Unceded Algonquin Territory — Ottawa, ON — December 11, 2023

As the COP28 Climate Conference concludes this week, spotlighting global efforts for climate action, a glaring omission remains in Canada’s commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. 

In a disappointing move that undermines transparency and accountability, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has once again sidestepped reporting the true environmental impact of the logging sector in its latest update on Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, released on December 9.

“The federal government is jeopardizing the success of its climate plan and the well-being of Canadians by allowing the logging sector to pollute without accountability,” warns Michael Polanyi, Campaign and Policy Manager at Nature Canada. “It’s time for the government to respond to the demands for transparency, take decisive action on logging emissions, and implement policies that support a sustainable future for both the industry and our nation.”

Despite mounting pressure from elected officials, environmental experts, Canada’s Environment Commissioner, and concerned citizens, the government’s report fails to provide a clear account of the logging sector’s greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike other economic sectors such as oil and gas, transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing, the ECCC report lumps logging emissions into the cryptic category of “Land Use Land Use Change and Forestry, Nature-based Climate Solutions and Agricultural Changes,” preventing an accurate assessment of the logging industry’s carbon footprint.

Over the past two years, calls for transparency and separate reporting on logging emissions have echoed from scientists, health and environmental organizations, MPs and Senators, and thousands of Canadians. The government’s continued refusal to address this crucial issue raises concerns about the effectiveness of its climate plan.

A recent Nature Canada report, utilizing government emissions data, revealed that the logging industry emits over 70 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, constituting more than 10% of Canada’s total emissions.

For further information, please contact:

Michael Polanyi

Policy and Campaign Manager

Nature Canada

mpolanyi@naturecanada.ca

343-553-6060