kEiThZ
Superstar
DO know the difference between zero emissions and net-zero.
Your constant insistence that VIA eliminate all emissions says otherwise. You don't seem to even entertain the idea of offsets. This means you don't understand net zero.
The problem with your logic of saying that VIA shouldn't have to become zero emissions by 2050, is that then everyone will start to say the same and Canada will hardly reduce its emissions at all.
Strawman.
If VIA {which gets its funding from Ottawa} gets a pass then how could one in good conscience tell the other transportation systems that they can't do the same?
What about other sectors? If Ottawa won't spend the money to reach net zero in the guise that it really doesn't matter because net-zero is a national goal and hence doesn't need everyone to be carbon-free then everyone else can start saying the same. From mining to oil sands to manufacturing to freight to buses to airlines to agriculture to electrical production to other levels of government operations.............................the list is endless.
This notion that we can somehow reach net-zero without individuals {personal or business} having to actually make any sacrifices themselves is what has gotten this planet into the dire situation is in know. If we keep giving everybody a pass, then this planet is a write-off.
This is proof that you don't understand what a national net zero target means. I want you to think this through. What do you think it means when Air Canada says they will be net zero by 2050? Do you think they won't be burning jet fuel? Also, why do you seem to think macro goals are all applied proportionally at the micro level? That is not how it works. The main function of a net zero goal is driving policy, namely carbon pricing and various subsidies and taxes to get the country there. 2050 is not some Cinderella-esque date where VIA locomotives still burning diesel turn into pumpkins. What will happen is that the 2050 goal drives carbon pricing that makes burning diesel progressively more expensive till the business case drives a switch in technology or an end to the activity if it's not worthwhile.