Canada is making headlines again at COP29, with concerns rising over its commitment to climate action. The recent reports highlight significant shortcomings as the nation grapples with its emissions targets under the Paris Agreement.
At the heart of the issue is the stark reality laid out by Jerry DeMarco, Canada's Environment Commissioner, who revealed on Thursday during his press conference, the disheartening pace of emission reductions. "Ottawa has promised to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 40 to 45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, but to date, they've only managed to slash emissions by seven per cent," he shared, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive action.
This alarming pace means Canada appears to be drifting off course from its commitments, risking global climate goals. DeMarco’s report evaluated 20 measures from the government's 2030 Emission Reductions Plan: only nine of these initiatives were marked as on track. Another nine faced challenges, and two were stymied by significant barriers. Notably, the initiatives aimed at reducing emissions from oil and gas sectors and transitioning Indigenous communities away from reliance on diesel fuel have seen substantial delays.
"It's this relentless nature of the warming that's concerning. We're on the brink—if we don't change course, things could get drastically worse," Carlo Buontempo, director of Copernicus, expressed concerning climate trends, as the world braces for potentially the hottest year ever recorded. The United Nations has raised alarms, declaring warming has already reached 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, a threshold many scientists believed should be avoided at all costs.
Meanwhile, the backdrop to these critiques features high stakes; COP29 is unprecedentedly fervent as world leaders gather to strategize on securing trillions of dollars earmarked for transitioning to cleaner energy sources, such as wind and solar power. With the dire need for substantial investment, experts speculate on how countries will finance the radical shifts required to combat climate change.
While Canada's government recently published draft regulations for its oil and gas emissions cap—something first promised during the 2021 elections—DeMarco indicated it’s simply not enough and too late. “We owe it to our children and our grandchildren to make as great an effort as possible to meet these global challenges,” he mentioned, painting the picture of urgency.
Echoing DeMarco’s sentiments, other global leaders and experts like UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have been vocal about the immediate threats presented by climate change. "Frankly, there is no excuse for the world not to take climate seriously," he declared, highlighting the inequities faced by vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by climate disasters.
Guterres’ statement coincided with the release of the latest UNEP report, which revealed global spending on climate adaptation reached $28 billion last year—still fallacious when juxtaposed with the estimated $187 to $359 billion required annually to adequately address climate-related adversities, from floods to droughts.
During discussions, questions about Canada’s transparency and accountability around emissions data surfaced, rattling trust within the public and environmental circles. For example, DeMarco indicated the Environment and Climate Change Canada’s modelling data lacked clarity, stating, “details for only one-third of the measures were provided; this undermines the reported progress.”
With COP29 underway, Canada stands at the crossroads of commitment and action. DeMarco insists it’s still possible for Canada to meet its ambitious emissions targets; nonetheless, major systemic changes are needed. The question looms—will Canada rise to the occasion or continue to fall short against its international obligations?
COP29 will test Canada’s resolve and capability to reinvigorate its approach to fighting climate change. With the world's eyes on Azerbaijan, the verdict remains to be seen if Canada can finally commit to its promises and lead by example.
