Â鶹´«Ã½

Climate and Environment

    • COP26: Are Canada's targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions achievable?

    Share
    TORONTO -

    As the United Nations COP26 climate conference comes to a close, the race to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions is on. One of the most ambitious of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s list of pledges and promises for climate action is a cap on emissions produced by Canada’s oil and gas sector.

    In July, Canada to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. The government eventually plans to hit by 2050.

    But the question remains: are these goals for cutting greenhouse gas emissions actually achievable?

    Simon Dyer is deputy executive director of the Pembina Institute, a non-profit think-tank campaigning for Canada’s transition to clean energy. While he recognizes the government’s eagerness to reduce emissions, he notes that no concrete policies are yet in place to achieve this.

    “We don't have a cap or a limit or the regulations that will actually determine how much these companies would be allowed to emit,†he told CTVNews.ca in a video interview Nov. 3. “There's nothing like strong policy to actually drive innovation and investments in emissions reductions. That's the missing piece at this point.â€

    Canada made its first real commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions with the ratification of the in 2002, agreeing to cut total greenhouse gas emissions by an average of six per cent below 1990 levels by 2012. Instead, national emission levels have remained largely the same, with a between 2005 and 2019.

    “While there's been progress for some sectors…[other] sectors continue to increase,†he said. “The largest economic subsector from an emissions perspective in Canada is oil and gas, and [oil and gas] emissions have increased 20 per cent since 2005.â€

     

     

    THE ROAD TO NET-ZERO EMISSIONS

    Part of the solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions lies in stronger regulations within the oil and gas industry, says Dyer. While a cap on emissions is important, Eddy Perez, international climate diplomacy manager with Climate Action Network Canada, urges the government to go right to the source.

    “We have focused a lot on emissions intensity, but I think we need to focus on production,†he told CTVNews.ca over the phone Nov. 3. “There are some actors that are focusing on the intensity of emissions, making sure barrels of oil are less carbon-intensive, but some of these actors continue to advocate for greater production of oil and gas.â€

    According to a compiled by Environmental Defence, Canadian oil and gas companies are expected to increase annual production by almost 30 per cent over the next 10 years, compared to 2020 levels. Jobs within the oil and gas sector are also , as companies record surging profits. Dale Marshall, national climate program manager for Environmental Defence, says this growth in production is not compatible with what countries have agreed to accomplish when it comes to tackling climate change.

    “This is completely out of line with what the International Energy Agency says is needed to limit warming to 1.5 degrees [Celsius],†Marshall told CTVNews.ca in a video interview Nov. 3, referring to one of the key goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. “I think that it’s dubious that we would reach that target.â€

    Marshall is calling on the federal government to stop approving new fossil fuel projects beyond 2021, as per . By halting the approval of oil and gas projects starting today, Canada would see a sharp reduction in fossil fuel production over the next 10 years, he says.

    “The Canadian government should be actively retiring existing oil and gas projects, putting significant resources into a just transition for workers and communities,†Marshall said. “Fossil fuels are the source of the problem in terms of climate change, so moving away from them entirely is the way to go.â€

    Perez praises initiatives like carbon pricing, insisting it has the most potential for advancing climate action at the domestic level, but he also says a number of other policies that should be implemented alongside it. He advocates for an end to infrastructure projects that don’t align with the country’s goal of fighting climate change, whether it’s natural gas projects or those like the TransMountain pipeline.

    “[Oil and gas] is the sector in the Canadian economy that has the hugest burden on Canada's responsibility when it comes to tackling the climate crisis,†said Perez. “[Carbon pricing] is an important piece of the toolbox, but it needs to be complimented with other policies and we can’t just rely on carbon pricing to meet our climate goals.â€

     

    Greenhouse gas emission projections from 2005-2030 for key economic sectors (based on 2018 reference case). (PEMBINA INSTITUTE)

    Greenhouse gas emission projections from 2005-2030 for key economic sectors (based on 2018 reference case). (PEMBINA INSTITUTE)

     

    AN INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

    The Oil Sands Pathways to Net Zero initiative is an alliance between five of Canada’s largest oil and gas producers. Their goal is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from oil sands operations by 2050. Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., one of the largest oil and gas producers in the world, is one of its members.

    “[This] is an unprecedented initiative by the Canadian energy industry,†said Tim McKay, president of Canadian Natural, in a issued last Thursday.

    According to McKay, one of the main ways CNRL will accomplish this is through continued investment in technologies designed to improve the company’s environmental performance while reducing its emissions footprint.

    “Canadian Natural and Pathways alliance members are developing several technology pathways that when implemented will strengthen our leading ESG [Environmental, Social and Governance] performance through meaningful emissions reductions while maintaining jobs in the oil sands sector and creating thousands of new construction and permanent jobs in the energy and cleantech industries,†he said in the statement.

    The oil and gas giant recently set new environmental targets itself. One of its goals is to cut methane emissions from its North America exploration and production business in half from its 2016 baseline by 2030. By 2026, it aims to reduce in situ freshwater usage and mining freshwater usage intensity by 40 per cent from 2017 baselines.

