BC NDP will keep moving BC’s continent-leading climate plan forward

SQUAMISH — A re-elected John Horgan government will continue tackling climate change and creating good new jobs by immediately committing BC to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“The unprecedented challenges we face today, from the economic shock of a global pandemic to the threat of a changing climate, also present opportunities,” said Horgan. “As a leader in clean energy, British Columbia is uniquely placed to seize these opportunities. Meeting this ambitious target of net-zero emissions will help us create good jobs through the recovery while we reduce air pollution.”

Horgan made the announcement at Carbon Engineering in Squamish, BC-based clean energy company that is a global leader in direct air carbon capture—technology that will help BC meet its net-zero target. Horgan was joined by George Heyman, the former executive director of Sierra Club BC and BC NDP candidate in Vancouver-Fairview.

“The climate crisis is not a challenge we can leave to future generations, it’s here right now — we can see it all around us with more wildfires and natural disasters,” said Heyman. “Today’s commitment builds on the progress we’ve made to reduce emissions and create new opportunities with CleanBC, the most ambitious climate plan on the continent.”

Background on John Horgan’s net-zero commitment:

• Net-zero emissions mean there are either no harmful carbon emissions or they are offset by natural carbon sinks, carbon capture or other technologies.
• CleanBC is BC’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by the year 2030, based on 2007 levels.
• A re-elected BC NDP government will pass legislation requiring BC to reach net-zero by 2050.