British Columbia is the first province in Canada to set GHG emission reduction targets for major sectors of the provincial economy, including the oil and gas industry.
As Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, George Heyman explained, setting emission reduction targets are good for both the environment and the economy.
For the record, B.C. is the first province in Canada to set such reduction targets for emissions in four sectors: transportation, industry, oil and gas, and buildings and communities.
The emission reduction targets range from 33% to 38% in oil and gas, up to 32% for transportation and from 38% to 43% for industry.
What is more, the sectoral emission targets are expected to be reached by 2030 and are based on pollution levels from 2007.
British Columbia is leading the way forward in Canada by setting sectoral targets that will help increase accountability and clarity for each sector, as we work together to reach a world of net-zero emissions.
..said Colleen Giroux-Schmidt, vice-president of corporate relations, Innergex Renewable Energy Inc., and co-chair, B.C.’s Climate Solutions Council.
As part of legislated requirements, government will review the targets by 2025, with options to expand the number of sectors included and narrow the percentage ranges.
The Province is supporting sectoral efforts to reduce emissions by accelerating investment in CleanBC projects to reduce pollution, drive clean tech innovation and jobs, and meet expanding global demand for low-carbon products in a net-zero future.
B.C.’s sectoral targets are an essential tool in accountability for climate action. The targets will help the province track progress toward meeting CleanBC and 2030 emission reduction goals and support achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
…Karen Tam Wu, regional director for British Columbia, Pembina Institute; member of B.C.’s Climate Solutions Council, concluded.
