Canadian Greenhouse Gas Emissions

As a developed country we have enjoyed a long history with the automobile and manufacturing as a whole. Hence, we have had high emissions of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) for may years. See the graph below to compare Canada versus South Korea, a country with about twice our population. For the past 60 years we have emitted far more GHGs than South Korea.

GHG Emissions (metric tonnes per capita) 

Per Capita Emissions

Over the past 50-60 years our emissions have been higher than the world average. In fact we have often been in the top 10 largest emitters of GHGs in the world when measured on a per capita basis. This is not a 'Top 10 List' that we really want to be seen in!

The graph below uses data taken from 2018, and puts us at #5! The actual position in the ranking changes depending on the exact year, but overall, we are one of the worst GHG emitters in the world on a per capita basis.

Source

Total Emissions by Country

As a whole we are smaller country and so we don't emit as much total GHGs as many countries such as the United States and China, but we are still a large contributor considering we have about the 39th largest population. In the chart below we are listed as 11th overall for the year 2020. (1st column)

Total GHG Emissions in 2020 (Metric Tonnes)

(NOTE: this 2020 data actually has us ranked at 12th on a per capita basis, due to a slight decrease to our per capita basis, and an increase from many smaller countries.)

Where do these GHG emissions coming from?

Emission Sources in Canada

Much of our GHG emissions are from sources that we have very little direct control. The graph below shows us that the largest source of emissions in Canada is from the 'Oil and Gas' industry.  We can't directly reduce this source, but we can change the fuel source in our vehicles, thus reducing the need to produce as much Oil and Gas, while also reducing the 2nd largest source 'transportation'. This would be accomplished by using electric or partially electric vehicles, or perhaps hydrogen vehicles.

Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada (2021) National Inventory Report 1990-2019: Greenhouse Gas Sources and Sinks in Canada.

The next largest source of emissions is 'Buildings', both commercial and residential. Statistics suggest that as much as 60% or more of the emissions from buildings is from heating requirements. This suggests that if we can reduce our reliance on Oil and Gas in heating our homes can help reduce overall emissions as well.

Summary: 

Canada has been responsible for more than it's fair share of GHG emissions. Some of this comes from the fact that we have cold winters, and large distances between towns and cities, but it is also because we live privileged lives. Primary ways we can likely reduce our GHG emissions are through driving less, or converting to more efficient vehicles, such as hybrids or EVs, and switching to alternative sources of heating in our buildings, away from oil and gases as much as is feasible.