    But the company insists it will still need support from both the provincial and federal governments to reach its targets.

    THE NEXT DECADE WILL BE ‘CRITICAL’

    When looking at whether or not Canada’s climate targets are achievable, some are hopeful. Perez insists that not only is it possible for Canada to meet its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45 per cent by 2030, it’s also possible to exceed it.

    Based on scientific models by Climate Action Network Canada, he says for Canada to reduce emissions by 60 per cent compared to 2005 levels by 2030. This would be the result of international and domestic initiatives, including greater fuel efficiency and electrification in the transportation sector, and greater investments in green buildings with retrofits, efficiency upgrades and renewable energy.

    “There is room to do more,†said Perez. “But current pledges are certainly feasible at this moment.â€

    Others aren’t as hopeful. Given Canada’s track record when it comes to meeting climate goals, Marshall says he isn’t holding his breath. He points to Canada’s goal to reduce methane emissions back in 2016 as an example. At the time, the to cut methane emissions in the oil and gas sector by 40 to 45 per cent below 2012 levels by 2025. Just last year, models from Environment and Climate Change Canada showed only a 29 per cent reduction by 2025.

    “I don't have a lot of faith in a stronger 2030 target when we’re not even on track to the target that’s four years out.â€

    Still, Dyer insists there’s plenty of reason to be optimistic.

    “There's been a lot of talk about climate action for the past 20 years, and it only feels like in the last couple of years we've started to actually get serious about putting the policies in place to actually reduce emissions,†said Dyer. “The next decade out to 2030 is going to be critical.â€

    CTVNews.ca Top Stories

    A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

    Why brain aging can vary dramatically between people

    Researchers are uncovering deeper insights into how the human brain ages and what factors may be tied to healthier cognitive aging, including exercising, avoiding tobacco, speaking a second language or even playing a musical instrument.

    Canada

    • A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

    • Two nephews of the beloved Harry R. Hamilton share stories about his life and legacy.

    • The federal government is urging both sides in the British Columbia port dispute to return to the table after mediated talks broke off on Saturday, the first of three scheduled days.

    • The union representing some 1,200 dockworkers at the Port of Montreal has overwhelmingly rejected a deal with their employers association.

    World

    Politics

    • Murray Sinclair’s family members say the late justice and senator has been laid to rest according to his wishes.

    • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced voters in Cloverdale—Langley City will pick their next member of Parliament on Dec. 16.

    Health

    Sci-Tech

    Entertainment

    Business

    Lifestyle

    Sports

    • Canada will be without captain Alphonso Davies for its upcoming CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against Suriname.

    • The Edmonton Oilers may have found the break they were looking for.

    Autos

    Local Spotlight

    For the second year in a row, the ‘Gift-a-Family’ campaign is hoping to make the holidays happier for children and families in need throughout Barrie.

    Some of the most prolific photographers behind CTV Skywatch Pics of the Day use the medium for fun, therapy, and connection.

    A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.

    As Connor Nijsse prepared to remove some old drywall during his garage renovation, he feared the worst.

    A group of women in Chester, N.S., has been busy on the weekends making quilts – not for themselves, but for those in need.

    A Vancouver artist whose streetside singing led to a chance encounter with one of the world's biggest musicians is encouraging aspiring performers to try their hand at busking.

    Ten-thousand hand-knit poppies were taken from the Sanctuary Arts Centre and displayed on the fence surrounding the Dartmouth Cenotaph on Monday.

    A Vancouver man is saying goodbye to his nine-to-five and embarking on a road trip from the Canadian Arctic to Antarctica.

    • A suspect was arrested for allegedly brandishing a knife outside a Vancouver elementary school on Friday – just as the young students were heading home for the day.

    • The federal government is urging both sides in the British Columbia port dispute to return to the table after mediated talks broke off on Saturday, the first of three scheduled days.

    • Thousands of people gathered in downtown Vancouver Monday to observe the 100th Remembrance day ceremony at the Victory Square cenotaph, paying their respects to the Canadian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

    • Several hundred people gathered outside the Ontario legislature in Toronto to honour veterans and remember those who died fighting for their country.

    • Toronto is expected to see an economic boost to the tune of nearly $300 million thanks to Taylor Swift’s upcoming Eras Tour, which will be making a stop in Canada’s largest city for a six-show run later this month.

    • A man believed to be in his 40s has been rushed to a trauma centre following a stabbing in downtown Toronto.

    • Calgarians will be observing Remembrance Day at a number of different ceremonies across the city, including at the Hangar Flight Museum.

    • July 2025 may seem like it’s in the distant future, but for the St. Luke playground committee time is ticking to fundraise the $340,000 they still need to build a new playground.

    • Getting out to the mountains is even easier with a new bus route from a growing Germany-based service.

    • Crowds gathered in Ottawa and eastern Ontario on Monday to honour the sacrifice of men and women in uniform who gave their lives in service of Canada.

    • The Fleet Street Pumping station is Ottawa's oldest water facility. Up to two-thirds of the city's water supply can move through it,

    • The company confirms it will open the new Chipotle at 5671 Hazeldean Road on Thursday, in the former location of Benny & Co.

