MONTREAL | TRADITIONAL, UNCEDED TERRITORY OF THE KANIEN’KEHÁ:KA FIRST NATION — The world is failing to phase out fossil fuels fast enough to limit global warming, new analysis shows.
Canada is one of the top 20 fossil fuel–producing countries identified in today’s UN Production Gap Report 2023. The report authors found countries plan to produce more than double the amount of coal, oil and gas in 2030 than what’s required to limit global warming to 1.5 C.
The David Suzuki Foundation is calling on the federal government to follow through with its cap on fossil fuel emissions as soon as possible.
Sabaa Khan, the Foundation’s Director General for Quebec and Atlantic Canada and Climate Solutions Director, said:
“The world’s fossil fuel–producing countries, Canada included, are set to produce more fossil fuels than the planet can handle. Human and ecosystem health are already gravely at risk and will only worsen with the continued extraction and burning of fossil fuels.
“We’re hearing time and again that we are collectively not doing enough to halt the climate crisis. Today’s UN report shows that climate policies are needed across economic sectors. This means phasing out fossil fuels, ramping up renewable energy, supporting communities through this transition and making sure no one is left behind.
“Here in Canada, we need to respond to the UN report by supporting the required fossil fuel phase-out. As one of the largest oil and gas producers and greatest historical emitters, it is our responsibility to do so. The federal government has promised to cap the emissions of the fossil fuel industry. This needs to happen as quickly as possible alongside other key climate policies. We cannot afford any more delays or backtracking.”
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For more information or media interviews, please contact:
Melanie Karalis, mkaralis@davidsuzuki.org, 548-588-1279