Ministry of Environment
VICTORIA – British Columbia has reached its first greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 6 per cent below 2007 levels by 2012 as set out in the Province's Climate Action Plan.
"We take great pride in this important milestone," said Environment Minister Mary Polak. "When we first launched our Climate Action Plan there was a lot of scepticism that we could achieve this first interim target, but we did. We know our plan is working, because GHG emissions are down while our GDP and population are up. Yes, we have more to do to bring our emissions down further, and we will do what it takes to reach our long-term goals. The Premier has made it clear that British Columbia will continue to be an international leader and driver of innovation in climate action."
Climate Action in British Columbia: 2014 Progress Report includes discussion of the 2012 interim target and how it was achieved, adaptation actions and practical outcomes of climate action for British Columbians.
Government also released the British Columbia Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report for 2012, which provides the technical basis for assessing progress toward targets.
In addition, the B.C. government was carbon neutral in 2013 for the fourth year in a row, as confirmed in the Carbon Neutral Government: Year in Review 2013 report.
"Climate leadership starts with government taking care of its own house," said Polak. "We are still the only state or province in North America to be carbon neutral – proof positive that climate action remains a top priority for our government."
Government also released the Industrial Facility Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report Summaries for 2013, which report data for all industrial facilities in B.C. emitting more than 10,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases annually.