Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Canadian Economy, 1981-2000

Abstract

Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions have risen by 30% between 1981 and 2000. Per capita, Canada has one of the world's highest levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Canada's heavy reliance on fossil fuel for energy rather than other forms of power (such as nuclear) and the structure of its economy are two influences behind this high rate of emissions. Over this period, carbon dioxide emissions per capita reported a moderate increase primarily as a result of the increase of energy consumption per capita but improvements in eco-efficiency - defined as the growth of saleable output per unit of CO2 emissions - slowed in the 1990s, compared to the 1980s. In the 1990s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and Quebec were the provinces that experienced the fastest improvement in eco-efficiency.

Keywords: carbon dioxide, energy consumption, fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions

JEL Classification: Q5