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A l b e r ta’ s 2 0 0 8 C l i m at e C h a n g e S t r at e g y
r e s p o n s i b i l i t y / l e a d e r s h i p / ac t i o n
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ISBN : 9 7 8 - 0 - 7 7 8 5 - 6 7 8 9 - 9
Printed: January 2008
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ta b l e o f c o n t e n t s
Highlights
7
Introduction
9
T h e A l b e r ta A p p r o ac h 13
SETTING A C OURSE FOR RE A L REDU C TIONS
23
B u i l d i n g o n a F i r m F o u n d at i o n 29
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Premier’s Message
Alberta is a dynamic and prosperous province. We are regarded around the globe
as a safe and stable supplier of energy.
As we build our future we have a unique opportunity and a profound responsibility.
We have the ability to green our growth by building a future where prosperity goes
hand-in-hand with a deep respect for Alberta’s environment.
The Government of Alberta adopted this priority because we know Albertans place a
high value on clear air, clean water and wide open spaces. To ensure we continue in our
leadership role, I asked Environment Minister Rob Renner to renew our 2002 climate
change plan.
The renewed plan has set emission reduction targets that are practical and achievable.
Our targets are based on sound research not wishful thinking. Under the plan, everyone
will play a part in addressing climate change. Contributions from Albertans and industry,
along with innovative technology, will result in real emission reductions. Albertans and
business owners will receive incentives to use energy more efficiently and we will work
with large industry to put in place technology that will reduce emissions. Under these
measures, Alberta’s greenhouse gas emissions will steadily decline and our economy
will remain competitive.
And best of all, our plan was built with input from Albertans who know best what will
work in our province.
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Minister’s message
Albertans have heard much about climate change this past year. In March 2007, our
government launched a public consultation for a new climate change plan that started
with 10 public meetings across the province. Albertans said they wanted incentives so
they could take action to become more energy efficient. In May 2007, we met with
stakeholders who told us Alberta has to make real reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
In June 2007, international experts suggested we post milestones on the road toward
reaching these reductions.
We have listened to these suggestions and are taking action. Our new climate change
plan offers consumer incentives, moves Albertans toward real reductions and has
checkpoint targets along the way. The plan focuses on three-prongs – carbon capture
and storage, increasing energy efficiency and greening our energy production. Together
these initiatives will deliver a 50 per cent reduction in emissions by 2050, compared to
business as usual, or a 14 per cent reduction below 2005 levels by 2050.
With this plan, Alberta will achieve real reductions within a realistic timeline. Alberta did
its research before setting reduction targets, then put a soild plan in place to achieve them.
Alberta has proven its leadership in addressing climate change year after year. In 1999,
we established Climate Change Central, a public-private partnership that is helping
Albertans use energy more efficiently. In 2002, we were the first in Canada to release a
climate change action plan. We met our commitments in that plan by first requiring large
industry to report greenhouse gas emissions, and then requiring them to reduce the
intensity of their greenhouse gas emissions – both firsts in Canada.
I believe Alberta has both an opportunity and a responsibility to continue in our leadership
role. Our new plan will guide us forward. Alberta is acting on climate change and every
Albertan is part of the plan.
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highlights
T h e A l b e r ta A p p r o ac h
•Builds on what has already been done: implementing the first legislation of its kind in Canada to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions, completing our 2002 Climate Change Action Plan, establishing Climate Change Central as a publicprivate catalyst for action and ideas, working with municipalities, health regions and educational institutions, and
consulting with Albertans across the province.
•Reflects Alberta’s unique position as an energy supplier to the world and the reality that, for the foreseeable future,
the world will continue to rely on Alberta’s secure supply of oil and gas.
•Establishes practical, achievable goals for real reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Instead of setting arbitrary
targets, Alberta’s approach breaks the problem down into manageable “wedges” for action with corresponding
reductions in emissions set for each wedge.
•Recognizes that continuous changes and targeted actions will be required as we learn more, achieve positive results,
and identify new opportunities and solutions.
• Commits to regular reports to Albertans on progress in achieving the reductions set in this plan.
Ta k i n g ac t i o n o n t h r e e t h e m e s
Conserving and using energy efficiently
GOAL -- To reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transforming how we use energy, applying energy efficient
solutions, and conserving energy.
