Climate Science FAQ

Why Aren't We On Board with Net Zero Policies in Canada?

1. Acknowledging CO2 as a Greenhouse Gas While Examining Its Impact

It’s important to acknowledge that CO2 is indeed a greenhouse gas, and scientifically, additional CO2 in the atmosphere does contribute to warming. Any scientist would risk their credibility if they suggested otherwise. This is why studies show that 98% of scientists agree that human emissions impact the climate.

However, when we delve deeper into the research, we find that only about 0.3% of peer-reviewed scientists assert in their papers that human activity is the primary driver of climate change. This highlights the need to critically examine the question: how much warming can be attributed to man-made emissions? When we explore this, we discover that Canada’s contribution, and even that of industrialized nations, is relatively minimal in the grand scheme of global emissions.

Furthermore, the logarithmic warming effect of CO2 is crucial to understanding the real impact of our emissions. While industrialization has indeed increased our contributions, the effects of that initial surge have already been felt. Today, the additional CO2 in our atmosphere exerts much less of a warming effect than it did in the past. This understanding is vital for having informed discussions about climate policy and the appropriate strategies to address environmental concerns without compromising our energy needs.

2. CO2 is Not a Pollutant – Understanding Its Benefits

Unlike harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides, CO2 is a natural component of Earth's atmosphere and an essential building block of life. It plays a crucial role in photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy.

Higher levels of CO2 have been scientifically shown to boost agricultural yields by increasing plant growth and resilience to drought. This phenomenon, known as CO2 fertilization, has contributed to global greening over the past several decades, with satellite imagery confirming an expansion of plant life.

CO2 also does not pose direct harm to human health at current atmospheric levels. While excessive amounts in confined spaces can be dangerous, outdoor atmospheric concentrations are well within safe limits. The characterization of CO2 as a pollutant is therefore misleading, as it is a naturally occurring and beneficial gas essential for sustaining ecosystems and food production.

3. Understanding CO2 in the Atmosphere

CO2 makes up about 0.04% of the Earth's atmosphere, with only 4% of that attributed to human activity. Canada's contribution to global human-induced emissions is approximately 1.6%.

When calculated, Canada's emissions represent roughly 0.0000256% of the total atmospheric CO2. Given this minimal impact, it's worth questioning whether our current policies—which impose high energy costs, inflate housing prices, and misallocate funds—are the best approach during a time of national economic strain.

A more practical focus should be on policies that directly address affordability, economic stability, and environmental stewardship without unnecessary burdens on individuals and communities.

4. The Logarithmic Nature of CO2’s Warming Effect

CO2's warming effect follows a logarithmic scale. This means that as CO2 concentrations increase, each additional unit of CO2 has diminishing impact on temperature rise.

For example, the initial rise in CO2 from 0 to 200 parts per million (ppm) significantly affects warming, but at today’s higher concentrations, additional CO2 results in progressively less warming.

This raises critical questions about whether extreme emissions reduction targets will have the climate impact policymakers anticipate, especially when weighed against the economic costs and societal trade-offs. A balanced approach, considering both economic and environmental realities, may serve Canadians better.

5. The Overlooked Role of Canada’s Carbon Sinks

Canada is the second-largest country in the world, with 89% of its land uninhabited. This land is home to massive natural carbon sinks—forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems—that absorb significant amounts of CO2.

Most net-zero frameworks fail to account for these carbon sinks adequately. Without recognizing and valuing Canada’s vast natural absorption capacity, policies may misrepresent our true carbon balance and lead to ineffective or unnecessary restrictions.

A more comprehensive climate strategy should factor in these natural carbon sinks and explore how best to enhance and preserve them, rather than focusing solely on emissions reductions.

6. Canada’s Unique Energy Needs

Canada’s harsh winters and vast geography mean that reliable and affordable energy is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Heating homes, cooking food, commuting, and running businesses all require substantial energy, making hydrocarbon fuels and other energy sources indispensable.

While responsible environmental management is essential, restricting energy options without considering Canada’s climatic and economic realities can have dire consequences for affordability and quality of life.

A sustainable approach should prioritize energy security and affordability while balancing environmental concerns, ensuring policies serve the well-being of Canadians rather than imposing unnecessary hardships.

By understanding the realities of CO2 science, Canada’s carbon sinks, and our unique energy requirements, we can adopt policies that are practical, sustainable, and beneficial to all Canadians—rather than blindly adhering to global net-zero mandates that may not serve our best interests.