Issue - The Kyoto Protocol and Canada

Supporters of Canada's participation in the Kyoto Protocol say:

• Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by Canada in 2002 set legally binding targets for Canada for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

• Deeper emission targets will be needed after 2012 if the objective of stabilizing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations at a safe level is to be met.

• Canada can reduce greenhouse gases more cheaply if it works within the context of an international system.

• The Kyoto Protocol benefits by having Canada as a presence in North America.

• The benefits of the Kyoto Protocol outweigh the costs.

• The costs of not acting include the costs of droughts, floods and poor health.

• Canada would lose international credibility and create foreign policy problems for itself if it withdrew from the Kyoto Protocol.

Opponents to Canada's participation in the Kyoto Protocol say:

• Without the United States in the Kyoto Protocol, the problem of emissions can't be addressed seriously.

• What is needed is a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions without a heavy cost in economic development and jobs.

• Kyoto Protocol targets must be more realistic and achievable.

• Greenhouse gas emission targets should recognize a nation's special circumstances, for example whether it has a resource-based economy like Canada, its temperature, and distance between urban centres.

• Greenhouse gas emission targets should be mandatory for developing countries as well as for industrialized countries or all targets should be voluntary.

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