Implementing carbon capture and storage
GOAL -- To store quantities of CO2 in Alberta’s geological formations rather than releasing it into the atmosphere.
greening energy production
GOAL -- To transform the way we produce energy and to introduce cleaner, more sustainable approaches to
energy production.
c o m m i t t i n g t o r e s u lt s
B y 2 0 1 0 - - R e d u c e e m i s s i o n s b y 2 0 m e g at o n n e s
RESULT -- Meet intensity target established in 2002 plan
B y 2 0 2 0 - - R e d u c e e m i s s i o n s b y 5 0 m e g at o n n e s
RESULT -- Stabilize greenhouse gas emissions and begin reductions
B y 2 0 5 0 - - R e d u c e e m i s s i o n s b y 2 0 0 m e g at o n n e s
RESULT -- Emissions reduced by 50 per cent below business as usual level and
14 per cent below 2005 levels while maintaining economic growth
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INTRODUCTION
Responsibility / Leadership / Action
Those three words describe Alberta’s new strategy for addressing the serious and world-wide challenge of climate change.
Through extensive consultations with Albertans, with leading experts and researchers, and with industry and community
leaders, some important points are clear:
• Climate change is real. Our planet is warming and it’s doing so at a faster pace than at any other time in our
recorded history.
• As a leading energy producer for Canada and the world, Alberta is responsible for producing about a third of Canada’s
total greenhouse gas emissions – the leading cause of climate change. Our emissions are expected to increase by
another third over the next five to ten years.
•That means Alberta has both a responsibility and an opportunity to take decisive action to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. And because so much of Alberta’s emissions are tied to energy, it makes sense that our first priorities
should focus on making more efficient use of energy and greening our energy production, creating fewer greenhouse
gas emissions.
•The demand for fossil fuels will remain – it is the foundation of our society. However, a global societal change is
emerging whereby consumers are expecting and demanding smarter and greener energy production technologies.
A growing market is emerging that gives consumers choices. We need to adjust our approach to energy production,
emissions management, and our economy to meet these changing expectations. It is about long-term sustainability
of our environment and economy.
• Albertans want and expect their province to take the lead. Faced with difficult challenges in the past, Albertans have
consistently demonstrated their willingness to use ingenuity and innovation to develop new solutions. That same
commitment to leadership and action will be required to address the challenge of climate change.
•Each of us has a responsibility to make better choices in our own homes, at work, and in the ways we choose to
travel. Clearly, industry and business have key roles to play.
•It will take time and thoughtful actions to reduce Alberta’s greenhouse gas emissions. The key is to start with what
we know now and continue refining and adjusting our plans and actions over time until our commitments for
reductions are met.
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A l b e r ta n s a l s o s a i d : D o n ’ t wa i t.
B e p r o ac t i v e . A c t fa s t w i t h m e a n i n g f u l f i r s t s t e p s . C o n v e r t i d e a s i n t o
ac t i o n s . B e i n n o vat i v e , s t r o n g a n d d e t e r m i n e d t o d e m o n s t r at e l e a d e r s h i p
o n b e h a l f o f a l l c u r r e n t a n d f u t u r e A l b e r ta n s .
We’ve heard the message. This strategy clearly acknowledges Alberta’s responsibility for reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, as well as the unique opportunities and challenges that presents for our province. The strategy will put
Alberta in a leadership role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.
An issue as broad and complex as climate change requires us to be open to new ideas as they arise. This strategy
outlines an initial set of key actions to be taken over the next several years. Specific actions will be outlined in a follow-up
implementation plan. As we do more and learn more this strategy will be adjusted so Alberta continues to be at the
forefront in addressing this challenge.
As we’ve seen in the past, we hope and expect Albertans to get behind this strategy. Together, we can make a real
and lasting difference to our province, our world, and future generations of Albertans.
10
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“
We should be pacesetters with a good plan,
intelligently assembled, and one we’re proud of.
Consultation participant
”
11
12
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the alberta approach
Alberta’s approach reflects the reality of Alberta today. We’re serious about taking action on climate change. If we target
specific actions and adopt a culture of energy efficiency and conservation, we can have a significant impact. And we
can adjust our plans on an ongoing basis as new ideas and solutions are developed.
Because we’re one of the largest energy producers in the world, Alberta is in a unique position to address the challenge
of climate change. Our challenges are perhaps bigger than those of other provinces and other jurisdictions around the
world. But so are the opportunities to make a real and positive impact.
