Canada is taking a bold step to combat climate change, but it’s a move that’s already sparking debate. The country has just unveiled ambitious methane emission standards for its oil and gas sector, aiming to slash emissions by a staggering 75% by 2035. But here's where it gets controversial: these new rules, set to kick in by 2028, come with a longer timeline than initially proposed, raising questions about Canada’s commitment to urgent climate action.
Published by Reuters on December 16, 2025, this announcement marks a significant shift for the world’s fourth-largest oil producer. The regulations, introduced under Prime Minister Mark Carney, aim to tackle methane—a greenhouse gas 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. While methane doesn’t linger in the atmosphere as long as CO2, its short-term impact on global warming is immense. And this is the part most people miss: oil and gas operations are responsible for nearly half of Canada’s methane emissions, primarily through venting, flaring, and leaks in infrastructure.
The new rules are designed to address this head-on. They ban most venting practices and mandate regular inspections to detect and repair leaks. Interestingly, companies can devise their own methane control strategies, provided they meet strict intensity thresholds. This flexibility has been praised by some as a practical approach, but critics argue it could lead to uneven enforcement.
Carney’s administration has faced scrutiny from environmentalists, who accuse him of prioritizing economic growth over climate action. Earlier this year, Canada rolled back certain emissions policies to boost energy investment, a move that drew sharp criticism. Yet, on methane, the country appears to be making strides. Previous regulations, requiring regular equipment inspections, have already put Canada on track to meet its 2025 methane reduction targets.
The government claims the new rules will cut emissions by 304 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent while minimally impacting oil and gas production (just a 0.2% reduction between 2025 and 2035). But here’s the question: is this enough? With total greenhouse gas emissions from the oil and gas sector still rising, Canada is unlikely to meet its broader 2030 climate goals. Does this new methane policy represent meaningful progress, or is it a missed opportunity for bolder action? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate worth having.
