In its LTS, Canada sets out a target to reach 80% GHG emissions reduction by 2050 compared to 2005 levels. This Strategy identifies key objectives and building blocks that could underlie its transition to a lowGHG economy. These building blocks frame the foundation of Canada’s long term climate change mitigation strategy:
• Electrification. The electrification of end use applications that are currently using fossil fuels.
• Concurrent trends towards decarbonisation of the electricity generating sector are needed.
• The significant increase in electricity demand resulting from electrification policies (e.g., doubling or more by 2050), and electricity exports, should be satisfied through low-carbon sources.
• Canada, and North America’s, electricity future will be shaped by interprovincial and intercontinental cooperation.
• Energy efficiency and demand side management are key to achieving deep GHG reductions.
• Some sectors such as heavy industries, marine transportation, some heavy freight transportation, and aviation could move to lower or low-carbon fuels such as second generation biofuels or hydrogen.
• Abatement of non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gases, such as methane and hydrofluorocarbons, is a priority.
• Behavioural changes will also contribute to a low-GHG economy.
• Focus on cities.
• Canada’s forests and lands will continue to play an important role in sequestering substantial amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• The private sector has an important role to play in this respect including spurring investment and innovation towards low GHG alternatives. Carbon pricing will be an important element to achieving this objective.
• Collaboration with provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, municipalities, business and other stakeholders.