Alberta’s climate change strategy takes our province’s unique position as a starting point. Given the world’s continuing
reliance on Alberta’s secure supply of oil and gas, all projections point to strong growth in our economy over the next
few years. More people are moving to Alberta. Communities – large and small – are growing at an unprecedented pace.
Public, stakeholder, Aboriginal and expert consultations provided the essential foundation to guide this climate change
strategy. Most consultation participants believe the province needs to take action now to deal with the causes and risks
of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lead Canadians in the use of renewable and alternative
energy sources.
The strategy also reflects our government’s strong commitment to manage and respond to the pressures of growth,
including the pressures growth places on our environment. It reflects our commitment to maintaining a healthy economy
and Albertans’ quality of life while addressing the challenge of climate change.
Governments around the world can choose from a variety of options to meet their obligations, including: carbon capture
and storage and other transformational technologies, renewable energy, emissions offsets, energy efficiency programs,
taxes, slowing down economic growth, or sweeping changes to the very structure of their economy. Alberta’s strong
and vibrant economy is founded on resource extraction and value added upgrading, so our strategy ensures we build on
this strength – we are not prepared to forgo the opportunities our strong and vibriant economy provides. Our greenhouse
gas emissions profile is strongly linked to the production and use of fossil fuels. Our policy approach to climate change
is mindful of this reality and in fact helps strengthen our current economic structure.
For facts about climate change and its impact on Alberta or for more information
about Albertans’ input to this plan, please check the climate change website at
w w w. e n v i r o n m e n t . a l b e r t a . c a
13
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S ta r t i n g w i t h p r i n c i p l e s
The following principles have been used to guide the development of this action plan:
1. All Albertans will be part of the climate change solution and together we will all share the responsibility for managing
and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Albertans will be leaders in using energy more effectively and efficiently.
3. Albertans will have the information and knowledge they need to effectively participate in mitigating and adapting
to climate change.
4. Alberta will be a leader in developing and implementing technology to reduce greenhouse gases in the short, medium
and long term.
5. Alberta will work collaboratively with others both within the province and nationally and internationally to address
climate change for present and future generations.
S e t t i n g g o a l s a n d ta k i n g ac t i o n
Alberta’s approach is focused on three broad themes: conserving and using energy efficiently, implementing carbon
capture and storage, and greening energy production. It’s a practical and comprehensive approach that addresses
not only how much energy we use but also how we can combine ingenuity and expertise to capture emissions and
produce cleaner energy not just for Alberta but for the world. It recognizes the reality that, in spite of actions we take
today, climate change will affect our province for the foreseeable future and we need to be ready to anticipate the
risks and adapt accordingly.
Alberta’s climate change strategy breaks the problem down into manageable “wedges”. The major actions that will be
taken within each theme determine the “wedge” of anticipated reductions in greenhouse gases.
14
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C o n s e rv i n g a n d u s i n g e n e r g y e f f i c i e n t ly
Energy efficiency and energy conservation – these terms are used interchangeably but they
are slightly different concepts. Energy efficiency refers to doing more with the same amount
of energy. Energy conservation means reducing the amount of energy you use. Replacing
your older fur nace with a more efficient model is an example of energy efficiency. Tur ning
out t h e l i g h t s w h e n y o u l e a v e a ro o m i s a n e x a m p l e o f e n e r g y c o n s e r v a t i o n .
Goal -- To reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transforming how we use energy,
applying energy efficient solutions, and conserving energy.
This goal is designed to engage all Albertans and all sectors of our society and our economy in conserving and reducing
our use of energy. This is an area where important steps can be taken by all of us, starting immediately, to reduce our
use of energy in our homes and daily lives, in our businesses and where we work, in our transportation system and how
we travel, in municipalities, health regions and educational institutions. It reflects the reality that all of us contribute to
greenhouse gas emissions and all of us have a role to play in reducing those emissions and conserving energy. It
provides an opportunity to engage Alberta’s youth in tackling an issue that will affect their futures and future generations
of Albertans even more than it affects us today.
“
Energy efficiency is an important “wedge” and the most
economical way to reduce carbon. Energy efficiency
should be at the top of your priorities in the plan.
Diane W ittenberg, President, Califor nia Climate Action Registry
Expert Panel Participant
”
15
Currently, only facilities that emit more than 100,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas
emissions a year are required to reduce their emissions intensity by 12 percent.
