
Green Economy Law Blog
Canada Gets New, Former-Greenpeace Environment Minister
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled his new cabinet Tuesday, naming Steven Guilbeault the new Minister of Environment and Climate Change. A longtime environmental activist, Guilbeault served for several years as spokesman for Greenpeace Quebec, and was co-founder and senior director of Quebec environmental non-profit Équiterre.
Climate Disclosure Rules Proposed for Canadian Investments
If adopted, firms offering public investments would have to disclose greenhouse gas emissions (or explain non-disclosure), as well as governance, strategy, risk management practices, and metrics pertaining to climate-related risks and opportunities.
Canada Joins US-EU Methane Reduction Pledge
Canada will join a global initiative led by the United States and European Union to reduce methane emissions 30% from 2020 levels by 2030.
New York Aims for 100% Zero Emission Car Sales by 2035
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill Wednesday enshrining into law a goal to make all new passenger vehicles sold or leased in the state zero emission by 2035.
Everything Wrong with the Conservatives’ Carbon Pricing Plan
Canadian carbon pricing is complicated. Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole’s carbon pricing plan would only further complicate it while increasing the regulatory uncertainty around carbon pricing that’s so frustrating to industry.
Canada’s 2021 Election: Comparing Parties’ Climate Plans
It’s election season again in Canada. That means it’s time to evaluate our federal political parties’ proposed policies, including with respect to climate change and the environment. In this piece, we’ve summarized some of the key differences between each party’s climate plan to help readers evaluate which would be best for Canada.
An Overview of the EU's 'Fit for 55' Climate Plan
The European Union’s executive branch, the European Commission, last week unveiled its ‘Fit for 55’ climate plan: an ambitious set of policy and regulatory proposals aimed at lowering the bloc’s net emissions by “at least” 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. In this piece, we’ve put together an overview of the plan’s principal components.
Toronto Endorses Call for Fossil Non-Proliferation Treaty, Passes New Sustainable Buildings Measures
Last week, Canada’s largest city endorsed the call for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty, and approved a new green building standard and net zero existing buildings strategy, both of which will put the city “on a solid path to a net zero future.”
Trading to Begin for China's National Cap and Trade Program
The rules of China’s national cap and trade program went into effect in February, but the 2,200+ energy sector companies subject to the program are slated to (finally) get to start trading emissions this Friday.
Canada Passes Climate Accountability Law, Mandates 2035 Gas Vehicle Phase Out
Against the backdrop of an extreme heatwave in Western Canada unlike any seen before and clearly exacerbated by anthropogenic climate change, the Liberal government of Canada on Tuesday announced a 2035 phase out target for light-duty gas cars and passenger trucks, and saw its Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (Bill C-12) pass the Canadian Senate.