CPJ commends GHG emissions reductions measures but Canada’s climate target is still insufficient
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, ON: December 9, 2016 — Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) is encouraged by the range of emissions-reduction measures contained in Canada’s national climate plan. And, we are committed to working to bring Canada’s plan in line with the spirit and the letter of the Paris Agreement.
In a historic move, our Prime Minister has announced that Canada will indeed respond to the greatest ecological and moral challenge of our time.
Canada’s climate change plan helpfully outlines the suite of policies through which the federal government, in collaboration with the provinces and territories, will move towards the goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 30% below 2005 levels by 2030.
Sadly, Canada’s emissions reduction target is insufficient to meeting the Paris Agreement.
QUOTES:
“We are encouraged by Canada’s commitment to climate action as demonstrated by this unprecedented announcement. For the first time in Canadian history, the government has said how it intends to reach its climate target, identifying a policy framework that sets a path towards annual emissions of 524 MtCO2e by 2030. It is a tremendous step forward and aligns with the calls to action of Canadian churches in recent years. A great deal of work now needs to be done to actually implement the measures identified.”
“Unfortunately, Canada’s target is fundamentally incompatible with the Paris Agreement which seeks to limit warming to ‘well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels’ and aspiring to 1.5°C. Canada’s is the weakest target in the G7. It does not represent Canada’s fair share in the global effort to reduce emissions. Put simply, it is an unacceptably unambitious baseline.”
— Joe Gunn, Executive Director, Citizens for Public Justice
“For Canada to rightfully claim international climate leadership, the government must present a clear and coherent plan increase ambition – and soon. It must establish a new emissions reduction target which contributes equitably towards the 1.5°C limit on global warming aspired to in the Paris Agreement. This target must be based on scientific estimates of the global GHG emissions budget and in line with 50 per cent reduction by 2030 and a path to decarbonization by 2050. Of course meeting this new target will require that the government identify how the oil and gas sector – Canada’s largest and fastest growing source of emissions – will be brought in line with the rest.”
“Today, while we celebrate, we also commit to redouble our efforts to mobilize people of faith across Canada to engage in the essential work of climate justice. Together, we will press the government for a firm, clear, timebound plan to reduce GHG emissions by an additional 150 MtCO2e per year, consistent with the global ambition set in the Paris Agreement.”
“As a faith-based organization, CPJ believes that the role of government is to promote just relations between people within God’s creation, correct injustice in a way that restores relationships, protect the environment, and foster conditions that enhance the common good. The way forward must be rooted in justice; it must respect the rights of indigenous peoples, include just transition plan for Canadian workers, and support adaptation and mitigation efforts in the Global South.”
— Karri Munn-Venn, Senior Policy Analyst, Citizens for Public Justice
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For more information, contact Brad Wassink at brad@cpj.ca or 613-232-0275 x. 225.
