Canada announced Friday its ambitious plan to cut its greenhouse emissions by 30 percent by 2030. It intends to do so by adding some new regulations to its oil and gas sector.
"This is a fair and ambitious target that is in line with other major industrialized countries and reflects our national circumstances, including Canada's position as a world leader in clean electricity generation," Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq said in a press release.
The new target keeps Canada ahead of the U.S. and Japan in terms of lowering greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels. The U.S. committed up to 28 percent and Japan proposed 26 percent, while China had not filed its target yet. Still ahead on most countries is the EU, which gave a target of 35 percent by 2030.
Back in 2009, Canada pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent by 2020 from 2005 levels. Canada's new target received criticisms from environmentalists and analysts saying that the country is setting up itself for a no-win situation, according to Bloomberg.
Another issue is that adding new regulations to the oil and gas sector might result in job loss, a concern which was immediately dismissed. The country also plans to regulate the production of chemicals and nitrogen fertilizers, Reuters reported.
"We will continue to reduce Canada's emissions while protecting the economy," Aglukkaq said.
"Canada's economy and population are both growing. Our Government's record is clear: we have reduced emissions while growing the economy and creating good, well-paying jobs for Canadians."
