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Canada's parliament grills bank CEOs on climate policy in unusual conference

The CEOs of Canada's big five banks on Thursday reassured members of parliament about their dedication to combating climate modification, however said reducing funding for fossil fuel extraction would require time and more works need to be done to reach net no emissions.

In a rare meeting, MPs grilled the heads of Royal Bank of Canada, TD Bank of Montreal, Bank of Nova Scotia and CIBC appeared via videolink before a House of Commons committee to answer concerns about any steps their banks are requiring to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and guide away from nonrenewable fuel source financing.

Canadian banks, among the biggest oil and gas financiers in the world, have come under pressure over current years with demands to change their financing practices that add to environment modification.

The 5 banks funded about $104 billion to fossil fuels in 2015, 13% of the worth of the offers covered from international banks, according to a current report.

The banking and oil and gas industries contribute approximately about 3% to 5% to Canada's gdp.

Energy is still a huge part of the Canadian economy. And therefore, we need to continue to support the economy as we make the transition, you need to do both, can't just do one, RBC CEO Dave McKay said in reaction to a member of parliament's. concerns.

The banks have all set climate goals however members questioned. the lack of commitment to only fund business if the tasks. are verified to have an effect that will lower the greenhouse. gas emissions considerably.

I think that becomes part of the problem- is that the dedications. are vague. We're speaking about sustainable financial investments. There's. no real meaning around it. There's not a lot of transparency. around it, MP Leah Taylor Roy stated.

The banks' brief and long-term emissions decrease targets. includes net-zero in operations and financed emissions by 2050,. while helping clients to make the transition.

Canada, the world's fourth-largest oil manufacturer, has promised. to cut greenhouse gas emissions 40% to 45% listed below 2005 levels by. 2030.

TD's CEO Bharat Masrani stated it would follow an orderly. transition and support accountable oil and gas industry. accountable while making sure the bank offers capital and. investment to move to a net-zero world.

Meanwhile, environment activists criticised the lack of a. commensurate plan of action.

The financial investments they make are holding the nation back from. climate development and, previously, there had actually been no signs they. would be held to account, stated Julie Segal, senior supervisor of. climate finance at Environmental Defence Canada stated.

(source: Reuters)