Ottawa, Ont. – We are disappointed that the Canadian government has decided to not do its fair share of the action needed to avoid catastrophic climate change. Our research shows that a more ambitious domestic target of 60 per cent reductions by 2030 would have benefited most Canadians, by improving the health of our communities and lowering our energy costs. Recent catastrophic climate events, like heat waves and wildfires that have killed hundreds, show the suffering caused by inaction.
Instead, the government failed to reign in the oil and gas industry, by continuing to ignore the most important measure: the phase out of oil and gas production in Canada. We can’t meaningfully tackle climate change while expanding the industries that cause it. Worse, the Canadian government reiterated its pledged subsidies for destructive industries such as oil and gas and for equipment that turns our forests into wood pellets.
Another glaring omission in today’s announcement is around the assistance Canada should be giving to developing countries to address climate change. Recent announcements have committed Canada to less than 25 per cent of its fair share of US$4 billion per year in climate financing.
Before the UN climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland in November, the Canadian government needs to go back to the drawing board and make the bolder commitments needed to tackle the climate emergency and create a better quality of life for Canadians.
For more information, please see “Towards Canada’s Fair Share: New research on achieving a stronger climate target“: https://environmentaldefence.ca/report/fair_share_canada_model/
About ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.
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For more information or to arrange and interview please contact: Barbara Hayes, Environmental Defence, bhayes@environmentaldefence.ca
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