Canada votes to keep Carney as leader, over anti-climate Conservatives

Former central banker and UN climate envoy Mark Carney, who leads Canada’s ruling Liberal Party, was elected as the country’s prime minister in the recent election. The Canadians rejected the anti-climate action Conservative Party of Pierre Poilievre. This outcome means that Canada’s climate policies, as the world’s 12th-largest emitter, will remain largely the same, with the Liberals in power since 2015. The election results were still pending to determine if the center-left party secured a majority in the parliament.

The Conservative Party, led by Poilievre, had promised to eliminate climate policies such as an industry carbon tax and enhance oil and gas production and exports. The rejection of Poilievre by Canadians was welcomed by Meghan Fandrich, a survivor of a climate change-fueled wildfire in Lytton, who criticized Poilievre’s stance against climate policies and fossil fuel production.

The victory of Carney over Poilievre is seen as a positive move for climate action in Canada. A possible Conservative win could have led to increased emissions, whereas a Liberal government is expected to maintain a downward trend in emissions, though not at the required pace to meet climate targets. Carney’s climate credentials and past actions, including promoting carbon offsets and reducing emissions in financial institutions, are seen as assets for Canada’s environmental policies.

As the new prime minister, Carney is urged to prioritize climate action and green initiatives, ensuring a transformative and resilient path for the country. His decision to scrap the carbon tax on consumers, replacing it with energy-efficient measures, has garnered both support and criticism. Carney’s election manifesto includes plans to boost electric vehicle production, enhance infrastructure for electricity transmission, and invest in carbon removal technology.

Carney’s role as the G7 chair this year presents an opportunity to lead global climate action, starting with rejecting new oil and gas projects and advocating for increased public climate finance. The future of Canada’s environmental policies under Carney’s leadership remains to be seen, with expectations for bold and decisive actions on climate change.