Government Plan Fails to Rapidly Reduce Global Warming Pollution

The Harper plan is misleading because it references today’s emissions levels rather than the internationally agreed 1990 baseline. Under this plan, Canada will not reach its 2012 Kyoto commitments until at least 2023. This will be too late to stop dangerous climate change.

The decision to slow the growth of pollution from large industrial sources of greenhouse gas emissions through so-called “intensity-based regulations,” rather than requiring absolute reductions, is a key flaw in the scheme.

“The Harper government is putting itself on the wrong side of climate change science, Canada’s international commitments, public opinion, and business”, said Julia Langer, WWF-Canada. “A policy of delay and half-measures denies the seriousness and urgency of the global warming problem, ignores the green business opportunities, and dismisses Canadians’ expectations for action.”

In contrast, the European Union voted last month to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% (below 1990 levels) by 2020 and have begun regulating large industrial sources, mandating energy efficiency improvements and created a carbon market. Dozens of studies have outlined technically and economically feasible approaches for Canada to dramatically reduce fossil fuel pollution. All of them involve aggressive energy conservation requirements throughout the economy, maximizing the use of renewable power, carbon capture and storage, purchase of certified credits and carbon trading, all backstopped by legally-binding emission reduction caps.

“This would have been a good start 10 years ago, but we’re down to the 11th hour and time is running out for avoiding dangerous climate change” said Lorne Johnson, Ottawa Bureau Director for WWF-Canada. “In the best interests of the planet, the government should take another hard look at the scientific evidence, public opinion and the economic costs of delay, and take action accordingly.”