Transportation

Transportation connects us to the world, but it’s also our single largest source of emissions.

Transportation is the main driver of climate change in B.C.

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The six lanes of the Ironworker's Memorial bridge in Vancouver are full of internal combustion vehicles heading to and from the North Shore.

Tracking emission from transportation

Transportation caused 41% of B.C.’s total emissions in 2021.

Data from the provincial inventory

Breaking down emissions from transportation

We measure emissions caused by operating:

  • Passenger vehicles like cars, trucks, ATVs and motorcycles
  • Trains and heavy-duty trucks that move goods
  • Off-road vehicles like those used by farms and mines
  • Airplanes and helicopters (within B.C.)
  • Public transit, like buses and ferries
  • Commercial and recreational boats
Learn how B.C. tracks emissions

Reducing emissions from transportation

Reducing emissions from transportation has many benefits. It will lead to cleaner air, less congestion, better health, more clean jobs and a stronger economy.

Our goal is to reduce emissions from transportation by 27-32% by 2030.

Learn how B.C. sets climate goals
Climate pollution from transportation was around 16 megatonness of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2005. It went down to just over 14 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2015. It is likely to increase to over 18 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent around 2025. Our goal is to decrease our climate pollution to below 12 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050.
Flooding washed out parts of Highway 97C through the Fraser Canyon in November 2021.

Getting roads ready for climate change

We’re strengthening highways and resource roads so they won’t be washed out by future floods.

Explore everything B.C. is doing to make transportation better

B.C. is taking action

Learn how B.C. is improving vehicle efficiency while making it easier for people to drive less or drive an electric vehicle.

See more initiatives