OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney's government has announced it will not revise its climate targets set under the Paris Agreement. Additionally, the government has not committed to meeting its targets for 2030 and 2035. This decision has raised concerns among environmental groups about the future direction of climate policy under the Carney administration, which has shifted from the previous government's approach led by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Some experts argue that Canada is undergoing a necessary evolution in its climate policy. They believe the country has the potential to lead in clean technologies if it chooses to do so. Carney, a former central banker and climate envoy for the United Nations, is expected to reveal his “climate competitiveness strategy” soon. This strategy aims to balance emission reductions with attracting private sector investment to transform Canada into an “energy superpower.” The forthcoming strategy is anticipated to include elements such as carbon pricing for industries and investment tax credits for clean power. However, the government remains silent on its commitment to the legally binding targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and by 45 to 50 percent by 2035. Simon Donner, co-chair of the government’s net-zero advisory body and a climate scientist at the University of British Columbia, commented, “It’s a very awkward position to be in. The government seems to be making the choice to just sort of pretend they’re not there.” The 2030 and 2035 targets are part of the Paris Agreement, which requires countries to submit a “nationally determined contribution” every five years. Each new target must represent a progression beyond existing goals. Alison McDermott, a senior official at Environment and Climate Change Canada, emphasized that the agreement does not allow countries to back away from their commitments. Keean Nembhard, a spokesperson for Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin, stated, “Canada does not intend to submit new targets under the Paris Agreement. We are committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 — not just because it’s important for the climate, but because we cannot ignore the reality at home.” Nembhard also noted that Canadians expect the government to address climate change as a significant challenge. Caroline Bouillette, executive director of the Climate Action Network, which represents around 150 environmental groups, expressed concern that the lack of clear targets creates uncertainty. She described the situation as a “soft management” approach, implying that the government is signaling it may not meet its targets. The Canadian Climate Institute has warned that Canada is not on track to meet its 2030 goal. Although the net-zero accountability law passed in 2021 does not require the government to meet its targets, it mandates progress reports. The next update on the 2030 emissions reduction plan is expected in December. Keith Brooks, a program director at Environmental Defence, emphasized the importance of interim targets to ensure progress toward the 2050 goal. He stated, “We have a goal around 2050, and that’s great, but we have to have milestones along the way.” Michael Bernstein, CEO of Clean Prosperity, acknowledged that achieving the 2030 target was always ambitious. He views the government's new approach as a “logical evolution,” suggesting that public attention to climate change may fluctuate based on other pressing issues, such as economic concerns. Bernstein believes that connecting climate policy to national objectives like economic growth and energy accessibility is crucial for sustained public engagement.