Civil society groups, minister at odds on whether B.C. on track to meet climate targets

Environment Minister George Heyman said Tuesday B.C. is on track to meet its climate targets, citing "one of the leading plans in North America" to address climate change.

A coalition of climate-friendly civil society groups claims B.C. isn’t on track to meet its climate targets — a conclusion with which the province’s environment minister disagrees.

The BC Climate Emergency Campaign, which includes the Dogwood, the Wilderness Committee, My Sea To Sky and others, released its 2023 Climate Action Progress Report on Tuesday.

It said the B.C. government’s “incremental changes in policies lack the urgency required” to confront the climate crisis, while support for fracking and liquified natural gas (LNG) projects undermine efforts to cut back on greenhouse gas emissions.

“It absolutely astonishes me that in spite of clear evidence that we’re in the middle of the crisis of our time, governments continue to carry on business as usual,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.

“They continue with their old relationships with gas and oil extractive industries and continue to open doors for those industries, in spite of the harmful effects they’re having and exacerbating the climate crisis.”

While the group credits the province for making “minor progress” on ending fossil fuel subsidies, investing in a zero emissions economy, natural restoration, electrification of transportation, and several other key indicators, it gives B.C. failing grade on tracking and reporting its climate actions, winding down fossil fuel production, and setting binding targets based on “science and justice.”

Environment Minister George Heyman said Tuesday B.C. is on track to meet its climate targets, citing “one of the leading plans in North America” to address climate change.

“Do we have more to do? Absolutely, and I welcome people who engage on the climate issue and want the government to do more,” he said in an interview.