Zero: The Climate Race It’s not just Trump. Canada’s climate policies face a bumpy road post-Trudeau
Mar 6, 2025
Rick Smith, President of the Canadian Climate Institute, shares his insights on Canada’s climate challenges as it navigates post-Trudeau leadership. He discusses the implications of U.S. policies on Canadian climate strategies, emphasizing the importance of local initiatives in driving change. Smith highlights the need for urgent policy reforms to address climate adaptation amid extreme weather events and notes Canada’s ambitious emission reduction goals, alongside the tensions in the oil and gas sector. His expert analysis sheds light on the future of climate policy in Canada.
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Canadian Emissions Trend
- Canada's overall emissions decreased by 8% since 2005, marking the first downward inflection.
- However, oil and gas sector emissions increased by 10%, now exceeding 30% of national emissions.
Impact of Trump's Policies
- Trump's focus on energy security and market diversification could lead to more pipelines.
- This might increase Canada's reliance on extractive industries and boost emissions.
Urgency of Climate Action
- Canada needs to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030 but is currently projected to reach only 35%.
- The focus on Trump's policies distracts from climate action and slows down progress.