As we know, reducing greenhouse gases (GHG) is essential to effectively combat climate change. As in all sectors, to establish feasible and achievable targets in this area, it is however essential to take into account several factors, including the context.
Closing thermal power plants in favor of renewable electricity production is considered worldwide as the first sector to prioritize to reduce GHG emissions. Here in Quebec, 99% of our electricity is already clean. We therefore do not have these reductions that are easily identifiable, which makes our task relatively more difficult in terms of climate action. This does not mean that we are inactive, on the contrary!
A recent study of the performance of climate plans in 88 countries around the world places Quebec in third place in terms of the quality of its governance framework in this area—and first in North America! For example, it is the only one to make public information on the expected impact of the measures it finances on its climate objectives. Quebecers can thus see how we are progressing towards achieving them. Quebec has also implemented a cap-and-trade mechanism for GHG emission rights in partnership with California. Our carbon market is considered a benchmark in this area by the international community.
Since 43% of GHG emissions in Quebec come from transportation, with the 2030 Green Economy Plan, we have made their electrification our priority in order to accelerate the climate transition in our territory. To do this, we have adopted the most ambitious zero-emission vehicle standard on the market and new regulations targeting the production of clean fuel. Result: Quebec is a leader in North America in the electrification of the vehicle fleet. More than 40% of Canada’s electric cars are driven in Quebec. A quarter of new cars sold in Quebec are electric.
There will always be people who say that we could go further, like the signatories of the letter. ” The Stone Age is Climate Inaction »published in The Duty of September 13, but let’s not forget that our target of reducing GHGs by 37.5% below the 1990 level is the result of the rigorous work of many specialists, who helped determine the threshold that could be reached without setting Quebec back and harming its socio-economic vitality. All of this, of course, is based on facts and scientific data. For example, some environmentalists claim that the carbon cost for large GHG-emitting companies in Quebec is too low. In fact, it is four times higher here than anywhere else on the planet, particularly in the United States, where most states do not have a carbon cost.
Our plan may seem insufficient to some, but the reality is that it is realistic, credible and perfectly aligned with the context, reality and financial means of Quebec, which has already invested nearly $7 billion in its climate transition since 2020. We are acting on all possible and necessary fronts to quickly decarbonize our economy. Even recently, with Bill 69 on energy, our government is ensuring that Quebec’s energy transition can help reduce GHG emissions in our territory.
Let us recall the words of Al Gore, for whom Quebecers are “heroes in the fight against climate change.” The time has come to convince the countries that are dragging their feet to act on this global challenge that is essential to humanity. Quebec is also leading climate diplomacy and helping other countries to equip themselves with the tools and policies needed to achieve this. After all, we all live on the same planet.