B.C. confirms progress toward climate goals in latest accountability report

Current and proposed policies would get B.C. most of the way to 2030 climate target, latest Accountability report confirms

Anna Kanduth, Director of 440 Megatonnes, a project of the Canadian Climate Institute, made the following statement in response to the release of B.C.’s 2023 Climate Change Accountability Report

“British Columbia is walking the talk when it comes to public transparency and accountability on climate action. The release of B.C.’s 2023 Climate Change Accountability report confirms current and proposed policies can get the province 96 per cent of the way to meeting its legislated climate targets. Success now hinges on implementing those policies swiftly and effectively, both to fight climate change and spur clean growth and jobs to keep B.C.’s economy strong and resilient in the decades ahead. 

“Provincial leadership to fight climate change is crucial, and British Columbia is a trailblazer on adopting cost-effective climate policy. B.C. was also one of the first jurisdictions in Canada to adopt climate accountability legislation and provide detailed progress updates. Ongoing, transparent reporting on climate progress is increasingly common among Canadian provinces, and will be critical for accurately measuring where governments are making strides, and identifying priorities for further effort. 

“As the costs and risks of climate-fueled extreme weather keep piling up, governments across the country must continually raise their ambition and strengthen their resolve in fighting climate change. Today’s report confirms B.C. is headed firmly in the right direction—and that further action is needed. Accelerating remaining policies like a strong provincial cap on oil and gas emissions will be necessary to put the province on a path to achieve its 2030 target and drive clean economic growth.” 

CONTACT 

Catharine Tunnacliffe
Communications Director, Canadian Climate Institute
(226) 212-9883
ctunnacliffe@climateinstitute.ca