    • A 36-year-old Montreal man who was out on bail after allegedly uttering death threats to a woman is now accused of murdering her on the South Shore.

    • Private Martine Roy was only 20 years old in 1984 when she was arrested, interrogated and dismissed from the Canadian Armed Forces for being what was then termed a "sexual deviant."

    • With fewer interments and rising maintenance fees, the money for Canada's largest military cemetery will run out in three to four years.

    • A member of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Edmonton participated in the national Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa on Monday.

    • Canada will be without captain Alphonso Davies for its upcoming CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against Suriname.

    • Thousands of Maritimers turned out in wet weather Monday to remember those who have served, and continue to serve, in Canada's armed forces for Remembrance Day.

    • A Cape Breton senior recalls her life in German-occupied France, and her mother’s death, during the Second World War.

    • Thousand of people gathered at the Menin Gate in the Ypres, Belgium for Monday’s Remembrance Day Ceremony.

    • Thousands gathered at the RBC Convention Centre on Monday to bear witness to a sombre and historic Remembrance Day ceremony.

    • One Manitoba veteran is on a mission to commemorate and honour those who served our country, and not just on Remembrance Day.

    • Winnipeg police have identified two men involved in a stabbing incident earlier this week.

    • There will be two ceremonies taking place in Regina for Remembrance Day, hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion.

    • Fire crews reported that no one was hurt after flames broke out in a home on Robinson Street in central Regina.

    • Regina author Valerie Crowther is celebrating the release of her book ‘War Letters: Linking Lives in the Second World War.’

    • Saskatchewan RCMP are searching for a suspect after a man was seriously injured in a farm-related incident in Montreal Lake.

    • It was a somber day at Mosaic Stadium as members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders officially cleaned out their stalls and closed the book on the 2024 season.

    • The Regina Rams claimed the Hardy Cup after a hard fought battle against the Saskatoon Huskies 19-14 on Saturday in the first all Saskatchewan U-Sports western conference final since 2002.

    • Emergency crews responded to the scene on Road 68/Highway 2 east of Thamesford around 7 p.m.

    • The events will start at 10:15 a.m. with a parade that forms up in front of the Delta London Armories, marches east on Dundas Street and turns north onto Waterloo Street to Dufferin Avenue, the west to the Cenotaph.

    • A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

    • A Barrie man is at the centre of an alleged $2.2 million stolen used car scheme.

    • The 75th anniversary of the Barrie Santa Claus Parade will feature floats, live entertainment, and new attractions, including Santa’s Fireside Gathering.

    • Environment Canada issued a weather alert for Barrie, Collingwood and surrounding areas, alerting residents about the wicked winds that are expected to pick up to 80 kilometres per hour in the afternoon hours.

    • Representatives of the Windsor Veterans Memorial Services Committee, military representatives, wreath bearers, government officials, and members of the public will attend the Cenotaph at City Hall Square for the outdoor service.

    • Windsor Paralympic champion, Danielle Campo, has been crowned the number one Inspirational Speaker of the Year for 2024 at the Inspirational Speaking Finals.

    • One person has been arrested after Chatham-Kent Police Service (CKPS) received multiple complaints about an alleged drunk driver.

    • Environment Canada says heavy rain and winds could cause power outages on Vancouver Island as an "intense" storm system is set to hit the B.C. coast Sunday.

    • Six deer were struck by vehicles in six different locations in a six-hour period on B.C. highways on Saturday, according to the transportation ministry.

    • The union for locked-out port workers in British Columbia says the BC Maritime Employers Association cut off talks in less than an hour Saturday, refusing to budge on a final offer that the union has so far rejected.

    • The emergency department at South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver, B.C., will be closed for 31 hours this weekend, the second such closure in a week and the third since the start of November.

    • Police in Kamloops, B.C., are reminding parents and guardians to check their children's Halloween candy after receiving a report of a mother finding a razor blade in one of her daughter's treats.

    • More than two years after Alannah Brown and Douglas Barker were found dead north of Penticton, police are asking for help identifying a vehicle they believe was associated with the crime.

    • The Southern Alberta Recreation Association is officially announcing the Town of Taber as next year’s host for the Southern Alberta Summer Games.

    • The Lethbridge Hurricanes broke open a close game with three goals in the first two minutes of the third period as they defeated the Warriors 7-3 in a game played Friday night in Moose Jaw.

    • There might not a lot snow just yet, but many southern Albertans are still itching to get outdoors.

    • It was just days before the COVID-19 pandemic shut the world down when the Shaft Bottom Boys of Sudbury broke a world record for 'Deepest Concert Underground.' Now, more than four years later, a Timmins band is looking to take the title.

    • Police say that a 16-year-old was attacked with a sword Nov. 3 in Cobalt, Ont., in a case of intimate partner violence.

    • Police have arrested a 15-year-old in connection with a break-in and $50,000 in damage done to the Centennial Arena in Elliot Lake in September.

    N.L.

    Shopping Trends

    The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at Â鶹´«Ã½. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.

    Stay Connected
    Follow Â鶹´«Ã½