CANADA—In a concerning development, Canada has slipped to 62nd place out of 67 ranked countries on the latest Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI). This downgrade of five ranks underscores the nation’s dire performance in critical areas such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, renewable energy adoption, and energy efficiency, with its climate policy rates deemed “low.”
The CCPI, an independent monitoring tool published annually by Germanwatch since 2005, evaluates countries’ climate protection efforts. The latest report highlights Canada’s dismal performance despite its status as the sixth-largest crude oil producer and the fifth-largest natural gas producer globally.
Canada’s Emissions Reduction Plan, aiming for a 40 percent reduction in emissions below 2005 levels by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050, falls short of expectations. While the country introduced a carbon pricing system in 2019, recent increases in CO2 pricing have not effectively curbed emissions, particularly from oil and gas producers who enjoy exemptions from the tax, according to the CCPI.
Furthermore, Canada’s plans to ramp up gas and oil production by 2030, as revealed in the 2023 Production Gap Report, contradict global efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°Celsius. Despite pledges from 151 nations to achieve net-zero emissions, governments continue to prioritize fossil fuel production over climate action.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned against doubling down on fossil fuel dependence, emphasizing the urgent need for renewable energy expansion and fossil fuel phase-outs. However, Canada lacks concrete plans for an oil and gas phase-out, with delays and lobbying efforts hindering progress on emissions cap regulations.
In response to mounting pressure, the Canadian government has proposed regulations for a net-zero electricity grid by 2035 and pledged investments in renewable energy and grid modernization projects. However, challenges such as the absence of a national power grid and disconnected regional grids hamper clean energy deployment.
With Canada’s global reputation at stake, experts are demanding immediate action, including stringent emissions caps, a transparent progress report on the Emissions Reduction Plan, and climate-aligned financial regulations. As the world looks to Canada for leadership in climate politics, urgent and decisive measures are needed to address the escalating climate crisis.
