Canada Fossilized Again

OTTAWA -- On October 2, 2009, the fifth day of the Bangkok Climate Negotiations, Canada received its third Fossil of the Day Award from the Climate Action Network. The Climate Action Network (CAN), a coalition of 450 NGOs, gives out the awards to countries blocking progress in reaching international agreement on how to deal with climate change.  This Fossil Award comes to Canada after our negotiators continue to block agreement on using 1990 as a base year for measuring green house gas emissions.

"Receiving these awards (at the last conference of the parties in Poznan, Poland, Canada received the "Colossal Fossil Award" as worst country during the whole of the negotiations) is a black mark on Canada's international reputation," said Green Leader Elizabeth May.  "But even worse, it means that our government's position is blocking real progress on this extremely urgent issue."

The Harper government has set a 2020 target of 20% greenhouse gas reductions from 2006 levels – a target that has received substantial criticism for not meeting the suggested levels set by scientists of the International Panel on Climate Change. “Prime Minister Harper has been manipulating the base year ever since he came to power.  It has permitted him to convince some Canadians that he is doing something while he's allowed emissions to rise faster than ever.  But that sort of maneuver can't fool international climate negotiators, and Canada has been called out on it before,” said Green Climate Change Critic Adriana Mugnatto-Hamu.

The Canadian government has so far resisted using 1990 as the base year because Canada's emissions have risen substantially since that time, which means it would be more difficult to reach emissions targets.  Mr. Harper blames inaction by previous Canadian governments for failing to reduce emissions.  Canadian emissions were falling slightly between 2004 and 2006, but rose sharply in 2007, the latest year recorded.  Canada's emissions now stand at a record high.  According to the David Suzuki Foundation, Canada now emits more than all 760 million inhabitants of Africa.

"Rumours of a Canadian cap-and-trade system are still just that and while we are waiting for real leadership and action, we instead see our negotiators causing problems at international climate meetings," said. Mugnatto-Hamu.  "Our government's plan is currently too weak to even meet its own very unambitious targets.

Canada also received a Fossil Award during the opening day of the Bangkok session, when Prime Minister Harper missed an opportunity to address the UN, choosing instead to visit a Tim Horton's in Oakville.  The Bangkok Climate Negotiations will continue to October 9.

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Debra Eindiguer
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debra@greenparty.ca
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