Latest environmental indicators
This page lists the indicators recently released by the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators program.
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March 2025
Climate indicators
Climate change is one of the most important environmental issues of our time. Climate change is caused by the increase in concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. These increases are primarily due to GHG emissions resulting from human activities such as the use of fossil fuels. This changing climate has impacts on the environment, human health and the economy. The indicators report estimates of Canada's emissions of GHGs over time.
Key results
- Canada's total GHG emissions in 2023 were 694 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2 eq), a 0.9% decrease from 700 Mt CO2 eq in 2022
- From 2005 to 2023, Canada's GHG emissions decreased by 8.5% (-65 Mt CO2 eq)
- Between 1990 and 2023, Canada's GHG emissions increased by 14.4% (+88 Mt CO2 eq)
Greenhouse gas emissions from large facilities
Releases of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and their increasing concentrations in the atmosphere are leading to a changing climate. This change has an impact on the environment, human health and the economy. This indicator tracks GHG emissions from the largest emitting facilities in Canada.
Key results
In 2023,
- 291 megatonnes (Mt) of GHGs in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 eq) were emitted by 1 862 facilities reporting to the Government of Canada's GHG Reporting Program
- emissions from the reporting facilities accounted for 42% of Canada's total GHG emissions
Waste and contaminant indicators
Oil spills to the marine environment can have adverse and long-lasting effects on wildlife, habitats, local communities, and the economy. This indicator presents the number and location of oil spills across Canada’s marine environments observed by the National Aerial Surveillance Program and oil spills impacting the marine environment that have been reported to the National Environmental Emergencies Centre.
Key results
In 2024,
- Nineteen (19) marine oil spills with a volume of more than 10 litres were detected by the National Aerial Surveillance Program
- the National Environmental Emergencies Centre received 1 009 reports of marine oil spills across Canada, 212 of which had an estimated volume of less than 10 litres and 575 an unknown quantity or an estimated volume of less than 10 litres
- Four hundred and twelve (412) (40.8%) of marine oil spills reported to the National Environmental Emergencies Centre were related to water transportation such as pleasure craft and fishing vessels
Air indicators
Population exposure to outdoor air polluants
Exposure to air pollutants can contribute to health issues such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases and other illnesses causing premature mortality. The Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) are health-and environmental-based outdoor air quality objectives for pollutant concentrations in the air.
Key results
- In the most recent reporting period (2020 to 2022), 74% of Canadians lived in areas where outdoor concentrations of air pollutants were less than or equal to the standards.
- This represents a decrease from the 85% established for the previous period (2019 to 2021), largely due to ground-level ozone standard exceedances in southern Ontario, and to the 2022 wildfires in British Columbia and in the United States that caused fine particulate matter standards to be exceeded in Alberta and British Columbia
- This result is better than in 12 of the 16 reporting periods
February 2025
Water indicators
Water quality in Canadian rivers
Clean freshwater is essential for healthy river ecosystems to support aquatic plant and animal biodiversity. The quality of water and the health of rivers may be impacted by how people develop and use the surrounding land. The water quality indicators provide information on the status of surface water quality.
Key results
- For the 2021 to 2023 period, water quality in Canadian rivers was rated fair to excellent at 83% of the monitored sites
- Land development through agriculture, forestry, mining, high population density or a combination of these (mixed pressures) tends to have a negative impact on water quality
Water use in Canada (new indicator!)
Canada is rich in freshwater, holding 20% of the world’s freshwater reserves, and nearly 7% of the world's annually renewable water. Though Canada has large amounts of fresh water, it is unevenly distributed throughout the country. The supply of water is influenced by weather patterns that are increasingly affected by climate change. It is also influenced by human activities such as urban growth, industry, and farming.
Key results
- In 2021, over 34 410 million cubic metres (m3) of water was withdrawn from Canada’s rivers, lakes and groundwater. 78.3% of the withdrawal came from 2 sectors:
- thermal power generation (22 903 million m3)
- manufacturing (4 046 million m3)
- Between 2005 and 2021, total water withdrawal declined by 15.8% from 40 876 million m3 of water in 2005 to
34 410 million m3 in 2021
Climate indicators
Extreme heat events (new indicator!)
