Canada unveils legislation to join over 120 countries in committing to net-zero emissions by 2050

Canada’s Prime Minister—Justin Trudeau has unveiled an aggressive plan that will see Canada curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

The ambitious plan has been tabled to the Canadian House of Commons through the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act.

If passed, the legislation (called C-12) will legally bind the Government to reach net-zero by 2050, it will require Canada’s federal government to set five-year interim emissions reduction milestones over the next 30 years to ensure progress toward that ambitious goal.

It would also establish a Net-Zero Advisory Body to provide independent advice to the Government on the best pathway to reach milestones and require greater accountability and public transparency into the plan.

How Canada plans to achieve this commitment remains a mystery, says Abigail Bimman of Global News. The first milestone comes up in 2030 and there is no plan on how to get there, she adds.

Canada is one of over 120 countries that have signed onto the Paris climate agreement. Signatories promise to achieve net-zero emissions beginning at some point between 2050 and 2100.