Canada's Climate Score Falls to 57.78
· news
Is Canada Flunking Climate? The Picture Isn’t Great, but There Might Be a Way Out
The latest Environmental Performance Index (EPI) rankings have handed Canada an unflattering report card, with a score of 57.78 out of 100 that puts us second-last among “Global West” countries and 29th globally. While this might not come as a surprise given recent climate setbacks, such as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to nix the consumer carbon price, it’s crucial to examine the underlying factors contributing to our poor ranking.
Canada’s weaknesses in three key areas – climate change policy, protected lands, and fishing – are nothing new. These deficiencies have been recurring themes in various climate scorecards over the years. However, what’s striking is that even among top-performing countries like Estonia, there’s still a long way to go. For instance, Estonia has made remarkable progress by transitioning away from shale oil power generation, with a commitment to using only renewables for electricity by 2030 and becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
Estonia’s success serves as a powerful example of the impact of concerted policy efforts. Similarly, Denmark and Norway have demonstrated leadership in various environmental areas, often driven by strong statutory frameworks and regulatory standards. Debora Van Nijnatten, an expert in environmental policy at Wilfrid Laurier University, emphasizes the role of EU countries’ robust statutory frameworks and regulations in driving better performance on scorecards.
The European Green Deal’s Climate Law sets ambitious targets for carbon neutrality by 2050, and the EU’s emissions trading system and Net-Zero Industry Act demonstrate a commitment to meaningful action. While Canada has made some progress over the past decade – albeit small – recent policy reversals and lack of clear direction from the Carney government raise concerns about our future trajectory.
Professor Van Nijnatten predicts that Canada’s scores will likely decline in the coming years, which is worrisome given our previous leadership on climate change. The EPI researchers’ advice to make policy-making more data-driven resonates strongly, but it’s also crucial to acknowledge the complexities and nuances involved. One-size-fits-all solutions won’t suffice; rather, we need tailored approaches that account for Canada’s unique context and challenges.
As we move forward, it’s essential to recognize both our country’s potential and its limitations. We can draw inspiration from top performers like Estonia, but also learn from their struggles and imperfections. The path to a more sustainable future is rarely linear; it requires ongoing effort, adaptation, and innovation.
What this means for Canada is not just a matter of setting new goals or adopting existing best practices. It demands a fundamental shift in our policy approach, one that prioritizes data-driven decision-making, acknowledges the complexities of climate change, and commits to meaningful action. Only by embracing this challenge can we hope to turn our report card around – and earn an A+ in environmental stewardship.
The clock is ticking, and Canada’s scorecard won’t improve on its own. It’s time for us to get serious about climate policy, invest in data-driven decision-making, and work towards a more sustainable future. The world is watching; let’s show them what we’re capable of.
Reader Views
- EKEditor K. Wells · editor
While the EPI ranking is undeniably disappointing, what's just as worrying is that Canada's scorecard reflects a broader trend: our climate policies are still largely voluntary and lack teeth. We need statutory frameworks like those in EU countries to drive meaningful change, rather than patchwork regulations that can be easily dismantled by a new government. It's time for Ottawa to step up with enforceable emissions targets and robust sectoral standards – anything less will only perpetuate the status quo of small steps and big excuses.
- ADAnalyst D. Park · policy analyst
The EPI rankings paint a dismal picture of Canada's climate performance, but what's striking is that even top-scoring countries like Estonia have significant room for improvement. What's missing from this narrative is a critical examination of how these nations' policy frameworks were developed and implemented. Were they the result of gradual, incremental reforms or did they stem from a sudden wake-up call? Understanding the policy evolution behind Estonia's success could provide valuable lessons for Canada's policymakers struggling to make meaningful progress on climate action.
- CSCorrespondent S. Tan · field correspondent
It's time for Canada to stop paying lip service to climate action and take concrete steps towards decarbonization. While Estonia's transition from shale oil is laudable, we can't just cherry-pick successful models without acknowledging our own infrastructure lock-in and fossil fuel entanglements. Debora Van Nijnatten highlights the importance of statutory frameworks, but we need more than just policy papers to drive change. Canada must rethink its approach, leveraging existing investments in clean tech and green infrastructure to accelerate a more equitable transition, rather than perpetuating incrementalism that prioritizes short-term gains over long-term viability.