The Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) is facing challenges in its efforts to reduce carbon emissions, largely due to an increased reliance on natural gas for energy. A recent report from the Atmospheric Fund, a regional climate agency, indicates that emissions in the area rose by one percent in 2024. While this marks a slower growth compared to previous years, it falls significantly short of the 11 percent annual reductions necessary to meet the region's 2030 climate targets.
One of the report's striking revelations is the 28 percent increase in electricity emissions, which has outpaced the two percent rise in demand. This surge is attributed directly to Ontario's escalating dependence on natural gas to power its energy grid. Experts warn that this trend is expected to worsen over the next decade, complicating efforts to combat climate change in the region.
According to the report, buildings and transportation remain the highest-emitting sectors in most of the GTHA. However, Hamilton stands out due to its significant steel manufacturing industry, which is the largest contributor to emissions in that city. Despite the overall rise in emissions, per-capita emissions have decreased by around three percent, indicating that certain climate initiatives are beginning to yield positive results.
Government efforts have made notable progress in areas such as home retrofit programs and the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. For instance, Toronto recently achieved a notable milestone, incorporating 100 electric buses into its transit fleet. These advancements suggest a commitment to transitioning towards more sustainable energy practices, albeit the challenges ahead remain substantial.
The GTHA encompasses Toronto and Hamilton alongside surrounding regions such as Durham, Halton, Peel, and York. In the context of the energy grid, data shows that last year, 16 percent of Ontario's energy was generated from natural gas, leaving the grid 84 percent emissions-free. This figure represents a decline from 87 percent the previous year and a stark contrast to the high of 96 percent in 2017, as reported by the province’s Independent Electricity System Operator.
Climate advocates criticize the ongoing rise in natural gas usage as a clear indication of Ontario’s failure to invest timely in renewable energy and battery storage solutions. In response, the government maintains its ambition to achieve an almost entirely clean energy grid by 2050, attributing the recent increase in natural gas consumption partly to the ongoing refurbishment of nuclear facilities.
Overall, the report highlights the complexities and challenges that lie ahead for the GTHA as additional efforts are required to align with climate goals and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The interplay between population growth, energy production, and emission reductions will be crucial for developing a sustainable future for this densely populated and industrially significant region.
