/sites/ndcstaging/PublishedDocuments/Canada
%20First/INDC%20-%20Canada%20-%20English.pdf

[2] https://climateactiontracker.org/countries/canada/pledges-and-targets/

[3] http://www.canada.com/technology/Players+bail+showcase+carbon+capture+
project+Alberta/6526185/story.html

[4] https://climateactionnetwork.ca/2019/06/14/getting-real-about-canadas-
climate-plan/