Extreme heat events (commonly known as "heat waves") are one of the known impacts of climate change. In this indicator, extreme heat events are defined as weather events during which daily temperatures have reached Heat warning thresholds on 2 or more consecutive days with no relief overnight.
Key results
Overall, the number of days each year under extreme heat conditions has increased since 1948. Over the period from 1948 to 2023, of the 681 stations that have at least 30 years of observations:
- 60% (411 stations) experienced an increase in the number of days of extreme heat events
- 19% (127 stations) experienced a decrease in the number of days of extreme heat events
- 21% (143 stations) did not experience enough extreme heat events for a trend analysis
Greenhouse gas emissions from a consumption perspective
National greenhouse gas emissions inventories account for emissions caused by human activities in a given country, such as energy generation, industrial processes, and agriculture; some of the products of these activities are then exported and consumed elsewhere. The Greenhouse gas emissions from a consumption perspective indicator provides an alternative view, by looking at the emissions linked to goods and services consumed in a country, whether they were produced in that country or imported.
Key results
- Since 1995, Canada’s production-based GHG emissions have been higher than its consumption-based emissions, making the country a net exporter of GHG emissions over that period
- From 1995 to 2011, consumption-based emissions increased steadily except for a dip in 2009 following the 2008 financial crisis. Since 2011, consumption-based emissions have decreased overall
Sea ice is a prominent feature in the Northern Canadian Waters which are comprised of the Canadian Arctic domain and the Hudson Bay domain. It consists of seasonal ice that forms and melts each year (referred to as first-year ice) and ice that has persisted through at least one melt season (referred to as multi-year ice). This indicator reports on the sea ice area during the summer season.
Key results
- In 2024, the summer sea ice area in the Northern Canadian Waters reached a low of 0.74 million square kilometres (km2), representing 19.6% of the total area (3.76 million km2)
- Over the period from 1968 to 2024, the lowest summer sea ice area occurred in 2012 at 0.70 million km2
- Over the period from 1968 to 2024, summer sea ice area in the Northern Canadian Waters declined at a rate of 7.2% per decade
January 2025
Climate indicators
Greenhouse gas emissions projections
Climate change is caused by the increase in concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) which trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere. These increases are primarily due to GHG emissions from human activities.
Key results
Environment and Climate Change Canada publishes updated GHG emissions projection scenarios annually, reflecting the latest historical data and updated future economic and energy market assumptions. As such, projections fluctuate over time.
The latest GHG emissions projection report included 2 scenarios developed using a bottom-up approach:
- the "Reference case" scenario which includes all policies and measures funded, legislated, and implemented by federal, provincial, and territorial governments up to August 2023 and contributions from the land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector
- the "Additional measures" scenario which adds in policies and measures that are under development but have not yet been fully implemented, including contributions from nature-based-climate solutions (NBCS), agriculture measures and credits purchased under the Western Climate Initiative (WCI).
Water indicators
Phosphorus levels in the offshore waters of the Great Lakes
Phosphorus is an essential and naturally occurring nutrient in aquatic ecosystems and an important water quality parameter that can be an indicator of the health of a lake. When phosphorus levels are too high or too low, they can have harmful impacts on a lake's food web.
Key results
As of 2023, phosphorus levels were:
- too high in the offshore waters of Lake Erie, resulting in a Poor status
- too low in the offshore waters of Lake Ontario, Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, resulting in a Fair status
- at the level they should be in the offshore waters of Lake Superior, resulting in a Good status
Reductions in phosphorus loads to Lake Winnipeg
Lake Winnipeg is the sixth largest freshwater lake in Canada, with its drainage basin stretching over 4 provinces and 4 U.S. states. The land in the basin is mainly used for agriculture and is home to nearly 7 million people.
