Analyzing Ontario’s Climate Change Mitigation and Transportation Planning for a Low - Carbon Economy

Abstract

This study is based on review and analysis of Ontario’s climate change mitigation and transportation which is eventually leading to transform into a low-carbon economy. This study is compiled into three sections. The first section provides a clear scenario of Canada’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission trend over the years, the federal government’s role in GHG emission reduction and Canada’s international commitment to climate change mitigation measures along with funding. The second section focuses on a review and analysis of Ontario’s GHG emission reduction especially, in the transportation sector based on four regulatory instruments (i.e. Green Energy Act of 2009, Ontario Climate Change Strategy 2015, Ontario's Five Years Climate Change Action Plan and, Climate Change Mitigation and Low-carbon Economy Act, 2016). My analysis and arguments are focused on Ontario’s GHG emission reduction target for 2014, 2020, 2030 and 2050 to examine whether Ontario’s GHG emission reduction proceedings are heading in the right direction. The third section is an analytical review on Metrolinx’s electrification program for the Regional Express Rail (RER) system in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton areas (GTHA). Emerging issues of the province regarding GHG emission trends, progress in emission reduction, current ways and means to reduce transport sector’s GHG emissions were identified based on the results and findings of the study. Finally, a set of coherent measures have been recommended for GHG emission reduction and climate change mitigation measures applicable to Canada and Ontario. Emission reduction trend under ‘Cap and trade System’ suggests that Ontario’s GHG emission reduction target for the year 2020, 2030 and 2050 may not be achievable in one hand, on the other hand the newly elected Ontario government’s (2018) decisions on abandoning all renewable energy programs along with federal government’s controversial decision on purchasing oil pipeline will further jeopardy the transformation process to a low-carbon economy.