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Greenhouse Gas and Energy Efficiency Targets

Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to taking action on climate change and energy efficiency and has established ambitious targets to guide action over the coming years.

Greenhouse Gas and Energy Efficiency Targets

Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to taking action on climate change and energy efficiency and has established ambitious targets to guide action over the coming years.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The Provincial Government has committed to pursue the regional greenhouse gas reduction targets of the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers on a provincial basis. These targets are to:

  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2010
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emission to 10% below 1990 levels by 2020
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 75-85% below 2001 levels by 2050.

Historical Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Newfoundland and Labrador, 1990 - 2014

View data

The Provincial Government came very close to meeting its greenhouse gas reduction target for 2010 considering that real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by an unprecedented 67% over the same period. Looking forward, the development of Muskrat Falls will significantly reduce provincial greenhouse gas emissions. However, the Provincial Government forecasts that industrial development will put upward pressure on provincial emissions and further efforts will be needed to meet the 2020 target.

Energy Consumption

The Provincial Government recognizes that achieving its target for 2020 will be challenging, and further action will be required. Current projections indicate that energy demand is expected to decrease somewhat, but still remain over 15% above the 2020 target. Given the multiple benefits associated with improvements in energy efficiency, government has taken action to generate a major shift in the uptake of energy efficiency. This has resulted in initiatives such as: