🌍 Canada, Europe and the Leoprint in our closet
It’s June, officially Earth Month. And while in my current Canadian home the first fireflies are fluttering, I ask myself: how green have we really become? A small reality check between two continents.
What kind of policy does the climate need? Between Green Deal, CO₂ pricing, and biodiversity
Anyone following the debates on climate policy, air quality, or species protection can feel overwhelmed: the instruments are diverse, progress is uneven—but the goal is the same. Canada and Europe pursue ambitious strategies for sustainable transformation. What has been achieved so far? And what can we learn from each other?
CO₂ policy Europe vs. Canada, net-zero strategies in international comparison
In 2019, the EU Commission under Ursula von der Leyen set out a comprehensive climate strategy: the European Green Deal. Its elements were then given actionable targets in reform packages like “Fit for 55,” which concretize emissions goals across industry, transport, and fuels.
Overarching goal: reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. These political measures cover nearly all economic sectors. Countries like Sweden, the Netherlands, and Denmark, leading in renewable energy, have contributed significantly to a 37% reduction in European emissions since 1990—37% in 35 years. Hence, this leaves 13% to cut in just five years. Meanwhile, others in the so‑called Weimar Triangle (France, Germany, Poland) currently deprioritize climate policy in favor of economic security. Still, also economic stability is affected by climate risks and needs to innovate on that.
Bans versus incentives
Canada relies more on financial incentives in climate policy. Prime Minister Mark Carney has signaled the removal of gasoline taxes for individuals and promotes energy-efficiency investments through programs like the Canada Greener Homes Grant. For businesses, there’s a CO₂ pricing system via certificates—companies can pay to offset their emissions. To guide the transition toward sustainable business, Carney plans to raise the CO₂ price per ton significantly—from $59 to $170.
Canada’s expansion of renewable energy projects—hydropower, solar, and wind—makes it an attractive location for manufacturers. For instance, the German ceramics company Duravit built a facility in Matane (Quebec) with an electric ceramic roller kiln, saving 8,500 tons of CO₂ annually compared to conventional gas-fired kilns.
The result: Canada’s current National Inventory Report shows emissions are at their lowest in 27 years. Major strides have been made in methane regulation by the oil and gas sector—while the economy continues to grow. But less emissions do not necessarily mean better air quality.
🌬️ Air quality: Paris as a role model, Canada with untapped potential
Despite solid climate programs, Canada ranks low in air quality (Climate Change Performance Index)—62nd out of 67. Causes include wildfire smoke, high private car use, and poor public transit in rural areas.
Europe does much better: Denmark, for example, ranks 4th in the CCPI. Paris shows what committed transport policy can achieve: since 2014, Mayor Anne Hidalgo has introduced car-free zones, expanded bike lanes, and strengthened public transit—resulting in a 50% drop in nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, dramatically reducing health risks.
🌱 Biodiversity begins on our balcony
Canada has vast, ecologically valuable spaces, yet biodiversity loss remains a pressing challenge. Protected zones exist, but habitats are increasingly threatened—particularly in coastal and marine areas.
Europe faces similar pressures: intensive agriculture, urban sprawl, and land use change are endangering native species. With its Nature Restoration Law, the EU aims to protect at least 30% of land and sea area by 2030.
Biodiversity touches our lives daily—pollinating insects like bees support crops and food production. Thought experiment: Will we someday have drone-bee Majas—and what would Flip and Willi say?
An easier solution than drones is letting wildflowers grow on your balcony or cutting back on lawn mowing. A small-scale, anti-authoritarian garden to counter bee decline and ease global anxieties. Revolution can start on the balcony!
🌊 Marine protection: global aspiration meets national interest
Canada also contributes at sea. In 2024, it designated the protected area “Tang.ɢ̱wan – ḥačx̱ wiqak – Tsig̱is,” expanding marine protection by 15% to safeguard cold-water corals and glass sponge reefs. However, offshore drilling persists near Newfoundland and Labrador.
Under the initiative by Under The Planet, anyone can now join a campaign to protect these coral ecosystems (link).
In Europe, the UN Ocean Conference in Nice 2025 launched a marine protection stakeholder alliance. Civil society, researchers, and businesses jointly pressed the European Commission for stronger measures. Ocean Care’s CEO Fabienne McLellan created a six-point action plan and petition—open for public signature.
A serious conflict lies in trade deals like CETA: investor-state dispute mechanisms (ISDS) may permit legal challenges to environmental protections seen as limiting investments.
Canadian country queen in European wardrobes
Remember the weekend ritual of watching MTV or VIVA countdowns? In 1999, Canadian singer Shania Twain broke out in Europe and the U.S. with her song “That Don’t Impress Me Much”—blending country and pop—and a deliberate style icon.
She wore an unforgettable leopard-print suit—symbolically fierce and decidedly animal-free. Leo-print once signaled rebellion: rulers in antiquity, Hollywood icons in the 1930s (Marilyn Monroe), and 1960s feminists and hippies. Shania wore it proudly—as a queen who wouldn’t be impressed (even by Brad Pitt).
Did you enjoy the piece?
Would you like a surprise story about a specific fashion item—or a deeper dive into sustainable transformation in another area? Share your questions, and I’ll explore the answers 😊