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Canada’s climate backslide sparks global outrage after weakened emission rules

A UN ‘fossil of the day’ award exposes Canada’s climate retreat. Will weakened rules for the oil sector derail its green promises forever?

On the right there are car, plants, current pole, grass and soil. On the left there are plants,...
On the right there are car, plants, current pole, grass and soil. On the left there are plants, flowers, trees, fencing, house and a pole. Sky is sunny.

Canada’s climate backslide sparks global outrage after weakened emission rules

Canada’s climate policies have faced sharp criticism after recent changes weakened key emission targets. The country was even given the unflattering 'fossil of the day' title at a UN climate conference in Brazil. Critics argue these moves have damaged Canada’s reputation as a leader in climate action.

The federal budget introduced measures that rolled back some climate commitments. While it pledged to strengthen industrial carbon pricing and finalise methane regulations, it also removed the requirement for upstream oil and gas operations to cut emissions by 35 per cent by 2030. This shift sparked disappointment among environmental groups, including Climate Action Network Canada, whose executive director called it a step backwards.

The budget adjustments have eased some climate obligations for the oil and gas sector. This decision has drawn criticism from environmental advocates and political opponents alike. Canada’s next steps will determine whether it can regain its standing in global climate efforts while meeting its legal targets.

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