Canada’s emissions reduction efforts are not enough -environment watchdog

WINNIPEG (Manitoba), Nov 25 (Reuters) – Canada’s official environmental watchdog criticized the Liberal government of Justin Trudeau Thursday for incoherent, poorly designed efforts to slow climate changes.

Canada has never achieved a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Trudeau’s government has been in power since 2015 and promises to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. It also plans to make Canada carbon neutral by 2050.

Commissioner for Environment and Sustainable Development Jerry DeMarco stated that Canada has fallen behind other developed countries in climate change over the past 30 years.

This month’s severe floods in British Columbia killed at least four people, and washed away roads and railways. Experts believe they are linked to climate change.

DeMarco reported that the government’s 2018 purchase, in an attempt to complete an expansion that faced fierce opposition, was an example of “policy incoherence with progress towards climate commitments”.

The pipeline expansion, which would almost triple its capacity is still in progress. Trudeau stated that Canada will continue to need fossil fuels for many decades and that the purchase would benefit Alberta, an energy-producing province.

DeMarco also criticised the Natural Resources department’s Emissions Reduction Fund. This fund was designed to provide financial support to oil and gas companies that were struggling with low prices last fiscal year while accelerating efforts towards reducing emissions.

He wrote that the program was not intended to reduce emissions or provide value for money.

In a joint statement, Jonathan Wilkinson, Natural Resources Minister and Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault defended the government’s efforts.

They stated that they were confident that they have put in place the necessary foundations to take Canada’s fight against climate change to the next level.

Trudeau’s government established a carbon price and said it would cap the emissions from the oil and natural gas sector.

Reporting by Rod Nickel in Winnipeg. Editing by Jonathan Oatis

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