Companies have three ways to meet these reduction targets. They can make
improvements to their operations. They can buy Alberta-based offset credits. Or
they can pay $15 for every tonne of greenhouse gases above their allowed limit.
These funds go directly into the Climate Change and Emissions Management Fund
emissions in Alberta.
Actions:
•Develop an Energy Efficiency Act
•Establish an incentive program to promote the use of energy efficient appliances and home improvements
•Implement energy efficiency standards in building codes for homes and commercial buildings
•Provide capacity building support to municipalities and other climate change partners to identify emission reduction
strategies including land use planning and sustainable development initiatives for inclusion in appropriate municipal
plans and bylaws
•Implement strategies to enable reductions of greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture and forestry sectors
and facilitate development of offset and sequestration opportunities
•Develop the protocols for requiring all facilities that emit over 50,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases (typically gas
plants, smaller power plants, and pulp and paper/wood products facilities) to report their emissions
• Continue to foster the carbon offset market in Alberta
•Provide government leadership in introducing energy efficiency standards for government buildings, purchasing
more energy efficient vehicles and buying more environmentally friendly products
•Establish a team to raise public awareness of energy efficiency and conservation across the province
greenhouse gas reduction wedge -- highlighting conservation
& energy efficiency reductions
400
CONSERVATION & ENERGY EFFICIENCY WEDGE
24Mt reduction
EMISSIONS
300
200
100
0
16
REDUCTIONS (Mt CO2e)
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to be used for projects and new technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas
2010
2020
2030
2040
2050
“
I m p l e m e n t c a r b o n c a p t u re & s t o r a g e ( C C S ) i m m e d i a t e l y.
We h a v e p o i n t e m i s s i o n s o u rc e s a n d d i s p o s a l re s e r v o i r s
t h a t a re p e r f e c t l y a l i g n e d . D o n ’t b u i l d a n o t h e r c o a l p o w e r
f a c i l i t y o r o i l s a n d s f a c i l i t y t h a t i s n o t re a d y f o r c a r b o n
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c a p t u re . O t h e r s s h o u l d b e t r a n s i t i o n e d t o C C S .
M a r l o R a y n o l d s , E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r, P e m b i n a I n s t i t u t e
Expert Panel Participant
”
Implementing carbon capture and storage
Goal -- To store quantities of CO 2 in Alberta’s geological formations instead of
releasing them into the atmosphere.
Alberta has a unique opportunity to implement carbon capture and storage to substantially reduce our greenhouse gas
emissions. CO2 emissions can be captured where they are produced, transported and stored in geological formations
(such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs, coalbeds, and deep saline aquifers) which may be located hundreds of kilometres
away. Over the past five years, there has been a growing interest by industry in using CO2 for enhanced oil recovery as
a way of extracting more oil and making productive use of CO2. There is a significant opportunity for Alberta to build on
these prospective commercial projects and begin injecting much larger volumes into other types of geological formations.
Ultimately, CO2 capture and storage technologies provide the province with the greatest potential to substantially reduce
greenhouse gas emissions while, at the same time, retaining our ability to produce and provide energy to the rest of
the world.
C a r b o n c a p t u re a n d s t o r a g e ( C C S ) i s a b o u t c a p t u r i n g C O 2 t h a t w o u l d n o r m a l l y g o u p t h e
stack and putting it into very deep geological formations – much deeper than the average
groundwater wells. And CCS, as it’s known, is happening right now in Alberta at a number
of industrial sites. Glencoe Resources Ltd. is using carbon dioxide for enhanced oil
r e c o v e r y n e a r R e d D e e r, A l b e r t a . T h e p r o j e c t w i l l s i g n i f i c a n t l y i n c r e a s e r e c o v e r y o f o i l
f r o m d e c l i n i n g o i l f i e l d s a n d re d u c e a n n u a l e m i s s i o n s o f C O 2 b y a b o u t 2 2 0 , 0 0 0 t o n n e s ,
t h e e q u i v a l e n t t o t a k i n g a l m o s t 5 0 , 0 0 0 c a r s o ff t h e ro a d e a c h y e a r. T h e o t h e r p a r t n e r i n
t h i s v e n t u re i s MEG l o b a l C a n a d a I n c . a n d NOVA C h e m i c a l s C o r p o r a t i o n w h o s e l l t h e C O 2
to Glencoe from their petrochemical plants. Other smaller pilots testing the use of CO 2 for
enhanced oil recovery are located near Zama Lake, Swan Hills, Drayton Valley, Rimbey and
Medicine Hat. This practice is being used in other Canadian and international locations.
