Good morning, and thank you very much for inviting me to appear.
I will focus on two topics today. Let's start with forests, since that's my own research topic.
Globally, we can say and we know quite well that forests capture about a third of the world's carbon emissions. Forests are therefore a great help in the fight against climate change. However, scientists are very concerned about what's called the tipping point—the moment when forests become unable to cope with climate change and start emitting carbon dioxide instead of capturing it.
That leads me to remind members of what happened quite recently in Canada. In 2023, forest fires in Quebec contributed to producing more carbon dioxide than all human activities combined. Forests have thus become an enemy in the fight against climate change rather than an ally. No one will forget the 2024 wildfires, when the town of Jasper, a symbol of our country, burned down to a large extent. This year, in 2025, the forest fires were so intense in the Prairies and in British Columbia that, even in Quebec—and in the Maritimes, I believe—we could barely breathe for several weeks. We're not talking about just a few days.
The situation we find ourselves in this year is no longer the same as it was 10 years ago, in 2015, when Canada signed the Paris Agreement. We are in an extremely perilous situation, and all scientists agree that climate action must be accelerated. Unfortunately, when we look at Canada's emissions trends, we realize that we've reached a plateau: We're not reducing emissions, even though the 2030 plan was very well designed.
Together with a group of colleagues from across Canada, we launched an initiative called Dialogues for a Green Canada, which was formed before the Paris climate conference to suggest potential solutions. We would like to highlight six measures that could help Canada meet its targets—perhaps not by 2030, but at least get us back on track. We believe our proposals reflect the mindset of Canadians and the concerns they've expressed across the country.
In the context of major infrastructure projects, there is an urgent need to facilitate electric interconnection between provinces. Some Canadian provinces produce low-carbon electricity, while others do not. The latter could therefore benefit from exporting electricity from east to west or west to east. It's very important. That electricity could be powered by improved renewable energy production. I would like to point out that Alberta is the province with the greatest solar energy potential in Canada, making it an extremely attractive option. The same holds true for wind energy in the Maritimes.
Canada should also shoulder its responsibilities for rail transportation. We know very well that rail transportation is by far the most efficient mode of transportation for reducing greenhouse gas production and that it falls under federal jurisdiction. Rail interswitching is therefore desirable.
Canadians are currently deeply concerned about the cost of living. We believe Canada should support the changes people are making by helping them live in more energy-efficient homes and drive low-carbon cars. Such support would be achieved through regulation and financial incentives.
Canada must also consider international competition, because it is losing ground on that front. Indigenous leadership should be recognized, because most of the renewable energy initiatives come from our first nations. Investments in national security can also contribute to renewable energy initiatives. Finally, we cannot avoid thinking about justice and equity at this time, because it is Canada's poor who are suffering from the impacts of climate change and are unable to cope with them.
Thank you.