Tackling Oil and Gas Sector Emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions from the oil and gas sector are up 20% since 2005, partially offsetting falling pollution in other parts of the economy.

Oil and gas now makes up 26% of Canada’s total emissions, making it the largest polluting sector in the country, ahead of transportation.

Scientists are clear on what we need to do to tackle climate change. And global investors are making it clear that the oil and gas industry must accelerate efforts to reach net-zero emissions as the world transitions to clean energy.

That is why a re-elected Liberal Government will:

  • Make sure the oil and gas sector reduces emissions at a pace and scale needed to achieve net-zero by 2050, with 5-year targets to stay on track to achieving this shared goal. And driving down pollution starts with ensuring that pollution from the oil and gas sector doesn’t go up from current levels.
  • Set 2025 and 2030 milestones based on the advice of the Net-Zero Advisory Body to ensure reduction levels are ambitious and achievable and that the oil and gas sector makes a meaningful contribution to meeting the nation’s 2030 climate goals.

Fortunately, Canada’s largest oil and gas companies are already committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. These actions will incentivize clean innovation and the adoption of clean technologies, including carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). It will also make sure Canadian resources remain competitive in a global market that increasingly prioritizes pollution and climate risks.

In addition, a re-elected Liberal government will do more to address methane emissions.
Methane causes 80 times the warming as carbon dioxide emissions in the first 20 years after being released into the atmosphere. This means slashing methane emissions is one of the fastest ways to slow the rate of climate change now. Moving forward, we will require oil and gas companies to reduce methane emissions by at least 75% below 2012 levels by 2030, work to reduce methane emissions across the broader economy, and seek similar commitment from other major economies at the upcoming G20 and COP26.