17
REDUCTIONS (Mt CO2e)
greenhouse gas reduction wedge -- highlighting carbon capture
& storage reductions
400
CONSERVATION & ENERGY EFFICIENCY WEDGE
24Mt reduction
CARBON CAPTURE & STORAGE WEDGE
EMISSIONS
300
200
100
0
18
139Mt reduction
REDUCTIONS (Mt CO2e)
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Actions:
400
CONSERVATION & ENERGY EFFICIENCY WEDGE
•Establish EMISSIONS
a multi-disciplinary Carbon Capture and Storage Development Council as a public-private partnership,
building on the work of the Canada-Alberta ecoENERGY Carbon Capture and Storage Task Force. The Council
will assess and recommend appropriate timelines, policy and regulatory requirements for:
300
oEnsuring new large industrial facilities are designed and built to enable the capture of CO2
oEnsuring existing large industrial facilities have plans in place to be capture-ready
oAchieving specific emission reduction milestones through carbon capture and storage and developing a plan
200
to achieve the milestones
oDeveloping a policy approach and secure the necessary financial resources required to build the CO2 infrastructure
oExamining and proposing a suite of tools and incentives to ensure Alberta industry maintains a leadership role
100
in implementing carbon capture and storage technology
•The Carbon Capture and Storage Development Council will report to Government with a recommended plan
by the fall of 2008
0
•Support research and demonstration projects on carbon capture and storage
2010
2020
2030
2040
2050
2010
2020
2030
2040
2050
To transform the way we produce energy and to introduce greener, more sustainable
approaches to energy production – that’s our goal.
For example, the Alberta
gover nment is funding direct initiatives undertaken by the Canadian Clean Power
Coalition – an industry group that is advancing clean bur ning coal technologies that
will lower CO 2 emissions from electricity production. Alberta has also been attracting
more and more wind energy projects and consequently the province has the largest
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installed capacity in Canada (523.97MW). The government is also working with industry
to explore the potential for deep geothermal energy production in Alberta.
greening energy production
Goal -- To transform the way we produce energy and to further introduce cleaner,
more sustainable approaches to energy production.
Greening energy production involves a combination of actions designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced
from more traditional energy sources like oil and gas. And it also includes expanding our use of alternative sources of
energy, including wind and solar power, hydrogen and geothermal energy – tapping into the energy stored deep under
the earth’s surface. By targeting our actions, combining research, ingenuity and the right incentives, we can transform
the way we produce energy and introduce cleaner approaches. We can research, develop, test and implement new
technologies that improve the efficiency of how we produce energy. We can market and share Alberta-based innovations
with the rest of the world. And we can become world leaders in clean energy production.
Actions:
•Use the funds contributed by industry in the Climate Change and Emissions Management Fund coupled with
government funding to drive innovation, test and implement new technologies, and achieve the goal of greening
energy production
•Further remove barriers and consider incentives for expanding the use of renewable and alternative energy
sources including challenges small producers face trying to access the electricity grid and the development and
market introduction of new bio-energy products
•Increase investment in demonstration and deployment of clean energy technologies and value-added
energy technologies
19
400
CONSERVATION & ENERGY EFFICIENCY WEDGE
CARBON CAPTURE & STORAGE WEDGE
EMISSIONS
200
0
2010
2020
2030
2040
2050
greenhouse gas reduction wedge -- highlighting greener energy
production reductions
500
CONSERVATION & ENERGY EFFICIENCY WEDGE
CARBON CAPTURE & STORAGE WEDGE
GREENING ENERGY PRODUCTION WEDGE
400
EMISSIONS
24Mt reduction
+
+
=
300
200
100
0
139Mt reduction
REDUCTIONS (Mt CO2e)
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100
REDUCTIONS (Mt CO2e)
300
37Mt reduction
200Mt reduction
TOTAL
2010
2020
2030
450
FUTURE FORECAST IF WE DO NOTHING NEW
400
HISTORIC
FORECAST
350
300
} 50Mt
20
250
200
150
20Mt
2040
2050
}
200Mt
T he Prairie Adaptation R esearch C o l l a b o r a t i v e i s a p a r t n e r s h i p o f t h e g o v e r n m e n t s
of Canada, Alberta, S askatchew a n a n d M a n i t o b a m a n d a t e d t o p u r s u e c l i m a t e
change impacts and adaptation re s e a rc h i n t h e Pr a i r i e p ro v i n c e s . O u r o b j e c t i v e i s
to generate practical options to a d a p t t o c u r re n t a n d f u t u re c l i m a t e c h a n g e . We
are also charged with fostering t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f n e w p ro f e s s i o n a l s i n t h e
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emerging science of climate cha n g e i m p a c t s a n d a d a p t a t i o n .
