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| English: Français : Une version française de cette carte des émissions de GES par province/territoire canadien est également disponible. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Reducing Transportation GHG Emissions in Canada - A dialogue on a lower carbon future(16 page pdf, Public Policy Forum, Dec. 5, 2013)
Today we review a report that looks at what ways policies can be used to reduce greenhouse gases emitted by Canada’s transportation sector which accounts for ¼ of the nation’s GHG emissions. A call for a more integrated national approach is made to replace the decentralized, fractured and, to date, largely unsuccessful effort. Particular note is made of the municipal role in this through the urban mandate having to with planning, infrastructure and transportation in a country where more than 80% of the population live in cities.
Key Quotes:
“Approximately 25% of GHGs in our country come from transportation, and the overall carbon emissions from the sector are not projected to decrease before 2020”
“key facets of this highly complex challenge: fuel switching and alternatives…vehicle technology advancements… and infrastructure and municipal planning..“
“to support advanced vehicle technology, such as electric and hybrid vehicles, infrastructure must be adapted to develop a network of charging stations, and the distribution system will need significant upgrades and modernization. In order to make these infrastructure changes, municipal planning will likely need to adapt and change to accommodate different patterns of vehicle and electricity use”
“A reconsideration of the current largely decentralized and fractured approach, and a move towards a more integrated model for policy development and implementation, is required for Canada to live up to its reduction commitments.”
“requires policies that integrate the GHG objective into a broader framework that includes transport, energy, infrastructure, and urban and land-use planning, with a view to achieving economic gains in addition to GHG reductions.”
“The zoning, infrastructure and transportation services offered in urban centres affect 80% of the Canadian population, directly impacting on daily commuting and mobility.”
“A carefully considered combination of ‘stick’ conditions, such as a carbon tax, user-based pricing of transportation infrastructure, and fuel standards,6 is suggested to be a more suitable and effective means for governments to affect consumer behavior.”
“New projects, such as liquefied natural gas plants and continued natural resource development, will all contribute to increasing emissions, while simultaneously increasingly demand for transportation to service these industries. Lowering GHG emissions from these areas will also be necessary.”
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