Taking action in support of our vital natural resource sector

Earth Day is an important day for mother nature and the planet we call home! As we work towards making the world a cleaner, better place through new innovation, clean technology and environmental protection, it’s critical that we step back and acknowledge Canada’s record on all of the above.

The truth is that Canada doesn’t always receive the attention it deserves for its environmental performance. That’s why we are showing you five major reasons for celebrating Canada as a world-class champion of protecting the planet on Earth Day 2022!

Let’s get to it! Also see:

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#1 – Leader in Conservation

Alberta

Canada is a global leader in nature conservation efforts with established domestic biodiversity goals that include conserving 25 per cent of Canada’s lands and oceans by 2025 while aiming for 30 per cent by 2030.

As the second-largest country on the planet, conserving nearly a third of all land and oceans is no small task. We’re talking about the conservation of:

> 2,496,168 km² of land

> 1,437,500 km² of oceans

… by 2025. Canada is spending $2.3 billion over five years to work with provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous groups, non-profits and others to accomplish its conservation goals.

#2 – Leader in Environmental Performance

Yukon

Canada consistently ranks high among its international peers on several environmental performance indices, including:

Green Future Index 2021 – 14th out of 76 Countries

Environmental Performance Index 2020 – 20th out of 180 Countries

Sustainable Development Index 2020 – 21st out of 193 Countries

Canada’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact through continued emission reductions and the development of clean technology is world-class.

Canada will continue to push the limits and strive to improve its environmental performance at home and abroad, as it does through the Towards Sustainable Mining initiative currently being adopted by nations around the world.

#3 – Leader in Emission Reductions

Quebec 

Canadians are working hard to continually improve on the environmental outcomes associated with natural resource extraction. This matters as one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of several critical commodities such as oil and gas, softwood lumber, and various minerals and metals.

Canada’s oil sands sector, for example, has reduced its GHG emissions intensity by 44 per cent since 1995 according to a report by BMO Capital Markets. With the application of planned innovations, these intensities could improve another 20 to 30 per cent in the near term.

Canada is also a global leader in methane emission reductions. It is the first country to signal an ambitious methane emission reduction target of 75 per cent in the oil and gas sector by 2030.

Canada’s forestry sector is also leading the way in reducing emissions. It has reduced its total GHGs by close to 70 per cent since the early 1990s and has committed to removing 30 megatonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere annually by 2030, the equivalent of taking nine million cars off the road.

#4 – Leader in Carbon Pricing

Ontario

Canada is a leader in implementing emission-reduction strategies with one of the most ambitious carbon pricing regimes in the world. Currently at $50 as of April 1^st, 2022, the federal government plans to raise the carbon tax up to $170 by 2030.

Carbon pricing aims to change consumer behaviours to help fight climate change. Both individuals and businesses may change the way they consume products and are incentivized to use alternative forms of energy such as renewables.

Carbon pricing is expected to help Canada reach its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction goals of 40 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

#5 – Leader in Carbon Capture

Newfoundland & Labrador

Canada is also a leader in deploying carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technology. With just ~0.5 per cent of the world’s population, Canada accounts for 15 per cent of major CCUS projects globally.

Canada has since introduced a tax credit aimed at spurring investment in carbon capture, utilization and storage technologies that will help reduce the immense upfront capital costs involved in such projects. Canada’s CCUS plan could significantly reduce emissions output from heavy emitters such as the oil and gas, chemicals, cement, manufacturing and electricity sectors.

Canada’s oil and sector specifically has a lot to gain from developing new CCUS infrastructure. According to a report by CIBC Capital Markets, new phases of CCUS deployment will make Canadian oil and gas one of the lowest emission feedstocks in the world!

Celebrate Canada on Earth Day!

On Earth Day 2022, it’s important to give credit where it’s due. Canada’s environmental performance is made clear by the facts above, just a few of many showing just how world-class our nation is when it comes to protecting the planet!

Follow us today on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to learn more about how supporting Canadian natural resources and taking action on climate are not mutually exclusive!

45 Ways Canada’s Oil & Gas Producers are Reducing their Environmental Footprint https://t.co/FUID58gEkQ

— Canada Action (@CanadaAction) April 22, 2022