Business leaders and industry associations are mustering new strength in the fight to turn public opinion against the Kyoto Accord, but the environmental group Greenpeace is hitting back by challenging Premier Ralph Klein to a public debate.
Greenpeace claims that Klein has lied to Canadians about the real costs of Kyoto, calling them “Chicken Little” predictions.
“Klein needs to come clean on whose interests he’s really protecting,” said Peter Tabuns, executive director of Greenpeace Canada, who challenged Klein to debate the issue last week.
“Some of the biggest voices in the energy sector agree that governments can and should be fighting climate change.
“I wonder if Klein shared that information with Vicente Fox?” added Tabuns, referring to the premier’s recent meeting with the Mexican president. Mexico ratified Kyoto more than two years ago.
But some heavy hitters of Canadian industry are siding with Alberta in its efforts to draft a “made-in-Canada” approach to the controversial climate change accord.
A new group formed last week called the Canadian Coalition for Responsible Environmental Solutions (CCRES) said it will push for a more “responsible” approach in addressing the issue.
“Canadians care deeply about safeguarding the environment, both in Canada and around the world,” said Nancy Hughes Anthony, president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
“To win the clear support of citizens across the country, a Canadian strategy on climate change must aspire to the highest levels of environmental excellence and, at the same time, enhance Canada’s ability to create jobs, improve living standards and contribute to environmental solutions worldwide,” she added.
The group said it has created a framework for an improved plan to curb global warming and improve air quality.
Pierre Alvarez, president of the Calgary-based Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, added the plan will take into account energy consumption, not simply energy production.
Key points include:
* Recognition for past, present and future climate change actions to ensure that those who acted early are rewarded rather than penalized.
* Negotiated agreements with specific economic sectors on emissions performance targets.
* Enhanced education and consumer awareness campaigns aimed at energy conservation.
* Incentives for generators of renewable energy, those who invest in these clean energy sources and consumers who upgrade to cleaner sources from older technology.
* Consideration of Canada’s trade relationship with the United States and membership in the North American Free Trade Agreement in order to ensure competitiveness.
“The (points) underscore that we are ready and willing to sit down with the federal, provincial and territorial
governments and with concerned groups to work out immediate steps to address this issue,” said Perrin Beatty, CEO of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.
Prime Minister Jean Chretien has said that he will put the question of ratification of the Kyoto Protocol to a vote in the House of Commons before year-end.
The Alberta government has set up a committee – chaired by former premier Peter Lougheed – to provide advice to the government on the issue.
Other members of the external advisory committee include Mike Percy, dean of the School of Business at the University of Alberta, and Mark McCullough, executive director of the Alberta Building Trades Council.
The committee will advise government of the possible implications of Kyoto and how best to respond.
The group planned to meet earlier this week, and will
continue to meet on a regular basis.
