Justin Trudeau and the Paris Agreement: A Closer Look at Canada`s Climate Change Policies

The Paris Agreement, adopted in December 2015, is a historic international agreement aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with an aspirational target of keeping the increase to 1.5°C. Canada, under the leadership of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, was among the 195 nations that signed the agreement. But what has Canada done since then to fulfill its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change?

In 2016, the Canadian government introduced its own plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, called the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. The plan set a target of reducing Canada`s emissions by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. It also included measures to promote clean energy, protect carbon sinks like forests and wetlands, and reduce emissions from transportation, buildings, and industry.

One of the key measures in the framework is the implementation of a national carbon pricing system, which has been one of Trudeau`s signature policies. The system places a price on carbon emissions, starting at $20 per tonne and rising to $50 per tonne by 2022, to encourage individuals and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. The government has also provided funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, as well as investments in public transit and electric vehicles.

However, the implementation of the carbon pricing system has faced opposition from some provinces, including Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, who argue that it will hurt their economies and lead to job losses. These provinces have challenged the constitutionality of the policy in court.

Another challenge facing Canada`s climate change policies is the country`s reliance on the oil and gas industry, which accounts for a significant portion of its emissions. Trudeau has supported the expansion of pipelines to move Canadian oil to overseas markets, but this has also been controversial, with many activists and Indigenous communities raising concerns about the environmental impact and the violation of Indigenous rights.

Despite these challenges, Canada has made progress in reducing its emissions. According to government data, Canada`s emissions were 729 megatonnes in 2018, down 1.7% from 2017 and 8.7% below 2005 levels. However, the country still has a long way to go to meet its target of a 30% reduction by 2030.

In conclusion, Justin Trudeau and the Canadian government have taken steps to fulfill their commitment to the Paris Agreement and combat climate change. The Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change and the implementation of a national carbon pricing system are important measures that could help Canada reduce its emissions. However, the country still faces challenges in the form of opposition to the carbon pricing system and its reliance on the oil and gas industry. Only time will tell if Canada can meet its ambitious emission reduction targets.