Key results
- Projects completed between 2010 and 2023 have prevented an estimated 390 445 kilograms of phosphorus from reaching Lake Winnipeg
Drinking water advisories are public health protection messages about real or potential health risks related to drinking water. These advisories are generally precautionary, meaning they are typically issued before drinking water quality problems occur. The advisories can take 3 forms: do not consume, do not use and boil water. Boil water advisories are by far the most common, representing about 98% of the drinking water advisory data each year.
Key results
- In 2023,
- 2% of boil water advisories were due to the detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli)
- 11% were due to other microbiological parameters
- the remaining 87% were due to equipment and process-related problems
- Between 2010 and 2023, the percentage of boil water advisories issued on a precautionary basis due to E. coli and other microbiological parameters decreased, while the percentage of boil water advisories issued due to equipment and process-related problems increased
Biodiversity indicators
Changes in the status of wildlife species at risk
Biodiversity supports vital ecological processes and provides a wide range of resources. It is important to conserve biodiversity to prevent the extinction of wildlife species and ecosystem loss. Wildlife species are essential to the integrity of ecosystems. However, some species are at risk of disappearing from Canada. Wildlife species that are thought to be at risk are periodically assessed.
Key results
The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada started their assessments of wildlife species at risk in 1978. Species are reassessed when sufficient data becomes available to determine whether there was a change in status. Since 1978, 535 species have been reassessed and of those:
- 86 wildlife species (16%) are now in a higher risk category
- 109 wildlife species (20%) are now in a lower risk category
- 340 wildlife species (64%) show no change in status
December 2024
Biodiversity indicators
Invasive alien species in Canada
Plants, animals and microorganisms that have moved beyond their native range to a non-native ecosystem are known as alien species. When the introduction and spread of alien species threaten the new environment, economy or society (including human health), they are considered invasive. Invasive alien species can cause environmental and economic damage to our waterways, food supply and natural resources.
Key results
- From 2012 to 2023,
- Five (5) new federally regulated invasive alien species have been found to be established: European cherry fruit fly, box tree moth, Japanese stiltgrass, carnation tortrix and oak wilt
- One (1) new non-federally regulated invasive alien species has been found to be established: strawberry blossom weevil
Species at risk population trends
Healthy wildlife populations are an important part of biodiversity. In Canada, some species that have experienced population declines or are naturally rare are now in danger of disappearing. Recovery or management actions are put in place to protect wildlife species that are identified as being at risk and are in danger of disappearing. Ensuring the successful recovery or management of a species at risk can be a long-term process involving various measures to stop or reverse the decline in the species and improve the likelihood that it will persist in the wild.
Key results
Of the 167 species at risk that include population and distribution objectives and for which trends could be determined, as of May 2024:
- 66 species (40%) show progress towards their objectives
- 24 species (14%) show mixed evidence, meaning that some information suggests improving trends, but there is also some evidence of decline
- 77 species (46%) do not show progress towards their objectives
November 2024
Climate indicators
Land-based greenhouse gas emissions and removals
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are the major drivers of climate change. Land use activities (such as timber harvesting and land conversion) as well as natural disturbances (such as forest fires and insect infestations) result in GHG emissions. Land use activities can also result in GHG removals. For example, as forests grow or recover, carbon is removed from the atmosphere and converted into wood by trees. Tracking the trends in Canada's land-based GHG emissions and removals can help us understand how land management decisions could reduce emissions and increase removals over time.
Key results
- In 2022,
- Natural disturbances accounted for emissions of about 93 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2 eq)
- Human activities accounted for emissions of 52 Mt CO2 eq
- Between 1990 to 2001, estimates of land-based GHGs showed more removals than emissions in all years except for 1995 (net emissions of 161 Mt CO2 eq), 1998 (net emissions of 147 Mt CO2 eq) and 1999 (net emissions of 18 Mt CO2 eq)
- Since 2002, estimates show more emissions than removals, with net emissions ranging between 30 Mt CO2 eq and 314 Mt CO2 eq
October 2024
Waste and contaminant indicators
Solid waste diversion and disposal
The way our economies extract, use, then dispose of resources is putting pressure on natural systems, communities and public health. Preventing and diverting waste by reusing, repairing, refurbishing, remanufacturing, repurposing, recycling and composting is a key component of a more circular economy which can help reduce the impact of solid waste on the environment. The circular economy seeks to keep products, materials and resources in use for as long as possible and then divert them from landfills to be reused in some way. Currently, most garbage collected for disposal ends up in landfills and a small amount is incinerated. This can lead to air pollutant emissions, land disturbance and water pollution. The extraction and processing of new resources needed to replace those discarded as waste leads to more pollution.