A d a p t i n g t o a c h a n g i n g c l i m at e
In spite of steps being taken today, scientists agree that climate change caused by human actions will continue for
centuries to come. That means we need to anticipate and plan ahead to reduce our vulnerability to the impact of climate
change. Strategies to adapt to climate change must go hand in hand with actions identified in this plan to reduce current
and future greenhouse gas emissions. It’s not a question of doing one or the other – both approaches are necessary.
Research is currently underway in Alberta, along with the other Prairie provinces, to identify the risks and opportunities
and the best strategies to adapt to climate change. That will involve managing short and longer term risks and taking
advantage of opportunities to build a more sustainable environment. It involves looking at the impact of climate change
on our province – identifying places that could see a more severe impact from climate change – along with people who
could be more affected. All sectors of our economy and society need to be involved in anticipating and responding to
the impact of climate change.
Actions:
• Develop a provincial Climate Change Adaptation Strategy to provide overall direction, identify measures and
indicators of climate change, provide a source of information about the impacts, and identify risks and vulnerabilities.
It will focus on water, biodiversity, energy, municipal infrastructure, agriculture and forestry
• Coordinate policy and research on adaptation
• Communicate and inform Albertans on the potential impacts of climate change
•Develop appropriate responses to adapt to climate change
21
22
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SETTING A COURSE
FOR REAL REDUCTIONS
As noted earlier, Alberta is the first jurisdiction in North America to set legislated targets for reducing emissions from
large industrial facilities. Alberta’s industry and province-wide targets were based on emissions intensity. This approach
reflects the realities of Alberta’s strong energy-based economy and is an important step in managing and reducing
emissions while, at the same time, not compromising the viability and strength of our economy. It also allows time for
new technologies to be developed and implemented – technologies that can have a substantial impact on reducing
greenhouse gas emissions.
Emission intensity targets will continue to be the approach for large facilities in the province. However, our long term
commitment for Alberta is to bend the curve downwards and achieve real reductions in the amount of greenhouse
gas emissions coming from our province. Real reductions for Alberta in the short, medium and long term are necessary
and reflect the recent advice from the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change. The key questions are what the
reductions should be, how they can be achieved, and when.
Some jurisdictions have chosen to set broad, long term, and somewhat arbitrary targets. The problem with this approach
is that the broad targets may or may not be achievable, they impose a top-down approach based on limited information,
and they are highly variable over the longer term when so much is unknown.
Instead of establishing arbitrary emissions reduction targets, Alberta’s climate change strategy breaks the problem
down into manageable “wedges.” Actions taken within the three key wedges are expected to achieve the following
reductions in greenhouse gas emissions:
By 2010 -- Meet intensity target from 2002 plan – 20 megatonne reduction
By 2010, implementing the 2002 plan will have resulted in emissions reductions. A major factor in achieving these
reductions will be the requirement for large industrial emitters to reduce their emissions intensity by 12 per cent starting
in July 2007.
By 2020 -- Stabilize greenhouse gas emissions - 50 megatonne reduction
By 2020, the essential steps will be in place and new technologies will be tested and implemented. The result is that,
while we may not see substantial reductions in the early stages of this strategy, we are planting the seeds today to
see substantial reductions over the longer term. By 2020, we will stabilize emissions and begin to see substantial
reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
By 2050 -- emissions reduced 50 per cent below business as usual level 200 megatonnes
By 2050, substantial reductions in emissions can and will be achieved. Alberta’s target of a 200 megatonne reduction
is the largest identified and published by any provincial jurisdiction in Canada bringing Alberta’s emissions to 14 per cent
below 2005 levels.
