What is The Paris Agreement and what are Canada’s committed
greenhouse targets?
The Paris Agreement is an international treaty that was adopted in 2015 by nearly 200 countries, including Canada. Its main goal is to combat climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Under the Paris Agreement, each country is required to submit a pledge, known as a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which outlines its commitments to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These commitments can include targets for reducing emissions, adopting renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing the overall resilience to climate change impacts.
Canada's committed greenhouse targets under the Paris Agreement are as follows:
1. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. This target is known as Canada's nationally determined contribution (NDC) and is considered a minimum commitment.
2. Achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Net-zero means that any remaining emissions are balanced by removing an equivalent amount of GHGs from the atmosphere through natural or technological means.
3. Implement a price on carbon pollution across the country. Canada has implemented a national carbon pricing system, known as the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which puts a price on carbon emissions to incentivize reductions.
It's important to note that these targets can be adjusted or updated over time based on scientific evidence and international negotiations. To get the most up-to-date and accurate information on Canada's committed greenhouse targets under the Paris Agreement, you can refer to official government sources such as Environment and Climate Change Canada or the Canadian government's official website.