The Government of Canada announced that it has formally submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the United Nations, committing the country to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40% – 45% by 2030, on a 2005 base.

Nationally Determined Contributions are a key piece of countries’ obligations under the Paris Agreement, outlining their interim commitments on the pathway to net zero. The NDC submission follows Canada’s announcement last year of a commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The 2030 goal was initially introduced earlier this year at the U.S.-hosted Leaders Summit on Climate.

Along with the NDC submission, the government outlined several of the initiatives it is pursuing in order to achieve its new climate goals. These include grants for energy efficiency and climate resiliency-focused home retrofits, funding for green building initiatives, infrastructure planning, public transportation investments, zero emissions vehicle legislation, and renewable energy development, among others.

Additionally, the government confirmed that the minimum price on carbon pollution will increase by $15 per tonne each year starting in 2023 through to 2030.

Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, said:

“Canada’s ambitious new 2030 emissions target, our Canadian Net Zero Emissions Accountability Act and net-zero goal for 2050 are more than just plans for tackling climate change—as necessary as those are. By rewarding innovation and putting a cost on pollution, we are clearing the path to a cleaner, more competitive economy that benefits our children and grandchildren, and leaves a healthier world for those who follow.”