Laurel Broten, Invest in Canada CEO, illustrates how global investments are helping build a prosperous economy while reaching net-zero targets.
When Laurel Broten, CEO of Invest in Canada, sat down with us at COP28 last year, she highlighted how commitments are needed from all players (private business and governments alike) to drive the sustainability agenda. At New York Climate Week, she is sharing the progress Canada is making in leading green energy projects and maintaining momentum towards its net-zero emissions target by 2050.
Canada’s sustainability advantage
Over the last year, the country has seen significant action and tangible investment in sustainable projects. Not only is Canada ranked second in the world for its support for green energy projects (Source: Rystad Energy), but Invest in Canada’s annual report released in June also highlighted that sustainable projects made up 29% of total FI in 2023, a record amount for the country.
Canada recognizes that the future of sustainability is multi-faceted; this includes the critical energy transition, but it encapsulates so much more. As such, Invest in Canada and its partners’ lens on sustainability is broad and extends far beyond addressing greenhouse gas emissions. Canada also champions leadership in other sustainable industries, such as hydrogen, alternative proteins and sustainable aviation fuel, as well as EV and battery manufacturing.
Global companies choose Canada for green innovation
Canada’s abundance of natural resources, renewable electricity, competitive incentives and skilled workforce position the country as a leader in the transition to a greener, more sustainable global economy. Global companies have taken notice, and are choosing Canada as their second home.
French agri-food leader Roquette chose Canada to build the world’s largest pea protein plant. Shell launched its massive Quest Carbon Capture Storage Project, that has so far captured and stored 7.7 million tonnes of CO2. A diverse group of companies working to develop sustainable aviation fuel to serve the European market– altogether, they are set to produce more than 500 million liters annually by 2030. Many companies have also made announcements in the EV battery supply chain in recent years.
‘’Net-zero is our north star, but green transition is a journey. Global investment is a critical component to building the innovative solutions that will feed, fuel, light and move the world more sustainably.’’ – Laurel Broten, CEO of Invest in Canada
