Charlottetown sees emissions decline for three consecutive years, with transportation identified as a key challenge in P.E.I.’s net-zero goals by 2040.
P.E.I. Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Three Years
Prince Edward Island has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions for three consecutive years, according to a new report. As the province aims for net-zero emissions by 2040, it must focus on transportation, says Gilles Arsenault, P.E.I.’s Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action.
Transportation Challenges
“Transportation is a weak point all throughout the country, so we’re not alone in this,” Arsenault stated. He noted that traffic in P.E.I. has increased significantly over the past four years.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data
The 2025 National Inventory Report, based on 2023 data, shows that total greenhouse gas emissions in P.E.I. were 1.59 megatonnes that year. This marks a nearly one percent decrease from 2022, according to a news release from the province.
Emission Reduction Goals
Under P.E.I.’s Net-zero Carbon Act, the province must reduce emissions to less than 1.2 megatonnes by 2030. The province achieved three years of emissions reductions while its population grew by almost 17 percent.
Impact of Provincial Programs
Arsenault highlighted that provincial programs, such as home insulation rebates and the heat pump program, are contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. He believes these programs are effective and that people are changing their habits.
Building Improvements
Programs related to building improvements are making the most significant impact. Arsenault mentioned that new buildings are using geothermal heating and heat pumps, along with insulation programs. Existing buildings are also being refurbished with these systems.
Future Plans
A new net-zero action plan will be released this winter, outlining the province’s programming for the next five years. Transportation will be a priority in this plan.
Transportation Emissions Solutions
While programs like the active transportation fund and “toonie transit” have been successful, more action is needed to address transportation emissions. The province is considering electric vehicle rebates and charging infrastructure for EVs.
Balancing Environmental Goals
Arsenault noted that pursuing net-zero goals comes as P.E.I. faces electricity shortages. He described it as “a balancing act” between protecting the environment and maintaining a sustainable grid.
Backup Generation Needs
He mentioned that the combustion turbine generators Maritime Electric plans to purchase would likely operate less than one percent of the time, which should not hinder provincial net-zero goals. “To me, it’s a necessary tool that we need to have backup generation on Prince Edward Island,” he said.
Education and Support
Arsenault emphasized the need for continued education for Islanders. “We need to continue to educate people, to train people to help them with their routines, and continue on with the programming that the province is offering,” he stated.
Climate Action Spending
The latest Minister’s Report on Climate Change revealed that the government spent $266.6 million on climate action in 2024-2025 across all departments.
| Year | Emissions (megatonnes) | Population Growth (%) | Climate Action Spending ($ million) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1.60 | – | – |
| 2023 | 1.59 | 17 | – |
| 2024-2025 | – | – | 266.6 |
