Net-Zero Advisory Body

Summary of the strategic assessment of effects on the environment related to the implementation of the Net-Zero Advisory Body.

As established under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, the Net-Zero Advisory Body is mandated to provide the Minister of Environment and Climate Change with independent advice with respect to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, including advice respecting greenhouse gas emissions targets and greenhouse gas emissions reduction plans. The Net-Zero Advisory Body’s mandate also includes conducting engagement activities related to achieving net-zero emissions.

Reducing and removing emissions to achieve net-zero will mitigate the effects of climate change on the environment, including on temperatures, precipitation patterns, sea level rise, and extreme weather events, while achieving environmental co-benefits for improved air quality.

The activities of the Net-Zero Advisory Body and the independent advice it provides to the Minister are expected to contribute positively to the following Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goals and the environmentally-related 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

Effective action on climate change

The Net-Zero Advisory Body’s advice will directly contribute to the Government of Canada’s establishment of greenhouse gas emissions targets and greenhouse gas emissions reduction plans under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act. Its activities will further support the ongoing implementation of the Strengthened Climate Plan and the Pan Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF), support the objectives of the Paris Agreement, continue work with partners on climate change, and assist Canadian communities, businesses and stakeholders in reducing emissions. This initiative will support SDG 13 Climate Action.

Greening government

The Net-Zero Advisory Body’s advice may address the need for government operations, particularly its facilities and fleets, to transition to net-zero by 2050. These measures would contribute to SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production; and SDG 13 Climate Action.

Clean growth

The Net-Zero Advisory Body’s advice may encourage development and investment in clean technologies, particularly those that reduce GHG emissions. These investments would also support SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 13 Climate Action; and SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals.

Modern and resilient infrastructure

The Net-Zero Advisory Body may provide advice related to green infrastructure, particularly in relation to its lines of inquiry, which include  the transportation and buildings sectors. These actions would further SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; and SDG 13 Climate Action.

Clean energy

The Net-Zero Advisory Body’s advice may support actions that increase the amount of energy generated from renewable and non-emitting sources, including the specific FSDS target of 90% by 2030 and 100% in the long-term. These measures would further SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; and SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production.

Sustainably managed lands and forests

The Net-Zero Advisory Body’s advice may support the implementation of nature-based solutions that serve to reduce emissions or to capture and store carbon. These kinds of solutions also support SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 15 Life On Land.

Sustainable food

The Net-Zero Advisory Body may provide advice related to reducing GHG emissions from agriculture and expanding agricultural practices that sequester carbon. These proposals would contribute to SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 15 Life On Land.

The environmental impacts associated with climate change are causing, and are expected to cause, many negative effects on human health and socioeconomic conditions.  The Net-Zero Advisory Body will provide advice on how Canada can achieve its emissions reduction targets, and thereby mitigate climate change and decrease the severity of environmental effects on human health and socio-economic conditions. In providing its advice, the Net-Zero Advisory Body must consider environmental, economic, social and technological factors as well as the best available scientific information and knowledge respecting climate change, including Indigenous knowledge.

The Net-Zero Advisory Body’s advice will be provided to the Minister in an annual report, which the Minister will then make public.