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What should Canada do?

  • In the wake of the IPCC synthesis report, Canada needs to adopt policies to keep the 1.5°C target alive as well as limiting the overshoot.
  • Announce new pledges that will accelerate implementation of climate pledges and move Canada further away from the oil and gas industry:
    • Commit to strengthening its NDC, revisit NDC/ ERP targets
    • Strong, ambitious cap on fossil fuel emissions
    • End public financing for fossil fuels
    • Energy justice and just transition
    • Shift financial flows by regulating private sector investment in fossil fuels, and commit to spend 2% of GDP annually in climate solutions
    • Prioritize adaptation finance and increase to 50%
    • Ensure Indigenous leadership and the respect of Indigenous rights and sovereignty is central to all policies

What you need to know about Canada?

  • Canada is a federation of 10 provinces and 3 territories. Provinces have certain jurisdictional powers over energy and natural resource production and distribution, environmental management and regulations.
  • Cities across Canada have called on the federal government to adopt a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. So far, no provinces have signed on to this initiative.
  • The Net Zero Accountability Act was adopted in 2021 and requires the federal government to report on progress towards achieving the climate targets established in the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan.
  • The first Emissions Reduction Plan progress report will examine progress made towards the achievement of sectoral targets, and will be released by March 31st 2024 at the latest.

Recent developments, threats and levers for action

Recent developments

  • The $315 million Partnering for Climate Fund
  • The $255 million pledge by Canada during COP15 sent a strong signal of solidarity on international finance for nature and climate resilience in the Global South.
  • The Sustainable Jobs bill was tabled and is being amended to ensure that all economic development under the legislation advances Canada’s climate commitments.
  • Canada’s first-ever National Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan was released.
  • Canada is now the first G20 country to implement an assessment framework to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.
  • Canada has committed to transitioning to a 100 percent zero-emissions electricity grid by 2035.

Strengths

  • Canada is developing policies to achieve the sectoral targets established in the 2030 Emissions Reductions Plan.
  • Canada’s Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) funds communities and provinces most impacted by climate change, and funds the development of natural assets and natural climate solutions to help reduce climate impacts.
  • There are strong mobilizations in Canada against expansion of fossils fuels and for a Just Transition.

Opportunities

  • Phase out fossil fuel production and end supports to the fossil fuel industry
  • Step up climate finance and financial reform both domestically and internationally
  • Ensure effective implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
  • Strengthen the Sustainable Jobs Act in line with 1.5 degrees
  • Develop a strong and ambitious emissions cap for the oil and gas sector
  • Reiterate the commitment to of the Loss and Damage Fund
  • Require TCFD

Weaknesses

  • Recent, generous Investment Tax Credits for CCUS and hydrogen lock in fossil fuel use and false solutions at the expense of recognized, clean solutions.
  • Canada’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) does not recognize the fossil fuel industry’s outsized impacts on the country’s emissions. The ERP’s target for GHG reduction from oil and gas is only -31%, whereas the NDC commits Canada to between 40-45% overall reductions in GHGs.

Threats

  • While there has been progress in the past year, Canada’s climate targets, global efforts and investments remain inadequate to contribute to limiting global warming.
  • Canada should not be distracted by false solutions such as CCUS and fossil-based hydrogen that only delay and disrupt a just and people-centered energy transition.
  • The government should avoid any backsliding on Canada’s previous commitments on energy, climate, finance and nature.

About Climate Diplomacy Snapshots

The data is clear. Accelerated and enhanced action is needed now to build resilience and avoid the worst impacts of climate change. As they seek to address the ongoing health, economic and social impacts of COVID-19, the Ukraine-Russia war and growing climate change impacts, governments should seize opportunities to invest in a recovery that will build social, economic and climate resilience on the long-term.The Climate Diplomacy Snapshots aim to provide the climate community with a clear overview of what each country should do, on climate and recovery, to pursue these joint objectives and keep the global average temperature increase to 1.5°C. Each has been prepared with the help of national experts, and will be regularly updated. The snapshots aim to support climate advocacy in the lead up to COP28.

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