GHG Emission Compliance Reports a Powerful Weapon in the Climate Crisis
Introduction
Submitting GHG emission compliance reports to the government may feel like a tiresome and thankless chore, but these reports are the backbone of effective environmental regulations that protect our planet and improve our lives. ECCC has recently released its National Inventory Report: Greenhouse Gas Sources and Sinks in Canada, covering emissions from 1990 to 2023. This report would not have been possible without the data submitted by companies across Canada. The report highlights impressive progress, including reduced emission intensity thanks to oil and gas regulations and a greener electricity grid.
GHG Emission Intensity Has Dropped 45% Since 1990
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to GDP—known as emission intensity—have been steadily declining. By 2023, the economy’s emission intensity had dropped 34% since 2005. Key contributors include reductions in emissions from Oil and Natural Gas Fugitive Sources, as well as Public Electricity and Heat Production.
Oil and Gas Regulations Deliver Results
Federal and provincial regulations aimed at cutting methane emissions in the oil and gas sector have delivered tangible results. Between 2019 and 2020, fugitive CH₄ emissions fell by 9.7 Mt, highlighting the effectiveness of regulations imposed in 2020 on the upstream oil and gas industry.
Greener Electricity Is Transforming the Energy Landscape
Canada’s electricity generation is increasingly shifting toward less GHG-intensive fossil fuels. Between 2005 and 2023, natural gas-fired electricity rose while coal and refined petroleum-based generation plummeted, driving a 26 Mt reduction in emissions. Natural gas is considered greener—roughly 50% less carbon-intensive than coal and 25% less than most refined petroleum products. Furthermore, enhanced energy efficiency in electricity production has led to significant GHG reductions—10 Mt since 1990 and 9.8 Mt since 2005.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, while the task of compiling and reporting emissions data may feel arduous, these efforts have proved invaluable in advancing effective environmental policies and achieving meaningful progress. Canada’s success in lowering emissions intensity and adopting greener energy solutions showcases the power of these initiatives.
If you need assistance with navigating governmental submissions or ensuring compliance, ECSS is here to make the process simpler and more manageable. Contact Us, together, we can pave the way to a cleaner, greener future.