23
a l b e rta’ s r e d u c t i o n c o m m i t m e n t s
400
ess
busin
335
270
205
140
75
EMISSIONS in Megatonnes (Mt)
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To put these reductions in perspective, a reduction of 50 megatonnes is equivalent to taking over 10 million cars off
the road a year. A reduction of 200 megatonnes is equivalent to removing over 40 million cars - this is equivalent to
2.5 times as many cars in all of Canada.
ua
as us
} 50Mt
Alber
2005
2010
2020
2030
CARBON CAPTURE & STORAGE
GREENING ENERGY PRODUCTION
TOTAL =
ta ’ s p
lan
2040
CONSERVATION & ENERGY EFFICIENCY 24Mt
24
l
139Mt
37Mt
200Mt
}
2050
200Mt
•2050 -- 200Mt
reduction or 50
per cent below
projected business
as usual and 14
per cent below
2005 levels
450
FUTURE FORECAST IF WE DO NOTHING NEW
400
HISTORIC
FORECAST
}
350
300
} 50Mt
3
200Mt
250
20Mt
200
3
2
2
150
1
1
50
0
1990
2000
2010
2020
2030
2040
2050
provincial commitments to greenhouse gas reductions
( BELO W BUSINESS A S USU A L )
2010 - 2014 REDUCTIONS
200
2
2020 REDUCTIONS
180
1
2050 REDUCTIONS
160
1
140
1
120
1
100
1
80
60
40
20
0
MEGATONNES
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100
Alberta
Ontario*
Quebec Ω
Sask.
N.B. Ω
B.C. †
*Ontario has commited to a 80% reduction below 1990 levels by 2050, however, the reductions below their business as usual
cannot be calculated with available data.
Quebec has no values projected beyond 2010. New Brunswick has no values projected beyond 2020.
†
British Columbia’s commitment to the Western Climate Initiative. No values have been projected beyond 2020.
25
Ca
Al
This copy is for archival purposes only. Please contact the publisher for the original version.
O v e r t h e p a s t d e c a d e , A l b e r t a h a s s e e n t h e h i g h e s t r a t e o f e c o n o m i c g ro w t h r a t e i n
C a n a d a a t 4 . 3 p e r c e n t p e r y e a r. I n 2 0 0 6 , A l b e r t a ’s e c o n o m y g re w 6 . 8 p e r c e n t a n d
e x p e r t s p re d i c t A l b e r t a w i l l h a v e o n e o f C a n a d a ’s t o p p e r f o r m i n g e c o n o m i e s i n t h e f u t u re .
T h e p ro v i n c e c o n s i s t e n t l y h a s t h e h i g h e s t i n v e s t m e n t p e r c a p i t a a m o n g p ro v i n c e s a n d a
t o t a l o f $ 7 5 . 3 b i l l i o n w a s i n v e s t e d i n 2 0 0 6 , a l m o s t q u a d r u p l e t h e 1 9 9 6 l e v e l . A l b e r t a ’s
v i b r a n t e c o n o m y t r a n s l a t e s i n t o a h e a l t h y j o b m a r k e t w i t h a p p ro x i m a t e l y 4 6 5 , 6 0 0 n e w
j o b s c re a t e d b e t w e e n 1 9 9 6 a n d 2 0 0 6 a n d a n a v e r a g e u n e m p l o y m e n t r a t e o f 3 . 4 p e r c e n t
in 2006 – the lowest in Canada.
1998
2002
1999
2003
2001
2004
Alberta announced its first Strategy for Action
on Climate Change
Premier’s Round Table on Climate Change and
Climate Change Central formally announced
Alberta helps develop and approve Canada’s first
26
National Business Plan on Climate Change
Taking Action on Climate Change released our first climate change plan in the new millenium
First province to develop climate change legislation
- Climate Change and Emissions Management Act
Regulations related to mandatory reporting of
GHG emissions from large facilities announced
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W i t h a l l o f t h i s e c o n o m i c g ro w t h , o u r 2 0 0 M t re d u c t i o n i s h u g e . H o w b i g i s i t ? I t ’s a
re d u c t i o n t h a t i s a c t u a l l y b i g g e r t h a n t h e t o t a l c u r re n t e m i s s i o n s f ro m a l l o f t h e o t h e r
w e s t e r n p ro v i n c e s a n d t h re e t e r r i t o r i e s p u t t o g e t h e r ! P u t i n a n i n t e r n a t i o n a l c o n t e x t , t h i s
re d u c t i o n c o m m i t m e n t i s a b o u t t h e s a m e s i z e a s t h e c u r re n t e m i s s i o n s f ro m D e n m a r k ,
Finland and Sweden combined.
