Peel Region is not on target to meet 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals

Thestar.com
May 3, 2021

It’s not looking good for the Region of Peel’s greenhouse gas reduction targets.

According to a recent staff report updating regional council on the progress of Peel’s climate change master plan, emissions are only growing.

“The region is not on track to achieve the 2030 emissions reduction target,” said Christine Tu-Parker, director of the office of climate change and energy management.

In October 2019, Peel council declared a state of climate emergency and passed a new plan calling for a 45 per cent reduction in the organization’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

From 2017 to 2018, Peel’s emissions grew by 8 per cent, due to a 59 per cent increase in emissions associated with electricity use.

Staff say this is because Ontario is relying more heavily on natural gas to produce electricity as nuclear power plants are being refurbished. 

“A dirtier electricity grid puts meeting the Region’s 2030 target at-risk and will significantly increase community emissions,” reads the report, which also projects an increase in natural gas dependence in coming years.

During the past year, staff were redirected to focus on pandemic response and weren’t able to make as much progress on the environmental file as previously planned.

“Although the region is still in a public health emergency, the lessons learned to date are still transformative,” said Tu-Parker, explaining that Peel staff have proved to be agile, nimble and capable of radical operational changes. “The gateway to think differently is wide open.”

There was energy saving during the pandemic too. The result of staff working from home is expected to make five per cent reduction in the regional government’s total emissions.

In the next decade, there are plans to build net zero emissions buildings to be used as “pacesetters” to help lead a positive example for sustainability.

“The plan really looks to have the region lead by example,” said Tu-Parker, when Caledon Coun. Annette Groves asked if there is any way to address the emissions related to local gravel pits.

Council has agreed to send a letter to the premier and the minister of energy, northern development and mines calling for legislation to phase out natural gas use in electricity production.