Key results
- From 2002 to 2022,
- the total amount of solid waste generated in Canada increased by 5.8 million tonnes (or 19%) to reach 36.5 million tonnes
- the amount of waste diverted increased by 3.3 million tonnes (or 49%) to reach 9.9 million tonnes
- the amount of waste disposed in landfills or incinerated increased by 2.5 million tonnes (or 11%) to reach 26.6 million tonnes
- In 2022, 27.1% of solid waste generated in Canada was diverted, while the remaining 72.9% was sent for disposal
September 2024
Biodiversity indicators
Ecological integrity of national parks
Ecosystems have ecological integrity when their components, such as native species, biological communities, natural landscapes, and ecological functions, are intact and are likely to persist. Annually, Parks Canada summarizes the condition (good, fair, poor) and the trend (improving, stable, declining) of ecosystems' ecological integrity in Parks Canada sites using a series of monitoring measures to track changes in biodiversity and natural processes.
Key results
- 119 ecosystems in 43 Parks Canada sites were assessed in 2023. Of those,
- 65 (55%) were in good condition, 35 (29%) were in fair condition and 19 (16%) were in poor condition
- 78 (66%) were stable, 16 (14%) were improving and 24 (20%) were declining
- Overall, the ecological integrity of 80% of site ecosystems was stable or improving in 2023, marking a 10% decrease from 90% recorded in 2016.
August 2024
Air indicators
Emissions of harmful substances to air
Emissions of some substances can harm human health, wildlife and biological diversity. For example, small particles of toxic metals can travel long distances in the air, be inhaled, or settle on the ground and in water. From there, the particles can enter the food web and build up in the tissues of living organisms. Exposure to these substances, even in small amounts, can be hazardous to both humans and ecosystems. Mercury and its compounds, lead, and inorganic cadmium compounds are listed as toxic substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The emissions of harmful substances to air indicator reports on mercury, lead and cadmium emissions from human-related activities.
Key results
- In 2022, mercury, lead and cadmium emissions had decreased by 91%, 88% and 95%, respectively from 1990 levels
Climate indicators
Global greenhouse gas emissions
The release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and their increasing concentration in the atmosphere is causing climate change, one of the most important environmental issues of our time. This change has an impact on the environment, human health and the economy. The increase in GHG concentrations is primarily due to human activities, such as the use of fossil fuels. Greenhouse gases remain in the atmosphere for periods ranging from a few years to thousands of years. As such, they have a worldwide impact, no matter where they were first emitted. This indicator highlights GHG emissions caused by human activity around the world.
Key results
- Between 2005 and 2021, global GHG emissions increased by 24%, from 39 001 to 48 210 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2 eq)
- Between 2005 and 2021, per capita global GHG emissions increased by 2.67%, from 5.99 to 6.15 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (t CO2 eq)
Water indicators
Releases of harmful substances to water
The release of some substances to the environment can harm human health, wildlife and biological diversity. Toxic metals released to water can enter the food web and accumulate in the tissues of living organisms. Exposure to these substances, even in small amounts, can be hazardous to both humans and wildlife. Mercury and its compounds, lead and inorganic cadmium compounds are listed as toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The Releases of harmful substances to water indicator reports facility-based releases of these substances to water.
