Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has acknowledged that the country will not meet its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2035. In an interview with Radio-Canada, Carney stated that current policies are insufficient to achieve the goals set by the previous government, led by Justin Trudeau. The targets included reducing total carbon emissions by 40-45% below 2005 levels by 2030 and creating a net-zero power grid by 2035.
The federal government had set these targets in 2021, with the aim of mitigating climate change. However, according to the latest available figures, carbon emissions in Canada only fell by 8.5% between 2005 and 2023. The Canadian Climate Institute has warned that emissions could start rising again due to the new government’s policies.
Since taking office in March 2025, Carney’s government has scrapped several environmental measures, including a carbon tax for individuals and an emissions cap for the oil and gas sector. Instead, the government has announced plans to make Canada an “energy superpower” through major investments in the energy sector. Carney believes that these investments will help reduce emissions over the longer term.
Globally, Canada is among the countries with the highest greenhouse gas emissions per capita. The country’s failure to meet its climate targets may have significant implications for its international reputation and commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Recently, the federal government reached an agreement with the oil-producing province of Alberta, leading to the resignation of Steven Guilbeault, the former environment minister.
The missed targets and policy changes have sparked concerns about Canada’s commitment to addressing climate change. The government’s decision to prioritize energy production over emissions reduction has been criticized by some as a step backward in the fight against global warming. As Canada continues to develop its energy sector, it remains to be seen how the government will balance its economic goals with its environmental obligations.
