Canada’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions increased by 1.3% in 2022 to reach 708 MtCO2eq (+9.3 MtCO2eq compared to 2021), as the country’s economy rebounded from the Covid-19 pandemic slowdown. This figure represents a decrease of 7.1% (-54 MtCO2eq) compared to 2005, the base year for Canada’s 2030 GHG emission reduction target.
Between 2021 and 2022, emissions from the transport sector and the commercial, institutional and residential combustion sector rose by 4.2% (+7.8 MtCO2eq) and 5.3% (+3.8 MtCO2eq) respectively, while emissions from public electricity and heat production and fugitive sources from oil and gas decreased by 7% (-4.3 MtCO2eq) and 2.8% (-2.1 MtCO2eq) respectively.
The energy combustion sector represented 43% of total GHG emissions in 2022 (306 MtCO2eq), followed by the transport sector (28%, 196 MtCO2eq), fugitive sources (11%, 75 MtCO2eq), agriculture (7.9%, 56 MtCO2eq), industrial processes and product use (7.3%, 51 MtCO2eq) and waste (3.3%, 23 MtCO2eq). In 2022, The emissions intensity for the entire Canadian economy has continued to decline. It has declined by 30% since 2005.
Canada aims to cut emissions by at least 40-45% below 2005 levels by 2030, with absolute emissions level to reach between 419 and 462 MtCO2eq in 2030. In 2021, the country passed the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act which enshrines its 2050 net zero target into law.