Trudeau’s Environmental Achievements: Who Would Undertake?

Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as Prime Minister of Canada on February 22, 2024. He stated that he would step down after the upcoming federal election, marking the end of his leadership of the Liberal Party. As the dust settles from this announcement, many are looking back at his tenure and evaluating his legacy. One area where Trudeau’s impact stands out is in environmental policy. While his time in office was marked by a number of challenges and controversies, his efforts to address climate change and protect Canada’s natural resources will likely remain an important part of his legacy. Let’s take a closer look at what he has done during his term in office!

A Bold Stance on Climate Change

From the very beginning of his leadership in 2015, Trudeau made it clear that tackling climate change was one of his top priorities. He recognized the urgency of the situation and took immediate action to reduce Canada’s carbon emissions. His government reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels.

Actually, Trudeau put words into action by investing in the environmental sector. For example, in 2019, his government introduced a national carbon tax, which placed a price on carbon emissions to encourage businesses and individuals to reduce their carbon footprints. This bold move was designed to shift the economy away from fossil fuels and toward cleaner, renewable sources of energy. While the carbon tax was met with resistance, particularly in regions where the economy depends on oil and gas, it represented a key piece of his broader climate strategy.

Paving the Way for Clean Energy

Trudeau understood that Canada’s long-term future lies in clean energy, and his government made significant investments in this area. By supporting the development of renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, he worked to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Here’s Canada’s electricity generation mix before and after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took office:

Electricity Generation Mix in 2015:

• Hydropower: 57%
• Nuclear power: 15%
• Thermal power (mainly coal and natural gas): 21%
• Other renewable energy sources (wind, solar, etc.): 7%

Electricity Generation Mix in 2020:

• Hydropower: 60%
• Nuclear power: 15%
• Wind power: 5.6%
• Solar power: 0.7%
• Biomass power: 1.6%
• Fossil fuels (mainly natural gas and coal): Less than 20%

Canada’s vast natural resources gave it the potential to become a global leader in clean energy—and Trudeau was determined to capitalize on that potential.

The Canadian government has made significant investments in green technologies, from electric vehicles to energy-efficient building systems. For instance, it has allocated $14.9 million for EV infrastructure and over $1 billion to support the installation of 41,799 charging stations. Programs like the Clean Growth Program provided funding for innovative solutions to reduce emissions while promoting economic growth. These initiatives not only helped to protect the environment but also created jobs in the growing green technology sector.

Protecting Nature for Future Generations

But Trudeau’s environmental vision wasn’t just about reducing emissions; it was also about preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of Canada. Under his leadership, Canada made substantial progress in expanding protected areas. In 2019, the government committed to protecting 30% of the country’s lands and oceans by 2030, an ambitious target aimed at conserving biodiversity and safeguarding vital ecosystems.

This effort to expand national parks and marine protected areas helped ensure that Canada’s wildlife and ecosystems would remain intact for future generations. Canada exceeded its 10% marine conservation target by protecting 15.54% of its marine and coastal areas, including the Tuvaijuittuq Marine Protected Area (319,411 km²). A study estimates the economic value of Canada’s national parks and marine areas at CA$156 billion to CA$588 billion annually.

The Controversial Pipeline Debate

Of course, no leader can satisfy everyone, and Trudeau’s environmental policies were not without controversy. Perhaps the most contentious issue during his time in office was his approval of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. This project, which would transport oil from Alberta to the west coast of British Columbia, sparked fierce opposition from environmentalists, Indigenous groups, and even some provinces. Critics argued that the pipeline undermined Canada’s commitment to reducing emissions and transitioning to clean energy. Certainly, a study suggests that the pipeline could facilitate approximately 84 million tones of CO₂ emissions per year, including upstream and exported emissions. And, in British Columbia, 55% of residents opposed the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion plan.

Trudeau, however, defended the pipeline as a necessary economic development project, one that would provide jobs and economic benefits. The decision highlighted the delicate balance that leaders often have to strike between economic growth and environmental protection. While the pipeline remains a divisive issue, it also underscores the complex nature of managing a nation’s environmental and economic interests.

A Mixed Yet Lasting Legacy

As we reflect on Justin Trudeau’s time in office, it’s clear that his environmental record is a mixed one—both ambitious and contentious. On the one hand, he made important strides in addressing climate change, investing in clean energy, and protecting Canada’s natural heritage. On the other hand, decisions like the approval of the Trans Mountain pipeline left a stain on his environmental record, drawing criticism from those who felt he didn’t go far enough.

But what’s undeniable is that Trudeau placed environmental issues at the forefront of his policy agenda. Developing renewable energy and climate technologies is essential for governments worldwide today. Therefore, the next prime minister will need to continue the policies set by the current leadership. As an environmental leader, Canada must leverage clean energy initiatives to drive progress. With investments in carbon-reducing technologies, Canada is advancing in this area, and carbon credits are being generated, providing valuable benefits. We offer carbon credits and are here to support your climate action efforts. Let’s make a meaningful impact together!