Alberta’s new climate change strategy will help Canada meet its climate change commitment
of stabilizing emissions in the short-term. It will also make a sizable contribution to the
target of reducing Canadian emissions by 60-70 percent by 2050.
2005
2010
2007
2020
2007
2050
Research underway on Alberta’s vulnerability
to the impacts of climate change initiated
Amendments made to Climate Change
and Emissions Management Act
Emission intensity targets for large
industrial emitters announced
Reduce emissions by 20Mt
Reduce emissions by 50Mt from business as usual
Reduce emissions by 200Mt from business as usual
27
28
This copy is for archival purposes only. Please contact the publisher for the original version.
This copy is for archival purposes only. Please contact the publisher for the original version.
BUILDING ON
A FIRM FOUNDATION
The good news for Alberta is that we’re not starting from scratch. In fact, many of the actions outlined in our 2002
Climate Change Action Plan are now complete and it’s time to take the next big steps. In 2003, Alberta was the first
jurisdiction in Canada to introduce legislation for regulating greenhouse gas emissions. With regulations in place effective
July 1, 2007, Alberta facilities that emit more than 100,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions a year are required to
reduce their emissions intensity by 12 per cent. These are significant and important steps in the right direction.
Alberta’s climate change strategy reflects a clear understanding that there is no single action or approach that will
result in an immediate, overnight reduction in Alberta’s greenhouse gas emissions and the need to plan for the effects
of a changing climate. We’re in this for the long term.
The strategy also reflects the fact that action on climate change cannot happen in isolation. Within the provincial
government, this work must be integrated with land use planning policies, a comprehensive energy strategy, a clean
air strategy, technology development and commercialization, provincial water plans, economic development and rural
development strategies for the province. Actions also need to be coordinated between governments to reduce overlap
and duplication.
We also know that partnerships will be essential as we move ahead. The provincial government will play a strong and
decisive leadership role, but it cannot implement these actions on its own. In our professional and personal lives we,
as individual Albertans – young and old – have essential roles to play.
In the coming months, the provincial government will outline specific implementation plans for moving ahead with the
actions outlined in this strategy as well as additional actions that could be taken to support the directions outlined in
this strategy.
As we move forward, the provincial government will report regularly on our progress in taking action and achieving the
reductions established in this strategy. The strategy will be adapted and changed as we learn more, achieve positive
results, and assess the impact of our actions.
Most importantly, this plan is about actions not words, about leadership and responsibility, and about stepping up on
the world stage. Alberta is ready to lead. And the actions start now.
“
Government must demonstrate positive action.
Climate changes are real, they are happening, and
we have to take action.
Consultation participant
”
29
30
This copy is for archival purposes only. Please contact the publisher for the original version.
This copy is for archival purposes only. Please contact the publisher for the original version.
T h i s d o c u m e n t i s p r i n t e d o n c h l o r i n e f re e p a p e r m a d e f ro m 1 0 0 p e r c e n t p o s t - c o n s u m e r f i b re w h i c h
i s m a n u f a c t u re d u s i n g b i o g a s e n e r g y. I n c h o o s i n g t h i s p a p e r, A l b e r t a E n v i ro n m e n t s a v e d 2 0 , 6 1 7
l i t re s o f w a t e r, c o n s e r v e d 1 8 t re e s , d i v e r t e d 5 3 5 k i l o g r a m s o f s o l i d w a s t e f ro m l a n d f i l l s , p re v e n t e d
1 , 1 7 5 k i l o g r a m s o f a i r e m i s s i o n s a n d s a v e d t h e u s e o f 7 6 c u b i c m e t re s o f n a t u r a l g a s . T h i s d o c u m e n t
i s b e i n g p r i n t e d w i t h a n a l c o h o l f re e p r i n t i n g p ro c e s s u s i n g v e g e t a b l e b a s e d i n k s .
This copy is for archival purposes only. Please contact the publisher for the original version.
F o r m o re i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t A l b e r t a ’s C l i m a t e C h a n g e S t r a t e g y,
p l e a s e c h e c k t h e c l i m a t e c h a n g e w e b s i t e a t w w w. e n v i ro n m e n t . a l b e r t a . c a .