(OTTAWA) — The report on climate change action released earlier today by nine provincial auditors general and the federal auditor general confirms the Green Party of Canada’s fears — that Canada is far off track from meeting our commitments under the Paris Agreement.
The report also falsely assumes that Canada’s target of a 30 percent reduction in carbon emissions below 2005 levels by 2030 will meet our Paris commitments, when this target is actually far too weak. The government’s current target is the same one committed to under the government of Stephen Harper.
“I welcome this sobering report on the wholly unacceptable state of affairs regarding climate change action in Canada,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands). “It must be pointed out, though, that in order for humanity to meet our goal of limiting global average temperature impact to 1.5 Celsius, Canada’s targets must be far more ambitious than the ones adopted under the former government.
“We are sadly lacking in the bold leadership at the federal level that is required for us to tackle the climate crisis. How can we accept the fact that only five provinces and territories have a target for reducing emissions, and that even those targets are not consistent with one another? Given that we missed our targets under Kyoto and Copenhagen, we cannot afford to fall behind on Paris.
“I hope this report serves as a wake-up call for all levels of government in this country. Not only are firm targets needed, but a proper assessment of climate risks and adequate adaptation plans must be a priority. It is alarming that only five federal government departments and agencies out of the 19 audited have assessed the climate change risks to their mandates. Canadians deserve some peace of mind in this age of unprecedented climate upheaval,” concluded Ms. May.
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