Friday 20 November 2020

Canada tables plan to legislate net zero emissions by 2050

Canada tables plan to legislate net zero emissions by 2050

Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change has tabled new legislation that could force current and future governments to set binding climate targets to support a 2050 net zero emissions goal.

The Canadian Net Zero Emissions Accountability Act will set rolling five-year emissions reduction targets and require plans to reach each one and report on progress.

It will also order the establishment of a new Net Zero Advisory Body, which will provide independent advice to the government.

The new legislation would require policymakers to publish an annual report describing how the government's departments and public corporations are considering the financial risks of climate change in their decision-making.

Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, said: "Reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions is what the science says we must achieve, and this 30-year project will require every future government to take actions to grow our economy while reducing emissions in every sector.

"This achievement is necessary to ensure our kids and grandkids can live in a world with cleaner air and water and to ensure our businesses maintain and gain a competitive edge by producing the low carbon products the world wants to buy, well into the future."

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

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