During the COP26 summit in Glasgow, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the country’s plan to end exports of thermal coal by no later than 2030 in an effort to fight against climate change.
The ban would follow action already taken, including accelerating the phasing out of conventional coal-fired electricity in the country by 2030, and putting in place investments of more than C$185 million to support coal workers and their communities through the transition to cleaner energy.
By phasing out coal-fired electricity, Canada will cut carbon pollution by nearly 13 million tonnes in 2030, representing a significant step toward reaching the country’s national target of reducing emissions by 40% to 45% below 2005 levels by 2030.
“Climate action can’t wait. Since 2015, Canada has been a committed partner in the fight against climate change, and as we move to a net-zero future, we will continue to do our part to cut pollution and build a cleaner future for everyone. Together, we will beat this crisis while creating a green economy and new middle class jobs for Canadians,” said Trudeau.
In June, Canada’s Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Jonathan Wilkinson said the country would not approve new thermal coal mining projects or plants to expand existing operations due to potential environmental damage.
Canada produced 57 million tonnes of coal in 2019, just 1% of the overall global total.
Sources: Prime Minister of Canada and Reuters