Would the federal governments proposed measures meet Canadas obligations under the Kyoto Protocol?
No. The Kyoto Protocol calls for a six per cent reduction below 1990 greenhouse gas emissions levels by between 2008 and 2012. Canada is now 25 per cent above 1990 levels. The Harper targets are 20 per cent below 2006 levels by 2020 and 60 to 70 per cent below 2006 levels by 2050. Using 2006 as a benchmark year instead of 1990 makes all the difference. It’s like starting the 100 yard sprint at the 50 yard mark (2006) while everybody else starts at 0 (1990). In 2020, Canada will be five per cent above 1990 levels. That’s 11 per cent above our 2012 Kyoto target. If the whole world followed our example, we would toast the planet for sure.
Related Questions
- Why is it necessary for the federal government to require that institutions review proposed research projects? Don all researchers take the appropriate steps to protect subjects on their own?
- Are the measures in line with the federal governments overall economic development strategy and CEDs mandate?
- Would the federal governments proposed measures meet Canadas obligations under the Kyoto Protocol?
