Combating climate change has become a significant agenda in all nations’ developmental pathways. To address this challenge, Canada has set a new greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target for 2035, aiming to slash emissions by 45–50% below 2005 levels.
This reformed target modifies its existing 2030 climate goals, which entailed reducing GHG emissions by at least 40–45% below the same baseline. Through this announcement, the Canadian Government wants to maintain continuity and momentum in its climate efforts. Significantly, it also demonstrates the country’s commitment to tackling the climate crisis while aligning with the emerging global carbon markets and fostering economic growth.
Crafting Canada’s 2035 Climate Blueprint
Canada’s 2035 emissions target was shaped by expert insights, scientific research, and collaboration. The government relied on the latest science, international climate agreements, Indigenous knowledge, and advice from the Net-Zero Advisory Body to guide its decision.
To ensure the target reflected the needs of all Canadians, the government sought input from provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders. Furthermore, the government allowed Canadians to share their thoughts on climate action and the level of ambition needed through surveys and submissions.
The news release noted that approximately 11,000 people shared their opinions through an online public engagement portal launched in spring 2024. The government also received over 23,000 comments and 100 written submissions. Insights from the Canadian Climate Institute further contributed to shaping this decision.
Throughout the process, household affordability remained a key priority, ensuring the target was both practical and achievable.
Two Laws Driving Canada’s Net-Zero Journey
Canada’s journey to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is guided by two key commitments, the Paris Agreement and the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (CNZEAA).
Internationally, the Paris Agreement requires Canada to set ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These targets aim to keep global temperature rise well below 2°C compared to pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
On the other hand, the CNZEAA ensures the government sets 5-year national emissions reduction targets, at least ten years in advance, along the roadmap to net-zero emissions by 2050. This means Canada’s next target must be established by 2025.
Source: Government of Canada
Bending the Emissions Curve: Canada’s Success Stories
Canada is progressing steadily in its journey to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While challenges remain, the country’s climate strategy is showing promising results.
The government gives credit to its citizens who have been contributing to the economy that has become less carbon-intensive as compared to 2005. In 2015, projections indicated emissions would rise by 9% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. However, the emission curve is seen to move downward due to initiatives like improving energy efficiency, transitioning to cleaner energy grids, and implementing carbon pricing.
The Green Municipal Fund
This program is an initiative of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Natural Resources Canada and has enabled over 2,300 sustainability projects. Their efforts have avoided more than 2.9 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. Notably, the program’s impact was highlighted in a Senate report emphasizing the need for expanded initiatives to help municipalities adapt to climate challenges.
Carbon Pollution Pricing
Canada’s carbon pollution pricing is a proven tool for reducing emissions. Between 2019 and 2021, this approach reduced 18 megatonnes of emissions that would have otherwise been released. By 2030, carbon pricing is expected to contribute to one-third of Canada’s total emissions reductions.
Clean Jobs
In 2021, the environmental and clean technology products sector employed over 314,000 workers, marking a 6.5% increase from 2020.
Canada’s progress also includes core regulations like the Clean Electricity Regulations and the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard. Incentives such as the Canada Carbon Rebate and the Canada Greener Homes Initiative make adopting net-zero technologies more affordable for businesses and individuals.
Economic Opportunities in the Clean Transition
The shift to a clean economy offers significant opportunities and Canada is on the right track to lead in green innovation and attract investment.
- Canada ranks 2nd on the Global Cleantech 100 and 3rd in hydroelectricity production, hosting 20% of global CCUS projects.
- Achieved renewable energy growth with daily launches of hydro, wind, biomass, biofuel, and solar projects.
- Attracted $71B in FDI since 2013 and has funded 177 clean energy projects, creating 28,000 jobs.
Furthermore, Canada’s clean electricity, known for being reliable and affordable, is a major competitive advantage. Businesses and industries worldwide recognize its value, drawing investors and creating jobs across the country. In 2021, Canada’s clean technology market was valued at $34 billion, with $9.1 billion in exports.
Supporting Workers and Communities
The new 2035 target report has stressed that the government will ensure Canadians have the tools and support needed to sustain this economy. Core programs, such as the Canada Greener Homes Initiative, help individuals and businesses transition to sustainable technologies. Although these technologies may have higher upfront costs, they offer long-term savings and significant emissions reductions.
As Canada advances sectoral transformation, workers will benefit from new opportunities in clean energy and technology. The transition will position the country as a global leader in green innovation.
A Pledge to Protect and Lead
By 2025, Canada will submit this target as its NDCs under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Within the following year, the government will outline the key actions required to meet the goal. By December 2029, a detailed 2035 Emissions Reduction Plan will lay out the specific policies and initiatives to achieve the target.
It is now evident that the 2035 emissions reduction target is a bold commitment to drive real change. It’s a pledge to protect Canadians from climate threats like wildfires, floods, and extreme weather. Simultaneously, it strengthens Canada’s global leadership in clean energy and paves the way for a more resilient net zero future.