Canada, the world’s fourth largest oil producer, is considering extending the timetable for reducing greenhouse gases produced by the country’s oil industry, the Canadian Environment Minister announced in an interview broadcast, Saturday, on CBC Public Radio and Television.
Stephen Gilboat explained that Justin Trudeau’s government knows that “some of the actions that are going to be necessary to achieve these deep emissions cuts, it may take longer than we have between now and 2030.”
“There is a possibility that if the industry needs more time, we can provide some flexibility while ensuring that Canada continues to achieve its 2030 goals,” he added.
Last year, Trudeau’s government announced an improved compliance plan for the Paris climate agreement, which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45 percent by 2030 from 2005 levels.
The oil and gas industry, which is responsible for producing more than a quarter of the country’s carbon emissions, is essential in achieving this goal, which was presented as a step-by-step until achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
The minister said Ottawa was ready “to give the industry more time, if needed, to develop the infrastructure necessary to reduce emissions.”