Key results
- Facility-based releases of mercury, lead and cadmium to water were 79%, 71% and 56% lower in 2022 than in 2003, respectively
- In 2014, a significant spill accounted for 92%, 92% and 59% of total releases of mercury, lead and cadmium, respectively
- 2022 represented the lowest year on record for releases to water of mercury and cadmium, and the second lowest for lead
July 2024
Climate indicators
Temperature is a key indicator of how the climate is changing in response to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from human activities, as increasing GHG concentrations result in warming of the lower atmosphere. Temperature change can influence crops, forests, infrastructure, human health, the spread of disease, the availability of water and the health of ecosystems.
Key results
- In Canada, the national average temperature for the year 2023 was 2.8 degrees Celsius (°C) above the 1961 to 1990 reference value, making it the second warmest year since 1948
- From 1948 to 2023, there is a trend in annual average temperature departures, showing 2.0°C of warming over that period
- Annual average temperatures were consistently above or equal to the reference value from 1997 onward
Biodiversity indicators
Harvest levels of key fish stocks
Harvest limits for wild fish and other marine animals are set to protect these stocks for the future. Some fish stocks have a removal reference, which is the maximum acceptable removal rate, or level, for the stock based on historical stock productivity data. When removal references are not available, actual harvest levels are compared to other approved levels like total allowable catch.
Key results
- Of the 195 key stocks assessed in 2022:
- 189 stocks (97%) were harvested at or below a removal reference or an approved level
- 6 stocks (3%) were harvested above an approved level
- From 2012 to 2022, the percentage of stocks harvested above approved levels has been consistently low (below 5% of total stocks)
Human use of the oceans (including fishing) and environmental conditions affect the abundance and health of fish stocks at national and global levels. In order to maintain fish stocks for future generations, it is important to track their status and adjust management measures (such as harvest rates and limits). This indicator reports on the status (Healthy, Cautious, Critical or uncertain) of key Canadian fish stocks as found in the Sustainability Survey for Fisheries.
Key results
- Many of the new stocks added in recent years have an uncertain status
- Of the 195 key fish stocks assessed in 2022:
- 66 stocks (34%) were in the Healthy zone
- 24 stocks (12%) were in the Cautious zone
- 23 stocks (12%) were in the Critical zone
- 82 stocks (42%) could not be classified and have an uncertain status
Conserved areas safeguard biodiversity for present and future generations by reducing stresses from human activities. They also provide opportunities for people to connect with nature. Conserved areas include protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). Protected areas include national, provincial and territorial parks, Indigenous protected areas, national wildlife areas, migratory bird sanctuaries and marine protected areas. OECMs are areas that do not meet the formal definition of protected area but are managed in a way that conserves biodiversity over the long term. Examples of OECMs can include: Indigenous territories, watersheds or resource management areas, and areas with restricted access, such as those used by the military. These indicators track the amount and proportion of area recognized as conserved in Canada.
Key results
- At the end of 2023, Canada had conserved
- 13.7% of its terrestrial area (land and freshwater), including 12.8% in protected areas
- 14.7% of its marine territory, including 9.1% in protected areas
- Terrestrial area conserved has increased by 101% in the last 20 years, by 22% in the last 5 years, and by 1% in the last year
- Marine area conserved has increased by 3 099% in the last 20 years, by 137% in the last 5 years, and by less than 1% in the last year
June 2024
Air indicators
Air pollution problems, such as smog and acid rain, result from the release of pollutants into the atmosphere. These pollutants can affect Canadians' health, the environment, buildings, structures and the economy. The majority of these pollutants are released through human activities, such as transportation, the burning of fuels for electricity and heating, and a variety of industrial activities. The indicators on sulphur oxides (SOX), nitrogen oxides (NOX), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), ammonia (NH3), fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon, a component of PM2.5, report emissions released through human activities.
