April 22, 2021
The US announced its plan to cut emissions by 50%-52% from 2005 levels by 2030, and the EU committed to cut theirs by 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. It is unacceptable that Canada has not promised to at least meet the same targets as our peers. Canada needs to reduce GHG emissions by 60% below 2005 levels by 2030. Today's decision to increase our target to 40% is insufficient.
Here is what André-Yanne Parent, Executive director of The Climate Reality Project Canada had to say about Canada's climate ambitions:
"Canada must fairly reduce its domestic emissions by at least 60% by 2030 to keep global warming at levels that are not safe, but simply dangerous. This is not a simple debate over numbers, it is an existential question. Today, the Prime Minister has certainly increased our determined national contribution, but his administration is still not up to the task of tackling the climate crisis, meeting science and acting responsibly by doing its fair share. We have no more time to waste. In preparation for the next climate negotiations in Glasgow, we must step up the pace to get out of our dependence on fossil fuels and start a just transition. The eyes of the world, of all citizens and especially those of the younger generations, are on our government to implement effective laws that finally respond to this critical time and creates a sustainable and just future so that we can finally turn the tide of the climate crisis."