This week the Canadian Environment Minister announced the country’s withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol. There has been a great deal of criticism on this decision; with many analysts pointing out it was quite expected. For sure, Canada became the first nation, out of 191, to ditch the accord. But, let’s take things from scratch…
Kyoto Protocol was initially adopted on the 11th December, 1997 in Kyoto, Japan, and entered into force on the 16th February, 2005. According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC):
“Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement linked to the UNFCCC. The major feature of the Kyoto Protocol is that it sets binding targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European community for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These amount to an average of five per cent against 1990 levels over the five-year period 2008-2012.”
The only remaining country not to have complied with Kyoto is USA, which is placed second amongst the top 10 emitters of GHGs. China, which is actually the world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gases from human activity, has long insisted the Kyoto Protocol remain a foundation of global efforts to curb these emissions causing global warming. It seems though, that the other big emitters don’t think likewise…
Canada is a major oil exporter; including oil from controversial and dirty oil sands. In addition to that, Canada did signed Kyoto in the late 1990s, but neither the current Conservative government nor their Liberal predecessors met the reduction targets. Actually, the Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper has been opposed to the Kyoto Protocol since he took office in 2006. Therefore, it was a rather expected and financial decision, as the Canadian government claimed.
They say it would cost the country nearly $14 billion just to remain a part of the protocol, but that’s only if they wanted to buy enough carbon credits to make its targets. The impressive thing is there would be no real financial penalty if Canada stayed in Kyoto and took the noncompliance hit.
On the other hand, Canadians disagree with the decision. The Globe and Mail made it clear and simple in just a few words title; “Kyoto withdrawal shame us all”. It truly shames the rest of the world too…
elen
Related Stories:
Canada announces exit from the Kyoto climate treaty The New York Times
Canada to withdraw from Kyoto Protocol BBC news
What does Canada’s withdrawal from Kyoto protocol mean? The Guardian