Sounds current, right? This is actually from 1988.

Since then, the science has become definitive, and the need for imperative action has only increased.

A changing climate poses real dangers to Canadians.

It affects different regions in different ways.

The impacts of warming are typically long-lasting or effectively irreversible, underscoring the need for concerted action now.

Despite repeated international commitments and domestic plans, Canada’s emissions have continued to rise.

In 1988 Canada hosts a major international climate event, the World Conference on the Changing Atmosphere, and later that year becomes an active member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

In 1990 the government releases Canada’s Green Plan. Canada’s overall emissions are 602 megatonnes.

In 1992 Canada ratifies the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Canada’s overall emissions have risen to 614 megatonnes.

In 1995 the government releases the National Action Program on Climate Change. Canada’s overall emissions have risen to 656 megatonnes.

In 1997 the Kyoto Protocol is adopted. Canada signs the Kyoto Protocol in 1998 and formally ratifies the agreement in 2002, committing to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 6% below 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. Canada’s overall emissions have risen to 691 megatonnes.

In 2000 the government releases the Government of Canada Action Plan 2000 on Climate Change. Canada’s overall emissions have risen to 734 megatonnes.

In 2002 the government releases Climate Change—Achieving Our Commitments Together. Canada’s overall emissions have fallen to 727 megatonnes.

In 2005 the government releases Project Green. Canada’s overall emissions have risen to 739 megatonnes.

In 2007 the government releases Turning the Corner. Canada’s overall emissions have risen 752 megatonnes.

In 2009 Canada commits to the Copenhagen Accord, a non-binding agreement, and to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 17% below 2005 levels by 2020. Canada’s overall emissions have fallen to 694 megatonnes.

In 2010 the government releases A Climate Change Plan for the Purposes of the Kyoto Protocol Implementation Act. Canada’s overall emissions have fallen to 703 megatonnes.

In 2011 Canada withdraws from the Kyoto Protocol and abandons its commitment to emission reduction under the protocol. Canada’s overall emissions have risen to 714 megatonnes.

In 2015 the Paris Agreement is adopted. Canada signs the Paris Agreement in 2016 and commits to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. Canada’s overall emissions have risen to 723 megatonnes.

In 2016 the government releases the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. Canada’s overall emissions have fallen to 707 megatonnes.

In 2020 the government releases A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. The year before, Canada’s emissions had risen 730 megatonnes.

In 2021 the Paris Agreement asked countries to enhance targets over time. Canada commits to a higher emission reduction target of 40% to 45% below 2005 levels by 2030, which equates to annual emissions of about 406 to 443 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.