 
Archived Climate Change Action Alert
Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol
26 November 2003
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In September, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien announced that
Parliament would vote on ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by the
end of 2002. Through ratification, Canada will commit itself to
moving towards concrete targets and timetables for reducing greenhouse
gas emissions. By actively working towards such targets, Canada
can begin to implement technological and economic reforms which
will not only significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions,
but will contribute to a more sustainable, and healthy, environment.
There are a few powerful opponents of the Kyoto Protocol within
Canada who are arguing that ratification of the Kyoto Protocol will
cause economic ruin. While most of these voices are from industry,
several are from provincial governments.
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What these arguments fail to mention is that:
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- Not taking significant action to address climate change will
exact huge costs to Canada from increased forest fires, droughts
affecting agriculture, disaster relief;
- Ratification would lead to major economic and job growth benefits
in energy efficiency, conservation, renewable energy sources and
technological advances;
- Significant health and economic benefits would flow from lower
incidences of respiratory and related illnesses as a result of
reductions in pollutants associated with greenhouse gas emissions.
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The voices opposing Kyoto are calling for a 'Made
in Canada' solution
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The implication is that the international community is forcing
Canada to adopt a particular program for reducing greenhouse gas
emissions. This is misleading. The Kyoto Protocol actually requires
Canada to create a "Made in Canada" solution. All that
the Kyoto Protocol does is establish an internationally agreed upon
framework for national governments to meet targets within a specified
timetable. Far from preventing Canada from developing its own action
plan for reducing greenhouse gases, the Kyoto Protocol compels us
to do so.
The federal government is likely to vote on this important issue
very soon. In light of the pressure being exerted on the Prime Minister,
it is important to show your support for the Kyoto Protocol. Please
contact your Member of Parliament and express your support for the
Prime Minister's position. Most importantly, urge them to vote in
favour of the resolution for ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.
Indicate to them that your expectation is that once Canada has ratified,
it will take all steps within its means to comply with its international
obligation.
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Contact your provincial representative
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Given the important role that provincial governments will play
in implementation, and the opposition expressed by some, it is very
important to express your concerns at this level as well. Meet or
phone your provincial representative and express your concern about
the importance of moving ahead on this issue.
The Kyoto target represents only a modest beginning. Scientists
now call for a 60% reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by the
year 2050. Compared with this objective, the Kyoto target clearly
seems insufficient. Yet, it is a first, crucial step towards an
internationally coordinated response to climate change. We need
to begin to act now!
Background information on climate change is available in the climate
change e-kit and in Responding
to Kyoto Opponents.
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