The Kyoto Protocol, ratified by Canada in December 2002 will come into force today, February 16. This is good news for the planet, as 141 countries around the world (with the exception of the United States - the largest single polluter) have pledged to work together to reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses.
But Canada has yet to put forward an effective, coherent plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
If emissions continue as usual, they will rise to 810 million tonnes per year by 2010 - 30% above our legally binding Kyoto target of 570 Mt, leaving a 240 million tonne/yr gap. The government has called on individual citizens to reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions by one tonne per year - 20% of the average individual emissions.
But the largest polluters haven't been asked to do their part. So far, the government has relied mainly on voluntary measures that have been largely ignored by big business. Half of greenhouse gas emissions are from large industrial polluters, but the government is reportedly reducing their reduction target from 55 to 45 million tonnes per year - about 10 % of expected industrial emissions. The government may also back off on its commitment to improve the fuel efficiency of new vehicles by 25 percent by 2010.
That is why we, as Canadians, have to ask our elected officials to take The 240 Million Tonne Challenge.
Visit the Greenpeace Canada website to send a free fax to your Member of Parliament, asking them to support the 240 Million Tonne Challenge>>
Learn more about the Kyoto Protocol>>
Take the One Tonne Challenge (Government of Canada website)>>