What is Effective Climate Policy?
We've summarised key recent recommendations below. Any political party which aspires to govern in Canada should seriously consider these policies as the foundation of their climate-action plan.
- Putting a price on carbon emissions in a way that doesn't hurt those least well off, using some combination of:
- a national tax on emissions, with tax levels rising over time;
- a transparent cap and trade program for large emitters, with the cap declining over time and permits auctioned by government;
- a carbon management standard for fuel producers and importers, with the percent of carbon prevented from reaching the atmosphere increasing over time.
- Working with the most progressive jurisdictions in North America to require that vehicle manufacturers continually increase the percentage of their total sales that are zero and low emission vehicles (including vehicles for freight transportation).
- Working with the most progressive jurisdictions in North America to require that vehicle manufacturers adhere to a regular schedule of improved fuel efficiency standards.
- Developing continually improving federal appliance efficiency standards, and working with the provinces to establish continuously improving building and land use codes.
- Investing in the research and development of low and zero emission energy sources, energy conservation and efficiency, carbon capture and storage, and the enhancement of natural carbon sinks.
- Establishing permanent, ongoing federal funding for public transit and rail service and an end to federal funding for highway expansion.
- Working with the provinces to aggressively increase the percentage of renewable energy in utility power portfolios.
- Ensuring an absolute reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from oil sands production.
