In 2022, Quebec’s greenhouse gas emissions were similar to those of 10 years ago

After two years of pandemic and health restrictions, Quebec’s greenhouse gas emissions increased in 2022 so much so that the province emits approximately the same quantity as 10 years ago.

Over the last decade, Quebec has always emitted approximately 80 megatons (Mt) per year

In 2022, the province emitted 79.3 Mt, an increase of 1.8% compared to 2021, Quebec announced on Tuesday. However, as Assistant Deputy Minister at the Energy Transition Office Jean-François Gibeault pointed out, 2021 was also marked by health restrictions.

“It’s a slight rebound,” admitted Environment Minister Benoit Charette, who was not surprised by the situation.

It is still the transport sector, more particularly road transport, which is the main polluter.

If we compare with the year 2019, just before COVID-19, GHGs decreased by 4.1%, which is not negligible, according to Mr. Charette. However, this remains slightly higher than in 2015 and 2016.

The reference year remains 1990 and the government is committed to reducing its emissions by 37.5% to reach 54 Mt. Thus, from 1990 to 2022, Quebec has succeeded in reducing 6.2 Mt, or 7.2 %.

The carbon market also allows us to deduct another 10.8 Mt of GHGs, which was produced by Californian companies with which Quebec shares its market and which is recorded in our balance sheet.

Thus, the government arrives at a total of 19 Mt of reduction, which allows it to say that it has reached half of its target.

Decline in 2023

According to preliminary data, the government expects a drop in GHG emissions in 2023 of at least one megaton compared to 2022.

“We are seeing major declines on the fuel side, mainly on the diesel side,” explained Mr. Gibeault. An increasing share of biodiesel and ethanol is added to gasoline, which helps reduce the quantities of carbon per liter consumed. “It’s very effective,” he added.

“Climate action is beginning to produce very interesting results at an accelerated pace,” believes Mr. Charrette, who says he is very optimistic for the future.

This acceleration is consistent with the increase in budgets to implement the 2030 Green Economy Plan, new regulations such as the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) standard, to increase electric vehicles on the roads, and programs implemented in place, specified Mr. Gibeault.

“Programs like ÉcoPerformance, Rénoclimat or Roulez vert have generated additional reductions of almost two megatons, which is a rate twice as fast as before,” he illustrates.

However, the Roulez vert program will be suspended for a few months this winter. Its gradual end is announced for 2027.

The minister also refused to answer questions from the Journal during the press briefing concerning the suspension of the Roulez vert program.