I just returned to the office after, along with a number of other observers, having to leave the House of Commons Committee on the Environment meeting which went ‘in camera.’
Along with considering other committee matters, this means that the decision on whether to support the NDP’s motion to fast-track the Climate Change Accountability Act (Bill C311) returning the bill to the House of Commons for vote before October 22, will be made without members of the public present.
The negotiations in Copenhagen which seek to finalize a new climate change agreement are only 61 days away.
A vote in favour of the Climate Change Accountability Act before these negotiations is an important. Bill C311 would commit our country to emission reduction targets of 25% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.
As it stands, the federal government plans for a 20% reduction of emissions below 2006 levels by 2020 which amounts to a 3% reduction below 1990 levels.
This position is at odds with what science says is necessary to address the climate crisis.
The UN Climate Panel said in a 2007 report that by 2020 cuts of between 25-40% would be required by and within industrialized countries to avoid the worst effects of climate change. More recently, science indicates even deeper reductions are needed.
Further, Global North countries must agree to stronger commitments to reduce emissions and support international climate mitigation and adaption measures. Global North countries are responsible for generating most of the emissions to date, emit more per capita than Global South countries and have more resources to address the climate crisis.
While deeper emissions reductions are ultimately needed, passage of the Climate Change Accountability Act is an important first step in addressing Canada’s poor record on climate action.
Take action:
Join the October 24 International Day of Climate Action. Find out more at 350.org and how the Council of Canadians is participating, here
Watch the KYOTOplus video here
Sign the KYOTOplus petition and encourage others to sign here
Send an email to Environment Committee members to support the swift passage of the Climate Change Accountability act here
