OTTAWA–The Liberal government’s new climate “accountability” law relies on the pressure of public reporting to ensure future governments finally achieve what this country has never done: meet a stated goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As written, the proposed law mandates Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson to set a target and detailed climate plan for 2030 within six months after the bill comes into force. Catherine Abreu, executive director of Climate Action Network Canada, also told the Star the bill should include a “strong reference” to a 2025 target. It requires the federal environment minister to heed “the best scientific information available” to set emissions targets every five years along the way, starting in 2030. The bill would also create a special panel of up to 15 members appointed by cabinet to advise the environment minister on how to reduce emissions.

Source: thestar November 19, 2020 16:46 UTC