Experts, politicians divided on how to get B.C. back on track for climate goals
B.C. set to fall short of 2030 emissions targets, report finds
B.C. Energy Minister Adrian Dix says increasing electrical capacity and renewable projects would be a "significant" step for clean energy and climate goals, but not everyone agrees.
The call for new projects comes in the wake of B.C.'s latest climate accountability report that shows the province is not on track to meet its emissions reduction goals for 2030.
The 2024 Climate Change Accountability Report, released last week, reveals that, under current policies and programs, B.C. is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by just 20 per cent from 2007 levels by 2030 — falling short by half of its emissions reduction targets.
Critics of B.C.'s efforts to reach its ambitious climate goals say the province can't expect to achieve them while continuing to pursue new LNG projects, because they will add to the province's emissions.
Marc Lee, a senior economist for the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, is among those critics.
"The key reason why B.C. is struggling to meet its targets is because we've committed to developing an LNG export industry," Lee said.
"What's not in the report is that in just a couple months time, LNG Canada will open up in Kitimat and will increase our emissions by four to eight million tons per year."
Dix did not respond directly when asked if B.C. would refrain from pursuing future LNG projects in the interest of meeting its climate goals. He instead said that transportation made up the biggest increase in emissions in 2022, which is the most recent available data provided by the province.
Dix said B.C.'s second call for power to boost electrical capacity and attract more renewable energy projects to the province is a critical step toward closing the gap to achieve future emissions targets.
"This is the most really significant action we've seen on new renewable electricity since the 60s," he said.
"It's good news for the planet, it's good news for the economy, and it's good news for CleanBC targets."
However, some First Nations groups are worried these projects are being fast tracked at the expense of the environment.
"When we hear fast tracking we immediately think that they're going to do it without consultation," said Robert Philips of the First Nations Summit Political Executive, though he added that the premier has assured him that wouldn't happen.
Road to meeting future climate goals uncertain
Kathryn Harrison, a professor of political science at the University of British Columbia, said she was encouraged to see increased transparency in this year's report, including a more realistic picture of which policies will lead to reduced emissions.
She sees some policies working at moving the province closer to its goal and praised the call for new clean energy projects, but said B.C. needs to decarbonize "all aspects of our economy" to achieve future emissions targets.
The climate accountability report lays out several CleanBC measures expected to begin around 2030 and contribute to future emissions targets, such as the zero-carbon building code.
Harrison said this would make a difference when planning on how to meet future goals and thinks the province should also implement a zero-emission vehicle mandate for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, as well as move forward on an oil-and-gas emissions cap.
"Time is really running out to get a 40 per cent reduction by 2030 — I think the key thing from my perspective is how soon will we get to 40 per cent, if not by 2030, can we do it in 2032?" she said.
Harrison also noted that new LNG projects are likely to drive up emissions even more, pushing B.C. further away from its emissions targets.
Jeremy Valeriote, interim leader of the B.C. Green Party, said he has been happy to see investments in transit and building retrofits. However, he added that he would like to see the province transition away from LNG and focus on renewable energy.
"I don't think we should pursue the ones (LNG projects) that we have, I don't think they'll work out for us," he said. "But at the very least, the three that have been permitted, we should draw the line there — we certainly don't support any further projects."
One challenge to accountability, Lee said, is that there is currently reduced attention on climate action in Canada and other countries, as tariffs and affordability concerns dominate political conversations. He feels this will need to change in order for the province to take more substantial action – and for it to make a difference for curbing the climate crisis.
"If no one else is acting, then it doesn't matter what B.C. does … I think there's a bit of a collective action problem," he said.
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With files from Katie DeRosa