Key results
- In 2022, emissions of 5 key air pollutants were lower than in 1990:
- SOX 78% lower,
- NOX 42% lower,
- VOCs 38% lower,
- CO 65% lower, and
- PM2.5 22% lower
- Emissions of NH3 were 22% higher in 2022 than in 1990
Air pollutants cause adverse health and environmental effects. Problems such as smog and acid rain result from the release of pollutants into the atmosphere. Most of these pollutants come from human activities, such as the burning of fuels for transportation, electricity, heating, and industry. Pollutants from natural sources, such as wildfires, can be equally substantial contributors to poor air quality when they occur. The Air quality indicators present the concentrations of 5 key air pollutants for Canada: fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ground-level ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Key results
From 2006 to 2020,
- average and peak PM2.5 concentrations exhibited large fluctuations compared to 2006 levels, with the highest concentration recorded in 2018 due to wildfire activity
- average O3 concentrations remained close to 2006 levels, while peak O3 concentrations have slightly decreased
- NO2 and SO2 (average and peak) and average VOC concentrations have generally decreased since 2006. The decrease was more pronounced for SO2 than for NO2 or VOC
Water indicators
Nutrients in the St. Lawrence River
The St. Lawrence River links the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean and is among the world's most important commercial waterways. It is a complex ecosystem that includes freshwater lakes and river reaches, a long estuary, and a salt-water gulf. Its many different habitats are home to a diverse range of plants, fish and other animals.
Phosphorus and nitrogen are essential plant nutrients. However, when their levels are too high or too low, they can have harmful effects on the food web of a river. Human activity, such as the use of chemical fertilizers, can increase the concentration of these nutrients to unhealthy levels. This indicator presents the status of each station as the percentage of samples above the nutrient guideline. It also provides the concentration of phosphorus and nitrogen, as well as any significant trends present in the concentrations over time where data were available.
Key results
- Out of 13 stations for the 2021 to 2023 period,
- Phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations were above the guidelines at most monitoring stations
- Nitrogen status was rated Poor at 6 stations, Fair at 4 stations, and Good at 3 stations
- Phosphorus status was rated Poor at 5 stations, Fair at 3 stations, and Good at 5 stations
May 2024
Climate indicators
Climate change is one of the most important environmental issues of our time. Climate change is caused by the increase in concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. These increases are primarily due to GHG emissions resulting from human activities such as the use of fossil fuels or agriculture. This changing climate has impacts on the environment, human health and the economy. The indicators report estimates of Canada's emissions of GHGs over time.
Key results
- Canada's total GHG emissions in 2022 were 708 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2 eq), a 1.3% increase from 698 Mt CO2 eq in 2021
- From 2005 to 2022, Canada's GHG emissions decreased by 7.1% (54 Mt CO2 eq)
- Between 1990 and 2022, Canada's GHG emissions increased by 16.5% (100 Mt CO2 eq)
Greenhouse gas emissions from large facilities
Releases of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and their increasing concentrations in the atmosphere are leading to a changing climate. This change has an impact on the environment, human health and the economy. This indicator tracks GHG emissions from the largest emitting facilities in Canada. The indicator complements the Greenhouse gas emissions indicators and provides information on an important source of Canada's industrial GHG emissions.
Key results
In 2022,
- 293 megatonnes (Mt) of GHGs in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 eq) were emitted by 1 814 facilities reporting to the Government of Canada's GHG Reporting Program
- emissions from the reporting facilities accounted for 41% of Canada's total GHG emissions
Biodiversity indicators
Ability of the agricultural landscape to support wildlife
When we convert natural landscapes to agricultural land, the amount and quality of habitat to support the breeding activities of wild species, or "wildlife habitat capacity", generally decreases. However, we can maintain or restore some of this capacity through effective management techniques, for example by protecting waterways, maintaining shelterbelts or other natural features, or sustainable grazing practices. This indicator shows the extent to which breeding habitat in agricultural landscapes for terrestrial species is maintained while producing the products we eat and use. The agricultural landscape considered in this indicator includes various types of land cover, such as croplands, native grasslands, natural pastures, woodlands and wetlands.
Key results
- In 2020, the overall ability of Canada's agricultural landscape to support wildlife was rated as moderate
- The largest proportion of the landscape is rated as high (37%)
- From 2000 to 2020, the ability of the agricultural landscape to support wildlife across Canada was stable for most (78%), but declined for about 22%
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