maestra222 on "Canada to world - "after you""

maestra222 — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 02:11:02 +0000

The government of Canada released on March 10 the long-awaited details on a proposed regulatory framework to achieve emission reduction of 18% by 2010.

The development is a welcome step forward that pushes us closer to the establishment of a more robust cap a trade system. In their announcement the government of Canada explicitly recognized:

The need to establish a clear market price for carbon

- The need to set up a carbon emissions trading market, including a carbon offset system, to provide incentive for Canadians to reduce their greenhouse gases.

- The government also renewed its commitment to do more in the energy sector promising to setup a taskforce to like at hydro, nuclear and renewable energy sources.

In a clear disappointment to some observers, the government shied away from committing to hard emission caps favoring instead an emission intensity approach which ties emission to quantity of units of production. Also requirement for carbon capture and storage from the oil sands will only apply to operation starting in 2012 on-wards.

Source : http://www.zeroghg.com

Canada to world - "after you", David Steven

David Steven — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 06:33:49 +0000

Canada remains under fire here in Bali, where it has laid out eight ‘principles' for a post-2012 climate deal. Most controversial is number 2, which recommends mandatory greenhouse gas targets for developed countries and ‘major industrialized developing countries.'

This is guaranteed to infuriate China (and India too). Which is probably the point. "By being unrealistic in their demands," argues activist Steven Guilbeault, "Canada is trying to create a perfect train wreck here at the summit."

Why is their action considered provocative? China accounts for almost a fifth of global emissions. Aren't targets for the Chinese therefore essential if greenhouse gases are to be cut in half by 2050 (the level of ambition of many governments, here)?

Yes, say the Canadians, Japanese, and Americans. Yes, but not quite yet, say the Europeans (though UK development minister, Gareth Thomas carved out a slightly different line in London last week).

Yes, but only when the developed world has shown that it's willing to do its bit, say the Chinese (with the support of almost all developing countries - though some low-lying island states may see things a little differently).

And that's the rub as far as Guilbeault is concerned. As we reported on Global Deal, Canada has made terrible progress against its existing Kyoto targets. They simply have no standing when asking other, poorer countries to do their bit.

"If it was Germany, it would be a different matter," he says. "Their record would give them some credibility if they were making a similar demand."

open Democracy News Analysis - Canada to world - "after you", David Steven - Comments

maestra222 on "Canada to world - "after you""

Canada to world - "after you", David Steven