Under the Paris Agreement, Canada has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. Canada’s federal government has also announced ambitious plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. In pursuit of its goals, Canada has taken a two-pronged approach that combines a federal strategy with various provincial initiatives. Part of the nationwide policy is a mandated carbon tax.
In a 6-3 decision made last month, Canada’s Supreme Court found that the government has the authority to continue levying this tax amid ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change.
“Climate Change Is Real”
In issuing the ruling, judges decided that the government’s decision to impose a minimum charge on carbon-based fuel fulfills a critical need. After the measure received approval from Parliament in 2018, several provinces pushed back, arguing the decision represented governmental overreach. These challenges resulted in a protracted court battle, numerous appeals and conflicting rulings before ultimately landing with the nation’s highest court.
In his majority opinion, Chief Justice Richard Wagner wrote that climate change represents a significant threat to our planet’s safety and health.
“Climate change is real,” he wrote in the ruling. “It is caused by greenhouse gas emissions resulting from human activities, and it poses a grave threat to humanity’s future. The only way to address the threat of climate change is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Because climate change poses such a peril, Wagner said the problem’s scope falls under the “peace, order and good government” clause of the Constitution, which authorizes federal leaders to act on issues that relate to the entire nation’s well-being.
The Benefits of Carbon Pricing
Economists have long praised the concept of carbon pricing as a strategy governments can use to encourage reduced greenhouse gas emissions and offset the cost of damage from climate-change-related events like flooding and wildfires. According to data from the World Bank, 64 countries have implemented or planned various carbon pricing initiatives.
Ideally, enacting carbon pricing policies will directly cause a decrease in worldwide fossil fuel use, which is a significant source of global air pollution. Setting these minimum prices can significantly cut back on greenhouse emissions from carbon; the more expensive carbon becomes, the less people will want to use it.
Investing in the Future With Solar Panel Installation in Ontario
Climate change is undeniably one of the most significant challenges facing humanity. However, by fighting back with sensible steps like implementing mandatory carbon pricing, Canada and other countries can make strides to secure a brighter future and create healthier, more livable communities.
Canada’s comprehensive nationwide climate initiative, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, includes more than $2 billion in funding over seven years to incentivize homeowners to invest in energy-efficient home improvement projects like new insulation and roof solar panels. Learn more about solar panel cost by requesting free quotes from several solar companies in Ontario and join the green revolution today.
