You know what I find funny?

 

 

We always talk about how we are better than the Canadians. However we are the black eye in terms of the world, especially in terms of the environment.

 

 

While other developed nations are working toward making a real difference and cutting down on their emissions to create a better environment, we are sitting on our hands, still b***hing about whether or not a problem truly exists. With this administration and their utter raping of the environment, the problem is not likely to improve in the short term.

 

 

We just have to hope that it will not be too late when he leaves office.

 

 

However, post your thoughts here about this article or about various ways to clean up the environement. Or go ahead and post why the environment is fine and there is no real problems going on.

 

 

 

http://www.enn.com/news/2003-08-13/s_7452.asp

 

 

Canada earmarks C$1 billion in climate change funds

 

 

 

Wednesday, August 13, 2003

By Gilbert Le Gras, Reuters

 

 

 

OTTAWA ? Canada earmarked C$1 billion (US$725 million) in incentives for homeowners, businesses, and governments Tuesday as part of its Kyoto Protocol commitment to curb emissions of greenhouse gases.

The announcement accounts for half the C$2 billion Ottawa pledged in February's budget for a five-year spending initiative to reduce emissions blamed for global warming, after Parliament ratified the international agreement in December.

 

Ottawa has committed Canada to cutting emissions of greenhouse gases to 6 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. In 2001, they were 18.5 percent above 1990 levels.

 

Among the spending initiatives are:

 

+ C$131.4 million to entice homeowners to make energy efficient upgrades by offering an average C$1,000 rebate per home as well as programs to promote environmentally friendly modes of transport.

 

+ C$302.9 million to encourage businesses to cut emissions using technologies in the building and transportation sectors as well as work with the financial sector to invest in tree plantations. This includes C$100 million to help build ethanol factories over the next three years, with the aim of having 35 percent of the gasoline supply contain 10 percent ethanol by 2010.

 

+ C$250 million for a program that aims to develop new technologies to help to reduce emissions over the longer term.

 

+ C$320.7 million for partnerships with provinces, territories, and native communities on cutting emissions.

 

"Action on climate change means cleaner air, a healthier environment, and a more innovative and efficient economy for Canada," Environment Minister David Anderson said at the announcement at the University of Ottawa's engineering school.

 

Industry Minister Allan Rock said, "The plan announced today will ensure that Canada will continue to be a leader in the development of new technologies, new knowledge, and this is an opportunity for us to show to the world we can benefit economically from environmental policy."

 

Critics of Ottawa's Kyoto program say the reduced-emissions targets could reduce economic growth and job creation, especially in the energy sector, while doubts continue that the treaty will ever become binding.

 

Before it comes into force, the protocol must be passed by countries producing 55 per cent of global emissions. Russia accounts for 17 per cent of emissions and is the only country yet to ratify Kyoto that could turn the deal into a binding treaty.

 

The United States accounts for about one-third of all emissions, but President George W. Bush withdrew from the pact in 2001.

Johnny, its sad really.

 

 

 

Where we should be world leaders in something like this....we are still screwing things up.

 

 

Thy Kyoto Protcol was not perfect by any means.....what should have been done was going in and making it better and with more bite to it...instead Bush backed out completely, in essense because of how it would harm Big Oil in the long run.